New data on the zoogeography of Aphanius sophiae (Teleostei: Cyprinodontidae) in the Central Zagros (Southwest Iran)

The clade of the Iranian freshwater Aphanius species from endorheic and exorheic drainage basins contains three subclades, of which the Aphanius sophiae subclade with seven species is the most specious one. Recently, two previously not known populations of Aphanius were discovered in two isolated basins; one in the Arjan Wetland (Helleh subbasin), and the other in the Semirom spring (Karun Basin), both are located in the Central Zagros Mountains (SW Iran). The objective of this study is to investigate their taxonomic status, to elucidate their phylogenetic relationships and to contribute to future conservation strategies and habitat management of the freshwater species of Aphanius in Iran. Methods include analysis of genetic data based on mtDNA (cyt b), combined with meristics, morphometrics, scale sizes (J-indices) and otolith data. The results based on cyt b clearly indicate that two species are present in the Arjan Wetland, one is closely related to A. sophiae (currently thought to be restricted to the Kor Basin), the other represents Aphanius shirini (previously only known from its type locality Paselari spring). However, significant phenotypic differences are not present between these two species. The second population from the Semirom spring is sister to A. sophiae (Kor Basin) according to cyt b data, but differs significantly from this species with regard to the phenotype. The presence of A. shirini in the Arjan Wetland is most likely be explained by man-made introduction because of the recent droughts. The similarity of the two species present in the Arjan Wetland may be due to phenotypic plasticity, but also hybridization could have played a role. The isolation of populations of A. sophiae is discussed in the context of the active geological history and climate change, and it is likely that their divergence happened in the Early or Middle Holocene (c. 11,700–4000 y. ago). The presence of A. sophiae in the Helleh subbasin and Karun Basin extends the currently known zoogeographic range of this species, which previously has only been reported from the Kor Basin. Such knowledge is important for future conservation strategies and habitat management.     

Sulcus and outline morphometrics of sagittal otolith variability in freshwater fragmented populations of dwarf gourami,Trichogaster lalia (Hamilton, 1822)

Studies on the anatomy of sulcus and outline morphometrics of the three population groups of Trichogaster lalia were carried out to examine the effects of anthropogenic stressors (dams and barrages) on the function-related morphological variability of the fish. Altogether 150 samples of the fish were procured from three geographically isolated rivers namely Ganga, Gomti and Yamuna. The features based on images and morphological indices of sulcus, otolith and body shape of the fish were analysed and compared using uni and multivariate statistical procedures. Rostrum, anti-rostrum and margins of sagittal otolith and cauda of sulcus predominantly varied among three population groups of the fish. Variations in geometric morphometrics of sulcus, otolith-outline, combination of both and body shape indicated the existence of three distinct groups of the fish where individuals of river Gomti and Ganga were found to be closer to each other compared to that of river Yamuna. Mantel test showed an overall good correlation between the morphometric data-sets based on otolith and body shape in delineating three groups of the fish. Understanding of the environmental factors influencing the variations in function-related morphology of the different groups of T. lalia is essential to identify the boundaries of the different groups of the fish and to implement the appropriate strategies for their conservation.     

Molecular and morphometric characterisation of the invasive signal crayfish populations in Croatia

The signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852) is a native species to North America. It was introduced to Europe and Japan where it rapidly spread as an invasive species. In Croatia, it is recorded in the rivers Mura and Drava, where it spread downstream from Slovenia, and in the Korana River, where it has been recently illegally introduced. In the invaded areas, signal crayfish outcompetes native crayfish species. Since the knowledge on the genetic diversity of this invasive species is limited, microsatellite markers and sequences of mitochondrial gene for 16S rRNA were analysed to explore the genetic relations between the two Croatian populations (Mura and Korana rivers) as well as their relation to other already studied European populations. Moreover, 16S rRNA sequence fragments of Croatian samples were compared with those from the native range in the west North America. Morphometric characteristics were also studied to determine if there are significant differences between studied populations and if these are concordant with the genetic analyses results. Also, morphometric data were used to assign Croatian signal crayfish into subspecies classification according to Miller’s discriminant function formula, and to compare claw surface area among Croatian, Japanese and North American populations. Based on the results of morphometric characteristics Croatian samples showed Pacifastacus leniusculus leniusculus-like morphology. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on 16S rRNA, positioned Croatian samples into P. leniusculus sensu Larson et al. (2012). Results on microsatellite markers showed that the genetic diversity of P. leniusculus in the Mura River population is slightly higher compared to the Korana River population, but these two populations do not form separated genetic clusters. This study contributes to the knowledge on genetic variability and morphometric characteristics of signal crayfish in Europe and further understanding of its success as an invasive species.     

Egg to adult identification of 13 freshwater fishes from Italy: a biochemical-genetic key

The family Cyprinidae comprises most of the freshwater fauna of the North Mediterranean region and it is often numerically dominant. Taxonomy based on morphology is problematic, owing to the high intraspecific variation in phenotypic traits, their overlap between species and environmental plasticity of morphometric and meristic characters. A difficult diagnosis, particularly for young developmental stages, can increase resource mismanagement. Here we report on the occurrence of species-specific allozymic patterns, consistent from eggs to adults. These allowed the construction of a biochemical-genetic key for the identification of all stages of 13 freshwater fishes, mainly cyprinids native to the North Mediterranean region (Alburnus alburnus alborella, Barbus plebejus, Chondrostoma genei, Gobio gobio, Leuciscus cephalus, L. lucumonis, L. souffia, Rutilus rubilio, R. erythrophthalmus, Scardinius erythrophthalmus, Tinca tinca, Pseudorasbora parva and Padogobius martensii).     

Differences in organotin accumulation in relation to life history in the white-spotted charr Salvelinus leucomaenis

To examine the accumulation pattern of organotins (OTs) in relation to the migration of diadromous fish, tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPT) and their derivatives were determined in the muscle tissue of both sea-run (anadromous) and freshwater-resident (nonanadromous) types of the white-spotted charr Salvelinus leucomaenis. Ontogenic changes in otolith strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca) concentrations were examined along life history transect to discriminate migration type. Mean Sr:Ca ratio from the core to the edge of the otolith in sea-run individuals was significantly higher than those in freshwater-resident one. There were no significant correlations in S. leucomaenis between OT accumulation and various biological characteristics. It is noteworthy that TBT and TPT concentrations in sea-run type were significantly higher than those in freshwater-resident individuals, although they are both of the same species. These results suggest that sea-run S. leucomaenis have a higher ecological risk of OT exposure than freshwater-residents during their life histories.     

Fossil nothofagaceous leaves from the Eocene of western Antarctica and their bearing on the origin, dispersal and systematics of Nothofagus

Fossil leaves resembling Nothofagaceae have been investigated from the Eocene of western Antarctica and a new form genus Nothofagofolia is proposed for these kinds of fossils. Some new specimens belonging to this form genus are described. They were collected from the Fossil Hill locality of Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, South Shetland Islands, western Antarctica. Two new species, two new combinations and an unnamed species are reported. A number of published Nothofagus leaf fossils from the same locality are discussed and revised. As a result of these studies of Nothofagus leaf morphology, we conclude that (1) Nothofagus probably originated in high latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere during the middle-late Late Cretaceous and diversified, dispersed gradually to the lower latitudes of the same hemisphere; (2) leaf morphological characters are significant for the systematics of the family Nothofagaceae, especially at the intrageneric level; and (3) extant species of Nothofagus known from southern temperate areas have more primitive leaf morphological characters and lower leaf ranks than those from tropical mountains as well as those of the Fagaceae and Betulaceae. Supported by the Foundation of State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology & Stratigraphy, Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaoentology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. 013106), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 30670159) and the Fund of Innovation Program by Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences     

Ecology of twelve species of Thyasiridae (Mollusca: Bivalvia)

Benthic samples from coastal locations off Southwestern Norway were examined and the specimens of Thyasiridae were identified to species. A multivariate analysis based on 13 parameters was carried out and the environmental preferences of all thyasirid species present were determined. The potential of the Thyasiridae as indicators of organic enrichment was investigated by using direct canonical correspondence analyses to identify correlations between selected environmental parameters and the collected biological data. The presence of Thyasira sarsi together with a low biodiversity is a good indicator of organic enrichment. High thyasirid species diversity seems to indicate good environmental conditions, and single thyasirid species that lack symbiotic bacteria might also be useful as indicators of good environmental conditions.     

Middle Jurassic palynomorphs of the Dalichai Formation, central Alborz Ranges, northeastern Iran: Paleoecological inferences

Palynological data are used to draw paleoecological inferences for the Dalichai Formation,northeast of Semnan,northeastern Iran.All samples examined yield well-preserved,diverse palynofloras consisting predominantly of miospores;dinoflagellate cysts,foraminiferal test linings,and fungal spores occur as minor constituents.Fifty-four species of spores(37 genera),18species of pollen(9 genera),and 16 species of dinoflagellate cysts(13 genera)are recognized.Co-occurrence of such miospore species with known vertical ranges as Klukisporites variegatus,Sellaspora asperata,Murospora florida,and Concavissimisporites verrucosus suggests a Middle Jurassic(Bajocian-Callovian)age for the host strata,thus corroborating the available paleozoological evidence.Such spore species as Klukisporites,Cyathidites,and Dictyophyllidites known to have been produced by Pterophyta dominate the palynofloras.Thus the contemporaneous coastal vegetation was characterized by predominance of Pterophyta whereas representatives of Ginkgophyta,Pteridospermophyta,Lycophyta,Coniferophyta,and Bryophyta were rarely represented.This reconstruction implies that a moist,warm climate prevailed in northeastern Iran during the Middle Jurassic(Bajocian-Callovian).This is confirmed by occurrence of fungal spores accompanied by such warm water dinoflagellate cysts as Mendicodinium groenlandicum,Pareodinia ceratophora,and Gonyaulacysta jurassica.Abundance of Amorphous Organic Matter(AOM)signifies a shallow,low-energy,dysoxic-anoxic depositional site for the host strata.Furthermore,the ratio of AOM to marine palynomorphs as well as abundance of blade-shaped to eqiudimensional opaque palynomacerals could indicate low sedimentation rate in a shallow,low-oxygenated marine environment.Additionally,occurrence of chorate dinoflagellate cysts(e.g.,Adnatosphaeridium caulleryi)and acritarchs bearing relatively long processes(e.g.,Micrhystridium)possibly suggests deepening upward in the study section.     

Long-time emergence patterns of Limnophora species (Diptera,Muscidae) in specific karst habitats: tufa barriers

The hunter-fly genus Limnophora (Muscidae: Coenosiinae) is an important component of running water assemblages. Both adults and larvae are predators, the adults mostly feeding on blackflies (Simuliidae) and other small aquatic insects. This study was conducted at two tufa barriers in Plitvice Lakes National Park (NP) (tufa barrier Labudovac and tufa barrier Kozjak-Milanovac) and at two tufa barriers in Krka National Park (NP) (tufa barrier Roški slap and tufa barrier Skradinski buk). Adults were collected monthly from February 2007 until December 2013 at Plitvice Lakes NP and from September 2013 to October 2014 at Krka NP, using pyramid-type emergence traps. Over the 7-year study period at the Plitvice Lakes tufa barriers, a total of 193 specimens belonging to 6 species were collected, while during the 1-year study period at the Krka tufa barriers a total of 848 specimens belonging to 4 species were collected. Abundance of Limnophora specimens at the Krka NP sites was up to 30 times higher than at the Plitvice Lakes NP sites, which could be attributed to higher levels of potential food and higher water temperatures. The dominant species at the Plitvice Lakes sites were Limnophora pulchriceps and Limnophora riparia. At the Krka tufa barriers, the dominant species at site Roški slap was Limnophora croatica and at site Skradinski buk Limnophora riparia. The highest numbers of emerging specimens at all sites were present in the summer months. At the Plitvice Lakes sites most species were univoltine or bivoltine, while at the Krka sites most species were multivoltine. Water temperature was the main factor influencing the timing of emergence and the duration of the flight period. The highest abundance of Limnophora species was recorded over moss substrate. A significant positive correlation emerged between the numbers of emerging prey and the numbers of emerging specimens of Limnophora. These results give a new insight into the microhabitat preferences and prey-predator relationships of Limnophora.     

Expansion of an invasive coral species over Abrolhos Bank,Southwestern Atlantic

Invasive coral species of the genus Tubastraea have been increasingly recorded in Southwestern Atlantic waters since the 1980s. Their invasion and infestation are mainly related to port and oil exploration activities. For the first time the presence of Tubastraea tagusensis colonies is reported in Espírito Santo State, colonizing a port shore area, and incrusting oil/gas platform structures situated in the southern Abrolhos Bank, which is part of the most important coral reef system of the South Atlantic Ocean. Tubastraea colonies exhibit fast growth and high recruitment rates, and colonized 40% of the analyzed structures in just four years. The projection of port and oil/gas industry growth for the Espírito Santo State (more than 300%) highlights an alert to the dispersal of this alien species to natural areas.     

The effective elastic thickness of the lithosphere in the collision zone between Arabia and Eurasia in Iran

The effective elastic thickness, T_e, has been calculated in the collision zone between Arabia and Eurasia in Iran from the wavelet coherence. The wavelet coherence is calculated from Bouguer anomalies and topography data using the isotropic fan wavelet method, and gives T_e values between 14.2 and 62.2 km. The lower value is found in the Central Iranian Blocks and the East Iranian Belt which are bounded by several large strike-slip faults with lithospheric origin. The higher value occurs in the east of the South Caspian Sea Basin. The resulting T_e map shows positive and negative correlation with shear wave velocity and surface heat flow, respectively. A comparison between the seismogenic thickness (T_s) and T_e in Iran suggests that T_e > T_s. Results of the load ratio in Iran indicate that in most of the study area surface loads are much more prevalent than subsurface loads, except in the Central Iranian Blocks and NW of Iran. Intermediate to low T_e values in Iran were inherited from multiple rifting and orogenic activities from Late Precambrian (∼650 Ma) to present day which are not only reflected in thin and warm lithosphere but also an increasing seismicity rate.     

Iranian earthquakes, a uniform catalog with moment magnitudes

A uniform earthquake catalog is an essential tool in any seismic hazard analysis. In this study, an earthquake catalog of Iran and adjacent areas was compiled, using international and national databanks. The following priorities were applied in selecting magnitude and earthquake location: (a) local catalogs were given higher priority for establishing the location of an earthquake and (b) global catalogs were preferred for determining earthquake magnitudes. Earthquakes that have occurred within the bounds between 23–42° N and 42–65° E, with a magnitude range of M _W 3.5–7.9, from the third millennium BC until April 2010 were included. In an effort to avoid the “boundary effect,” since the newly compiled catalog will be mainly used for seismic hazard assessment, the study area includes the areas adjacent to Iran. The standardization of the catalog in terms of magnitude was achieved by the conversion of all types of magnitude into moment magnitude, M _W, by using the orthogonal regression technique. In the newly compiled catalog, all aftershocks were detected, based on the procedure described by Gardner and Knopoff (Bull Seismol Soc Am 64:1363–1367, 1974). The seismicity parameters were calculated for the six main tectonic seismic zones of Iran, i.e., the Zagros Mountain Range, the Alborz Mountain Range, Central Iran, Kope Dagh, Azerbaijan, and Makran.     

黑龙江扎龙湿地不同功能区浮游植物群落与环境因子的关系

为研究黑龙江扎龙湿地不同功能区浮游植物群落结构分布及其与环境因子的关系,于2010年7—8月在扎龙湿地4个功能区340个研究点进行水环境样品采集分析.样品共鉴定出浮游植物6门80属354种,各门类细胞密度变化范围为0.06×10~6~37.82×10~6cells/L.主要优势种为普通小球藻(Chlorella vulgaris)、梅尼小环藻(Cyclotella meneghiniana)、旋转囊裸藻(Trachelomonas volvocina)等.各功能区浮游植物优势种差异较大,核心区中放射舟形藻(Navicula radiosa)、弯棒杆藻(Rhopalodia gibba)、扁圆卵形藻(Cocconeis placentula)等为优势种类,而排污区中梅尼小环藻、普通小球藻、巨颤藻(Oscillatoria princes)、固氮鱼腥藻(Anabaena azotica)等处于优势地位.主成分分析表明在扎龙湿地水环境中浊度和总磷浓度是影响浮游植物生长的主要因素,典范对应分析结果表明总氮浓度、总磷浓度、电导率、浊度对浮游植物属种分布影响较大,梅尼小环藻、箱形桥弯藻(Cymbella cistula)、美丽星杆藻(Asterionella formosa)、普通小球藻、旋转囊裸藻等受环境因子的影响较为明显.     

黑龙江呼兰河湿地藻类植物群落结构及分布特点

2009年5-10月期间对呼兰河湿地8个样点进行了5次藻类植物采样调查,经显微镜观察,共鉴定藻类植物158个分类单位,包括148种10变种,隶属于7门8纲14目23科50属.呼兰河湿地藻类群落组成以硅藻、绿藻为主,藻类植物的细胞密度变化范围在469.55×105-847.35×105 cells/L之间,不同采样点藻类...     

New species of Tsaidamotherium (Bovidae,Artiodactyla) from China sheds new light on the skull morphology and systematics of the genus

A new species of Tsaidamotherium(Bovidae,Artiodactyla),T.brevirostrum,described here represents only the second discovery of the genus.Tsaidamotherium is a mid-sized late Miocene bovid with an odd-looking plate-like horn-core apparatus so far known only from northwestern China.The holotype of T.brevirostrum is a cranial part of skull from the Liushu Formation(late Miocene)of the Linxia Basin.The new species differs from the type species,T.bohlini,mainly in horn-core morphology,having the frontal horn-cores proper much smaller and less distinctly separated from the plate-shaped posterior portion.Furthermore,the new species has smaller frontal sinuses,but a thicker layer of compact bone beneath the horn-core apparatus as seen in frontal section.A complete skull with a smaller horn-core apparatus is considered to represent a female individual of T.brevirostrum.The facial part of the skull,which is first known for this genus,is very short and high,with a high nasal cavity,strongly retracted nasals,and shortened premaxillae and premolar rows.All this probably suggests that the animal with an enlarged nasal cavity,like the modern Saiga and Budorcas,may have had a special adaptation to the high plateau environment.     

2012年夏季三江平原湿地抚远地区浮游植物群落结构及多样性

2012年6月(夏季)对三江平原湿地抚远地区水域的浮游植物进行调查,设置了10个采样点,经鉴定共有浮游植物262个分类单元,包括239种19变种4变型,隶属于7门9纲22目32科73属.通过对浮游植物群落结构的初步分析,得出三江平原湿地抚远地区水域浮游植物群落结构组成以绿藻门、硅藻门、裸藻门为主,种类数为绿藻门(42.6％)＞硅藻门(22.8％)＞裸藻门(20.9％),细胞密度在3.88×104～278.07×104cells/L之间.聚类分析结果显示,可以将10个采样点分为两组,即农场区5个样点为一组,非农场区5个样点为另一组,两大区域的浮游植物群落结构差异明显,水体类型及生态环境的不同是其存在差异的主要原因.浮游植物多样性指数相对较为一致,Shannon-Wiener多样性指数均在2左右,Margalef丰富度指数均大于3,Pielou均匀度指数在0.3 ～0.5之间.综合群落结构以及多样性分析表明,三江平原湿地抚远地区水域浮游植物物种丰富度较高,多样性良好.     

An endemic freshwater mussel species from the Orontes River basin in Turkey and Syria represents duck mussel’s intraspecific lineage: Implications for conservation

Amik Lake or, historically, Lake of Antioch, was a large freshwater body in the lower Orontes River basin (Hatay Province, Turkey) that was drained in the 1940s–1970s. Several endemic animal species were described from this lake, including the freshwater mussel Anodonta pseudodopsis Locard, 1883 (Bivalvia: Unionidae) characterized by a large rounded shell covered by a peculiar yellow or yellowish-brown periostracum. Molecular analyses of topotypes of this nominal taxon collected from the former lake’s tributaries in the Amik Plain indicate that it is an intra-specific lineage of the widespread Anodonta anatina (Linnaeus, 1758) based on the mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA, and the nuclear 28S rRNA gene fragments. Geometric morphometric analyses using the lectotype and topotypes of Anodonta pseudodopsis support our DNA-based hypothesis on the status of this nominal taxon. A new synonymy is provided as follows: Anodonta anatina = Anodonta pseudodopsis syn. nov. The syntype of Anodonta pseudodopsis SMF 5129 “See von Antiochia” (Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum, Frankfurt, Germany) is designated here to be the lectotype of this nominal taxon. Finally, we conclude that Anodonta anatina range covers the Orontes River basin in Turkey and Syria and the Nahr al-Kabir al-Shamali River in the Latakia Governorate of Syria. This intraspecific lineage of Anodonta anatina and other freshwater mussels of the Middle East are highly threatened due to multiple anthropogenic impacts and must be a focus of international conservation efforts. The Karasu River in eastern Turkey hosts viable populations of all freshwater mussel species of the Orontes’s fauna and can be considered one of the most important water bodies for the conservation of these imperiled animals in the region.