Variation in Lewsia kelloggii (Portulacaceae) with description of a new species endemic to Idaho

Lewisia kelloggii has been understood as a rare plant with a disjunct range in California and Idaho. Examination of herbarium specimens and analysis of isozymes in 6 Idaho and 7 California populations revealed consistent differences between plants of the 2 states. Fixed differences in alleles at 2 loci (AAT2 and PGI1) distinguished Idaho from California plants. Genetic identities based on isozymes between Idaho and California populations averaged 0.58, lower than the average for congeneric plant species. Idaho plants were smaller than most California plants, but California plants were variable. The most consistent morphological difference between Idaho and California specimens was the difference in the number of glands on the margins of bracts and sepals. Idaho plants had 0 (-5) pink glands on each margin of these organs, all on teeth near the tips. In California plants these organs had 12-25 glands on each margin, the distal ones elevated on teeth and the proximal ones sessile. We recognize the Idaho plants as a new species, L. sacajaweana , and retain the name L. kelloggii for the California populations.     

Fluctuating asymmetry in populations of the South American frog Physalaemus cuvieri (Leptodactylidae) in areas with different degrees of disturbance

Methods to measure and monitor wild populations are important conservation tools in areas affected by anthropogenic disturbances. We compared three populations of the South American frog Physalaemus cuvieri Fitzinger, 1826 (Leptodactylidae) from areas with different degrees of anthropogenic disturbance in regard to their degrees of fluctuating asymmetry (FA). We selected four morphological characters (radio-ulna, femur, tibia-fibula and digit length) and compared two populations from relatively pristine areas with one population located in a highly urbanised and disturbed area. We found a significantly higher level of FA for the digit length, p < 0.05, in the population suffering the highest level of anthropogenic disturbance in relation to the two populations located in the pristine areas. There are no significant differences in the three populations in regard to FA for the radio-ulna, femur and tibia-fibula. The absence of FA in these three measurements might indicate a negative effect of limb asymmetry on this species survivorship. Our study provides a good example of the use of FA as indicator of environmental stress. However, this result must be viewed with some caution, since we observed FA in only one morphological character.     

Revisiting the saproxylic beetle ‘Propomacrus cypriacus Alexis & Makris, 2002’ (Coleoptera: Euchiridae) using molecular,morphological and ecological data

Propomacrus cypriacus a saproxylic beetle endemic to Cyprus, was described as a species distinct from P. bimucronatus on the basis of a few morphological characters and has been evaluated as Critically Endangered by IUCN, as it depends on veteran trees and has a restricted distribution. Herein we explored the distribution, ecology, morphology and genetic variation of the populations from Cyprus, and we attempted a phylogenetic analysis including related species based on two mitochondrial and one nuclear DNA markers. We also used published mtDNA divergence rates to date cladogenetic events. Despite extensive sampling, we found only a small number of individuals, adding a few additional localities to the known distribution of the species, and we identified two more host species to those previously reported. Morphological examination showed that only the form of male protibiae differs consistently in Cyprus populations compared to those of P. bimucronatus from Turkey and the Lebanon. Nevertheless, genetic analyses do not support a distinct species status for populations from Cyprus, which should instead be considered as a subspecies of P. bimucronatus. Morphological and ecological data further support this conclusion. Cyprus populations have diverged from nearby continental ones in mid to late Pleistocene.     

On the taxonomic status of Eriogonum robustum (Polygonaceae), a rare endemic in western Nevada

Evidence from the morphology, genetics, and biogeography of a rare endemic from western Nevada, Erigonum robustum , is presented to determine the most accurate taxonomic classification. Previous authors have classified E. robustrum Greene both as a species and as a variety E. lobbii Torrey & Gray. However, results of a morphometric comparison for 9 characters establish that significant morphological differentiation exists between E. robustum and E. lobbii . In addition, results of a genetic study using protein electrophoresis indicated that genetic differentiation may exist between these 2 taxa. Furthermore, the 2 taxa are geographically, ecologically, and reproductively isolated. Finally, the selective pressures that act on E. robustum in a narrowly restricted cold-desert environment are different from those that act on E. lobbii in subalpine environment. Thus, all available data support a species-level taxonomic classification for E. robustum .     

Field identification of Myotis yumanensis and Myotis lucifugus: a morphological evaluation

Myotis lucifigus and Myotis yumanensis are 2 species of bats subject to potentially high rates of misidentification because they are often difficult to differentiate in the hand under field conditions. We tested the utility of a suite of external morphological characteristics frequently cited in regional keys to differentiate the 2 species in the field. Forearm length, dorsal pelage sheen, ear color, and forehead slope were examined from 101 bats captured in central Oregon during 2002–2003. Post hoc genetic analysis was performed on tissue samples collected from the 101 bats to confirm identification. Forearm lengths overlapped considerably between species. Only 18% of M. yumanensis and 17% of M. lucifugus were correctly identified with probability ≥95% using forearm length alone. Pelage sheen, ear color, and forehead slope successfully identified 96%, 82%, and 77% of individual bats, respectively. When forearm length was considered together with other traits, identification rates ranged from 92% to 20%. Ability to correctly identify M. yumanensis was 2–6 times greater than for M. lucifugus. Pelage sheen was useful in our study; however, using this character required a subjective decision from the observer, and the result often contradicted other characters for species identification stated in regional keys. For these reasons, we recommend that morphological features be used judiciously and only as supportive criteria for field identification in combination with voucher echolocation calls and genetic confirmation.     

Physiological, Morphological, and Environmental Variation Among Geographically Isolated Cottonwood (Populus Deltoides) Populations in New Mexico

The ability of a plant population to respond and eventually adapt to environmental stress ultimately determines that population's survival. This becomes especially significant in environments where important plant resource levels have radically decreased. Southwestern riparian areas have numerous plant species that are experiencing radical changes in water availability due to construction of dams, and thus their ability to respond to such changes is critical. One such species likely to be greatly affected by these hydrological changes is Populus deltoides var. wislizenii (cottonwood) because it relies heavily on both groundwater and river surface volume as primary water sources. Both water sources have been extremely impacted by impoundments along southwestern rivers. To understand how New Mexico populations of cottonwood may respond to environmental changes, we quantified environmental differences and characterized physiological and morphological variation among 4 cottonwood populations. Significant differences among study sites in water availability were indicated by both soil and groundwater salinity. The northernmost site, at Abiquiu, had the highest salinity levels in both soil and groundwater, followed by Bernardo, while San Antonio and Corrales sites had the lowest soil salinity. As expected, variation in physiological and leaf morphological characters existed among and within the tree populations, most likely in response to environmental factors. Midday xylem pressure potentials indicated that Abiquiu individuals suffered the greatest water stress and they also had the highest transpiration levels. Because of high specific leaf weights and high photosynthetic levels, cottonwoods at Corrales may better mitigate lower water availability. Such physiological and morphological trait variability among populations is ecologically important and may be of use in present reclamation and conservation efforts in these areas.     

Morphology and taxonomy of Klamath Basin suckers (Catostomidae)

We examined morphology of 4 sucker species (Catostomidae) from Klamath and Rogue River basins, Oregon and California. Different pairs of these species have been suspected of hybridizing, and field biologists have experienced difficulty identifying individuals in some areas. The suite of morphological characters used for initial identification was poorly supported by other morphometric characters but well supported by meristic characters, especially when analyses were restricted geographically. In some species sexual dimorphism was evident, with males having longer pectoral fins and females having longer pre-anal counts and measurements. Each species showed geographic differentiation, either between the Lost River subbasin and other Klamath subbasins or between Klamath and Rogue basins. Classification was most difficult for Catostomus snyderi , which was frequently misclassified as all other species, but especially as Chasmistes brevirostris . Despite this, the 2 species are ecologically segregated in the upper subbasins with lake-spawning Ch. brevirostris spatially segregated and river-spawning Ch. brevirostris temporally segregated from river-spawning C. snyderi . We discuss the possibility that a large-headed, thin-lipped species has become extinct in Upper Klamath Lake and alternatively suggest that the form could represent an ecophenotype of Ch. brevirostris that is no longer produced in hypereutrophic Upper Klamath Lake.     

Morphological and genetic variation among populations of the rare Kachina daisy ( Erigeron kachinensis ) from southeastern Utah

Erigeron kachinensis , the Kachina daisy, is a rare species restricted to canyons in southeastern Utah. The species is known to exhibit low fecundity due to low percent fertilization of ovules and high percent abortion of fertilized ovules. Previous reproductive studies suggest that low fecundity is a consequence of small population size and inbreeding depression. This study examines genetic diversity within and among populations of E. kachinensis in Natural Bridges National Monument using enzyme electrophoresis. Field populations are found to have significantly different morphologies. However, morphological differences were less pronounced among populations grown in the greenhouse. The Kachina daisy exhibits levels of genetic variability in its populations similar to that of other outcrossed species. Genetic diversity statistics demonstrate that only 22.8% of genetic variation is distributed among populations. Genetic distance could not be correlated with geographic distance. Most of the populations showed significant deviation of fixation indices from zero for multiple loci. Observation of genotype frequencies demonstrates that populations are fixing on different genotypes and may be experiencing initial stages of genetic drift. Mean observed heterozygosity was 0.166 and was found to increase with increasing size and/or age in populations.     

Comparative susceptibility of conifers to knobcone pine dwarf mistletoe

Analysis of morphological characters of Arceuthobium apachecum and A. blumeri indicates there are several geographically consistent differences between these taxa, which supports their current classification at the specific level. Shoot height and perianth lobe number exhibited considerable geographic variation, and some morphological characters examined were continuous. Peak flowering and seed dispersal periods for these species differed slightly Altitudinal, seasonal, and latitudinal variations in flowering and seed dispersal were detected and may be responsible for the differences in phenology between these taxa.     

Taxonomic studies of dwarf mistletoes ( Arceuthobium ssp.) parasitizing Pinus strobiformis

Analysis of morphological characters of Arceuthobium apachecum and A. blumeri indicates there are several geographically consistent differences between these taxa, which supports their current classification at the specific level. Shoot height and perianth lobe number exhibited considerable geographic variation, and some morphological characters examined were continuous. Peak flowering and seed dispersal periods for these species differed slightly Altitudinal, seasonal, and latitudinal variations in flowering and seed dispersal were detected and may be responsible for the differences in phenology between these taxa.     

Biochemical differentiation in the Idaho ground squirrel, Spermophilus brunneus (Rodenta: Scuridae)

Spermophilus brunneus is restricted to a 90 × 125-km area of west central Idaho, with two distinct (northern and southern) groups of populations within this limited range. Morphological differences in pelage length and coloration, external and cranial measurements, and bacula suggest that these groups are either very distinct subspecies or species. We used starch-gel electrophoresis to estimate the amount of genetic differentiation accompanying these morphological differences by assaying genetic variation at 31 loci in the two geographic groups. Fifteen loci were polymorphic (13 in the northern group, 12 in the southern), and mean heterozygosity (H) was high (12.3% northern and 10.8% southern). Nei's genetic distance (0.057) is in the range usually associated with subspecific differences. However, Jaccard's association coefficient (0.893) is about the same as that found between several ground squirrel taxa currently recognized as species. The high levels of heterozygosity suggest that S. brunneus is a neoendemic rather than a paleoendemic species.     

Status of Descurainia torulosa (Brassicaceae)

Descurainia torulosa was established in 1983 based on material collected in northwestern Wyoming. The species is now known from 2 disjunct populations in southwestern Wyoming, and recent collections have expanded the known distribution within the northern portion of its range. The north-south disjunct distribution and apparent habitat differences have stimulated questions concerning the degree of relatedness between the disjunct elements to the point that the southern populations have been suggested to be a distinct taxon. Recognition of D. torulosa as a distinct species has also been questioned. This paper is based on field examination of D. torulosa populations, study of all known D. torulosa herbarium specimens, and analysis of nucleotide sequence from the internal transcribed spacer regions 1 and 2 of nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS-1 & 2) from population exemplars. Cladistic analysis of the sequence data support our conclusion, based on morphological analysis. Northern and southern populations of D. torulosa are conspecific. Western North American Descurainia is in need of modern, critical taxonomic revision.     

Sibling species in the marine pollution indicator genus Pontonema Leidy (Nematoda: Oncholaimidae), with a description of P. mediterranea sp. nov.

Species of the marine nematode genus Pontonema have been found to dominate the macrobenthos under abnormally high conditions of particulate organic enrichment. Populations from organically enriched habitats in six localities (Kiel fjord, Germany; the Garroch Head sewage-sludge dump ground in the Firth of Clyde, Scotland; Cornelian Bay, N.E. England; the Tyne estuary, N.E. England; Sete, N.W. Mediterranean, France; Blanes Bay, N.W. Mediterranean, Spain) have been compared. Multivariate analyses of 16 morphometric characters in males, and 13 in females, shows that each population is significantly different morphologically from every other population. However, there is morphological overlap between the populations, and it is considered pragmatic to recognize three species in this group, based on a few stable morphological characters: P. vulgare (Bastian, 1865) from the Baltic, P. alaeospicula Bett and Moore 1988 from the UK sites, and P. mediterranea sp. nov. from the Mediterranean. P. mediterranea sp. nov. is described. The species were not found to have established sympatry in this study, unlike many other opportunistic taxa from organically enriched habitats, and the significance of this is discussed.     

Unusual geographic pattern of interpopulation variation in a spring snail Bythinella (Gastropoda: Prosobranchia)

Allozyme polymorphism, mean gene diversity, and a variety of pairwise genetic distances, theta and Nm were analysed for 20 populations of the spring snail Bythinella from Central Europe. Pairwise Mahalanobis' distances for morphological characters and geographic distances were also computed. Contrary to prior assumptions, the level of polymorphism was considerable, and correlations were found to be statistically significant between the genetic and geographic distances, as well as between Mahalanobis' and geographic distances. The present high level of isolation of local populations of the previously amphibious and continuously distributed snail is postulated to be due to a shift in climate and in the snail's habitat preference.     

Density, distribution, and habitat of Flammulated Owls in Idaho

From 1990 to 1992 we surveyed for Flammulated Owls ( Otus flammeolus ) in 3 areas in Idaho: Salmon National Forest (SNF), Payette National Forest and adjacent Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (PNF-HCNRA), and Nez Perce National Forest (NPNF). We also collected and summarized information on all historic and modern records of Flammulated Owls in Idaho. Flammulated Owls were detected on 65% of 68 routes (2-16 km in length) surveyed at densities ranging from 0.04 to 1.25 singing males/40 ha. Owls were detected on survey routes as early as 10 May and as late as 23 July. Mean percent canopy cover estimated at owl locations on the PNF-HCNRA and NPNF study sites ranged from 52% to 64%, while shrub cover ranged from 16% to 21% and ground cover was 39% to 49%. Our surveys and summary of distributional records indicated that Flammulated Owls occur throughout the montane forests of Idaho in old or mature stands of open ponderosa pine ( Pinus ponderosa ), Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii ), and stands co-dominated by those 2 species. Fire suppression and timber harvest activity in ponderosa pine forests represent 2 main threats to the species' future security in Idaho. More research on the effects of various silvicultural treatments on Flammulated Owl populations is warranted.     

First record of multiple paternity in the pygmy rabbit ( Brachylagus idahoensis ): evidence from analysis of 16 microsatellite loci

Although promiscuity is believed to be common among leporids, little is known about the mating system of free-ranging pygmy rabbits ( Brachylagus idahoensis ). We used 16 polymorphic microsatellite markers and DNA extracted from tissue samples of 10 rabbits from 2 litters collected in east central Idaho to evaluate paternity. We incorporated maternal genotypes for better resolution and employed an exclusion approach to detect multiple paternity. Our results demonstrated multiple paternity at 6 of the 16 loci tested for each litter. These findings support the expectation that pygmy rabbits have a promiscuous mating system. It has been proposed that multiple paternity could lead to higher effective population sizes and help small populations maintain diversity. Given that pygmy rabbits persist in small and fragmented populations, a promiscuous mating system might be important for maintaining genetic diversity in free-ranging populations and could be advantageous for the captive breeding program. Aunque se cree que la promiscuidad es com&uacute;n entre los lep&oacute;ridos, se conoce poco sobre el sistema de apareamiento del conejo pigmeo ( Brachylagus idahoensis ) en condiciones silvestres. Utilizamos 16 marcadores de microsat&eacute;lites polim&oacute;rficos y ADN extra&iacute;do de muestras de tejido de 10 conejos de 2 camadas colectadas en la parte este central de Idaho para evaluar su paternidad. Los genotipos maternos fueron incorporados para lograr una mayor resoluci&oacute;n y empleamos un m&eacute;todo de exclusi&oacute;n para detectar la paternidad m&uacute;ltiple. Nuestros resultados demuestran paternidad m&uacute;ltiple en 6 de los 16 loci examinados en cada camada. Estos resultados apoyan la suposici&oacute;n de que los conejos pigmeos tienen un sistema de apareamiento promiscuo. Se ha propuesto que la paternidad m&uacute;ltiple podr&iacute;a conducir a tama&ntilde;os efectivos de la poblaci&oacute;n m&aacute;s grandes y ayudar a que las poblaciones peque&ntilde;as mantengan la diversidad. En vista de que el conejo pigmeo persiste en poblaciones peque&ntilde;as y fragmentadas, un sistema de apareamiento promiscuo podr&iacute;a ser importante para mantener la diversidad gen&eacute;tica en poblaciones silvestres y podr&iacute;a resultar provechoso para el programa de cr&iacute;a en cautiverio.     

A new pulvinate Eriogonum (Polygonaceae) from Utah

A new species of pulvinate wild buckwheat, Eriogonum soredium (Polygonaceae, Eriogonoideae) is described from near-barren limestone slopes in the Grampian Hill area near Frisco, Beaver County, Utah. The new species is outwardly similar to E. shockleyi S. Wats, but may be readily distinguished by its glabrous (not pubescent) flowers and fruits, generally smaller leaves, more numerous involucres per head, turbinate (not campanulate) involucres with 5, rarely 4 (not 5 to 10) teeth, and the smaller flowers.     

The morphological differentiation of two horseshoe crab species,Tachypleus tridentatus and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda (Xiphosura), in Hong Kong with a regional Asian comparison

Two horseshoe crab species, namely Tachypleus tridentatus and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda, have been identified from Hong Kong. This paper describes the morphological characteristics of the two species and the morphometrics employed to help distinguish them. Comparisons were also made between adults from local waters and those from other Asian geographic regions. Intra-specific variations were also investigated by comparing morphological data obtained for local T. tridentatus juveniles and individuals of comparable sizes from Fujian Province, China. Morphological differences between the species and sexes and significantly different morphometric ratios were identified for the two horseshoe crab species. Intra-specific variations in morphometric characteristics were also demonstrated between juveniles from local beaches and those from Fujian.     

Taxonomy of Sphaeromeria, Artemisia , and Tanacetum (Compositae, Anthemideae) based on randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)

Relationships within, between, and among the Anthemideae genera Sphaeromeria, Artemisia , and Tanacetum were investigated using 238 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers obtained from twenty 10-mer primers amplified on genomic DNA. Forty-one populations from 16 taxa (15 species) were studied. Jaccard's coefficient of similarity and UPGMA clustering analysis were used to construct phenograms. T tests were used to make comparisons between samples at various systematic levels. DNA markers were 75% similar for conspecific populations. Sixteen Sphaeromeria populations (5 species) showed an average interspecific similarity of 21%. Interspecific similarity among 23 Artemisia populations (8 species with 2 subspecies of A. tridentata included) averaged 27%. Two Tanacetum species (1 population each) were 89% similar. The high similarity of Tanacetum species was in the range of observed values for conspecific populations; indeed those 2 species ( T. vulgare and T. boreale ) have been considered conspecific by some authors. The 3 subgenera of Artemisia studied ( Artemisia, Dracunculus , and Tridentatae ) formed separate groups. In comparison among the genera, Sphaeromeria was 18% similar to Artemisia (more similar to subgenus Tridentatae than the other Artemisia subgenera); intergeneric comparisons of Sphaeromeria and Artemisia and Tanacetum , which supports previously established morphological distinctions. Sphaeromeria potentilloides may be misplaced in the genus Sphaeromeria based on DNA marker results. It is likely that North American Anthemideae are circumboreal derivatives of ancestral Eurasian stock and that Sphaeromeria is derived from an Artemisia -like ancestor.