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Data on the first records of Pholis nea Peden et Hughes, 1984 from Russian waters of the Sea of Japan (Tatar Strait) and a description of the species morphology are presented. The genetic identification is based on an analysis of the COI gene region of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). A new common English name is here proposed for Pholis nea, the Lesser Gunnel.

The pristocerine genus Eleganesia Alencar & Azevedo et al., 2018 consists of a total of 20 valid extant species recorded from the Oriental and Palaearctic regions and one fossil species. Four of them, namely E. chitouensis, E. liukueiensis, E. meifuiae, and E. takasago, have been recorded from Taiwan, and three species, namely E. daikoku, E. elegans, and E. otohime, from the Ryukyus of Japan. In the present study, the species-level classification of Taiwanese and Ryukyuan species of Eleganesia is revised using newly collected specimens, by a combination of examining the external and male genital morphologies and molecular phylogenetic analyses. In conclusion, seven species are recognized from Taiwan and the Ryukyus. A Ryukyuan morphospecies that is previously considered as a geographic race of E. elegans is confirmed to be an independent species, and is described as E. kijimuna sp. nov.. Additionally, a new species, E. paiwan sp. nov. is described from Taiwan. On the other hand, E. daikoku is synonymized under E. chitouensis by external and male genital morphology. Furthermore, the conspecific combination of the male and female was newly confirmed for E. takasago by our field observation (a copulating male and female pair was collected) and molecular phylogenetic analyses.

An unprecedented amount of evidence now illuminates the phylogeny of living mammals and birds on the Tree of Life. We use this tree to measure the phylogenetic value of data typically used in paleontology (bones and teeth) from six data sets derived from five published studies. We ask three interrelated questions: 1) Can these data adequately reconstruct known parts of the Tree of Life? 2) Is accuracy generally similar for studies using morphology, or do some morphological data sets perform better than others? 3) Does the loss of non-fossilizable data cause taxa to occur in misleadingly basal positions? Adding morphology to DNA data sets usually increases congruence of resulting topologies to the well-corroborated tree, but this varies among morphological data sets. Extant taxa with a high proportion of missing morphological characters can greatly reduce phylogenetic resolution when analyzed together with fossils. Attempts to ameliorate this by deleting extant taxa missing morphology are prone to decreased accuracy due to long-branch artifacts. We find no evidence that fossilization causes extinct taxa to incorrectly appear at or near topologically basal branches. Morphology comprises the evidence held in common by living taxa and fossils, and phylogenetic analysis of fossils greatly benefits from inclusion of molecular and morphological data sampled for living taxa, whatever methods are used for phylogeny estimation. [Concatenation; fossilization; morphology; parsimony; systematics; taphonomy; total-evidence.]

Forest understory herbs exhibit a large range of variation in morphology and life history. Here, we expand the reported range of variation by describing the belowground structures of two very different species, Xerophyllum tenax (Pursh) Nutt. and Chimaphila umbellata (L.) Nutt. We excavated individuals in forests of the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Xerophyllum tenax has short rhizomes but an extensive root system that is exceptionally large among forest understory species. The roots reach 4 m in length and may occupy an area 50 times that of the aboveground canopy. In contrast, C. umbellata has very small roots but an extensive rhizome system. The largest plant we excavated had 57 m of connected rhizomes and still had a seedling source. Both species have long-lived individuals but differ in response to disturbance. On the basis of monitoring 151 permanent 1 m2 plots in an old-growth forest, X. tenax increased only minimally in density over 40 years following tephra deposition from the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, whereas the density of C. umbellata increased substantially. The very different morphology of these two species highlights the large range of variation found among forest herbs, which needs to be considered when examining the forest understory.

The high resemblance between closely related mimetic species poses a challenge to taxonomists who describe and define these species. An emblematic example is found within Stalachtis Hubner, 1818 (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae), a small Neotropical genus of brightly colored butterflies engaged in mimicry rings. Its systematic position within Riodinidae is difficult to define based on morphology alone, and while its taxonomy is inflated due to intraspecific color polymorphisms, phenotypic variation might be concealing cryptic species. Thus, we examined the subspecific diversity within S. phlegia (Cramer, 1779) through an integrative approach based on both molecular and morphological data, aiming to investigate taxon limits. Both morphology and molecular data support the status of S. phlegia and Stalachtis susanna stat. rev. as distinct species. S. susanna stat. rev. is a medium sized butterfly with an orange-black wing color pattern with a few white dots. Furthermore, S. susanna stat. rev. has no subspecies, and is endemic to the Atlantic Forest, while the four subspecies within S. phlegia are widely distributed throughout the Amazon, the Cerrado savanna and in parts of the Atlantic Forest. We consider S. phlegia a promising model for studies of the effect of deforestation on mimetic color patterns in the Amazon–Cerrado transition.

Premise of research. Reproductive strategies such as iteroparity can be driven by developmental decisions involving morphology and physiology. Despite a rich theoretical framework for studying iter...

Dale Russell described the osteology, morphology, and ecology of the small theropod “Stenonychosaurus inequalis” in two papers, speculating on its life habits, brain power, vision, movement, feeding, and hand capabilities. Russell even pondered a tool-using dinosauroid, the hypothetical troodontid descendant if the lineage had survived the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event. We revisit the life habits of the North American troodontids Troodon formosus and Latenivenatrix mcmasterae in part by reviewing various trace fossils of T. formosus discovered in Montana. These fossils include egg clutches, a nest, and recently discovered regurgitalites. We also contemplate the possibility of dinosaur tool use. Troodon likely constructed earthen nests in the same way that ratites and other birds did to create their nesting scrapes through backward hindlimb kicks. The more complex clutch architecture suggests dexterous movement of the eggs, potentially requiring manual manipulation. Functionally, reproductive traces support elevated body temperatures and a metabolic output that approach but do not equal that of modern birds. Brooding would require very high energy investment from the adult. The regurgitalites largely contain multi-individual aggregations of the marsupialiform Alphadon and support Russell’s hypotheses of troodontids as crepuscular to nocturnal, intelligent, small game hunters with elevated metabolism and enhanced vision. Tool use in a few crocodilians and widely among extant birds suggests a reasonable possibility of this behavior in nonavian dinosaurs. Whether an avian-comparable encephalization quotient and freed forelimbs would make North American troodontids good candidates for exhibiting such behavior remains an open and speculative question. However, given the minimal modification made to tools by modern archosaurs, recognition of fossil tools poses a challenging problem.

The Merbok Estuary comprises one of the largest remaining mangrove forests in Peninsular Malaysia. Its value is significant as it provides important services to local and global communities. It also offers a unique opportunity to study the structure and functioning of mangrove ecosystems. However, its biodiversity is still partially inventoried, limiting its research value. A recent checklist based on morphological examination, reported 138 fish species residing, frequenting or subject to entering the Merbok Estuary. In this work, we reassessed the fish diversity of the Merbok Estuary by DNA barcoding 350 specimens assignable to 134 species initially identified based on morphology. Our results consistently revealed the presence of 139 Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs). 123 of them are congruent with morphology-based species delimitation (one species = one MOTU). In two cases, two morphological species share the same MOTU (two species = one MOTU), while we unveiled cryptic diversity (i.e. COI-based genetic variability > 2%) within seven other species (one species = two MOTUs), calling for further taxonomic investigations. This study provides a comprehensive core-list of fish taxa in Merbok Estuary, demonstrating the advantages of combining morphological and molecular evidence to describe diverse but still poorly studied tropical fish communities. It also delivers a large DNA reference collection for brackish fishes occurring in this region which will facilitate further biodiversity-oriented research studies and management activities.

This article discusses extended exponence and headedness in the context of isiNdebele morphology. An attempt will be made to distinguish extended exponence from circumfixes. Headedness will be discussed in general, and how it is expressed in extended exponence. The main submission in this article is that isiNdebele has derivational and inflectional extended exponents, and that extended exponents are predominantly left-handed in nature. This assumption is founded on the premise that the terminal affixes of extended exponents can be done away with in some contexts. The study also establishes that morphological heads can either be right members of a word or left members.

The rice field crab is considered a pest that disrupts rice production in paddy fields in tropical regions. The crab is also used as a stable food source by local people in many countries in Southeast Asia. For both of these roles, a good knowledge of the crab’s reproductive biology is necessary to manage populations in their natural habitats. This study aims to investigate the reproductive cycle of adult males of the rice field crab Esanthelphusa nani (Naiyanetr, 1984). Males crabs were sampled monthly in a paddy field; individuals were then anaesthetized and dissected, and their reproductive tract was analysed. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) was evaluated based on the relative weight of the reproductive tract and body weight. The male GSI showed significant temporal difference, with the highest levels in June, August and September. Based on GSI and macroscopic examination, the testis and vas deferens can be classified into three stages of increasing size: (1) resting stage, (2) developing stage and (3) active stage. Microscopic examination revealed that the testis and vas deferens had a tubular structure. Seminiferous tubules in the testis underwent spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis at every stage. The vas deferens consisted of three major regions: anterior, middle and posterior, which showed different types of epithelia. Interestingly, the microscopic structure of the vas deferens was similar among these three reproductive stages. It is also important to note that round-shaped spermatozoa were found in different parts of the reproductive tract, including the seminiferous tubule and vas deferens, as well as in the female seminal receptacle, whereas no spermatophores were found in this species. Overall, this study shows that mature sperms can be found in the reproductive tract of male E. nani throughout the year, indicating that males have prolonged spermatogenic activities.

Speciation is often portrayed as an "incomplete" or "incipient" process if two groups of organisms, technically distinguishable either by morphology or genetics, can exchange genes. The ultimate outcome of diversification, given this perspective, is complete reproductive isolation. But an increasing amount of evidence suggests that speciation is rarely complete and inter-fertility between different taxonomically accepted species is consistently maintained. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Linan et al. (2021) provide results that bridge evolutionary processes from populations to phylogenies that indicate suites of closely related tree species in the Mascarene Islands actively exchange genes, evolving as a nested set of syngameons with a hierarchical pattern of interfertility. The deep insight into diversification provided by this study is particularly powerful because of the genomic scale of the data and the complete taxonomic sampling of an island clade evolving in situ. The prevalence of syngameon dynamics in a broad range of organisms indicates that we should adopt a fluid and comprehensive approach to defining evolutionary units for conservation and research. We should move beyond focusing on single endangered species in evolutionary and ecological isolation from other species but consider the entire network of potentially interfertile species and the potential for future adaptation and innovation, particularly in a human dominated world.

The eggs, larvae, imago variability, and male genitalia of Cirina forda (Westwood, 1849) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) are illustrated.

The morphology of the neurovascular canal in the jaw has been analysed in several fossil reptiles, including theropod dinosaurs. However, the details of the neurovascular canal in the dentary of th...

Gypsophila malyerii Hamzaoğlu & Koç, a new species of sect. Capituliformes, is described and illustrated from Turkey. Information on distribution, habitat and conservation status are given. The most similar species is G. osmangaziensis. The morphology and micromorphology of seed and pollen characters of the two closely related species are compared.

Genetic and morphological analyses were used to revise historical controversies in identities of Beroe species in the southern seas of Europe. DNA analyses with ITS sequences were used to explore their phylogenetic relationships. Three species of Beroe were initially listed as occurring in the Mediterranean Sea. Recently, the specimens were often re-identified using genetic analyses, causing confusions of identity. In 1997, a non-native Beroe was introduced into the Black Sea, which established there and spread to the adjacent seas, adding more controversy and confusion to species identification in this group of comb jellies. Our revisions suggest the following systematic changes: (1) re-naming of the species from what was initially labelled as Beroe ovata, and later as B. cucumis (sensuMayer, 1912), to Beroe pseudocucumis sp. nov.. (2) Beroe mitrata but not Beroe ‘anatoliensis’ inhabits the Aegean Sea, as was reported previously. (3) Beroe ovata is the only species of Beroidae that became invasive and should be used with the authority of Bruguière, 1789, but not in the sense of Mayer, 1912. (4) Beroe forskalii appears to be represented by two species in the Mediterranean and in the Antarctic, but further justification is needed. (5) Beroe cucumis is a species of bipolar occurrence, inhabiting both subpolar areas and its recent definition as Beroe ‘norvegica’ is incorrect.

Diploid males represent a cost for the viability of populations in haplodiploid species with a single-locus complementary sex determination system. In such social species as bumble bees, their pres...

In this paper, four new cave-dwelling species of the subgenus Tachycines (Gymnaeta) from Guangxi, Hunan and Jiangxi are described, i.e., Tachycines (Gymnaeta) quadratus sp. nov., Tachycines (Gymnaeta) shiziensis sp. nov., Tachycines (Gymnaeta) sparsispinus sp. nov. and Tachycines (Gymnaeta) papilious sp. nov. The female of Tachycines (Gymnaeta) liboensis Zhu, Chen & Shi, 2020 is recorded for the first time. Moreover, images illustrating the morphology of the four new and three previously described species are provided.

This study describing the morphology of the green algae Geminella protogenita (Kutzing) West, which is a rare species found in the territories of Southern Brazil. Although this taxon is widely distributed worldwide, it is known to rarely occur in the regions where it has been registered previously, which is because little attention is given to its taxonomic characteristics based on the morphology. Photomicrographs and cell morphometric data were obtained to conduct the taxonomic characterization. Here, we also provide data on its global distribution and the type of environments to better contribute in the understanding of the biology of this species.

A rumen fluke Fischoederius elongatus is assigned to the type species of genus Fischoederius, family Gastrothylacidae. However, the mitochondrial sequences recently published are thought to be of inconsistent species, suggesting that several morphologically similar but genetically distinct species might be classified as Fischoederius elongatus. Thus, mentions of F. elongatus from South, Southeast, and East Asia might unintentionally refer to different species. The present work describes morphology and a full mitochondrial genome sequence of one of these species. The fluke specimens were collected from 2 infected cattle in Thailand. An interesting finding was the presence of a second tRNA-Asp gene next to a partial ND1 gene. It is suggested that these duplicated sequences are the remnants of non-reciprocal recombination events caused by inverted repeats located between ND2 and ND1 mitochondrial genes.

Panus is a genus of the order Polyporales with a gilled hymenium. Although Panus was earlier considered as a sub genus of the genus Lentinus, molecular phylogenetic studies support the independent status of the genus. As a result, many species were transferred from Lentinus to Panus. Many more species of Lentinus that are more related to Panus, still await critical taxonomic studies and formal transfers. Morphological and molecular data obtained from L. bambusinus and L. roseus reveal that these are Panus species. Two new combinations in the genus Panus are proposed here.

The presence of cryptic species is fairly frequent in many invertebrate groups and even more so among invertebrates with simple morphology, such as nemerteans. Consequently, the use of molecular methods for species delimitation has become a needed tool to complement morphological analyses to better recognise such species. Nemertopsis bivittata is one example of species with subtle morphological variation, but ample geographic distribution, being a good candidate for a species complex study. Here we applied two mitochondrial genes, and 2903 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants in addition to morphological characters to investigate the presence of cryptic species among specimens previously identified as N. bivittata along the Brazilian Coast. To do so, specimens were collected at 15 different sites in the north-east, south-east and southern regions. Three new species of Nemertopsis are described based on morphological and molecular analyses: Nemertopsis caete sp. nov., Nemertopsis pamelaroeae sp. nov. and Nemertopsis berthalutzae sp. nov. The species N. pamelaroeae and N. berthalutzae present broad distributions from north-east to south-east; N. caete, however, is restricted to the north-east coast. This is the first study to use this combined approach in nemerteans and shows the advantages of integrating genomic markers with classical taxonomy, and applying objective approaches to delimiting species as independently evolving entities.

The morphology of fish scales has been investigated for > 200 years, but research on evolutionary patterns of scale morphology is scarce. Here, we study scale morphology and its evolution in the adaptive radiation of cichlid fishes from Lake Tanganyika, which are known for their exceptional diversity in habitat use, feeding ecology and morphology. Based on a geometric morphometric approach on eight scales per specimen (covering different body regions), we quantify scale types and morphology across nearly all ~240 species of the cichlid adaptive radiation in Lake Tanganyika. We first show that scale type, shape and ctenii coverage vary along the body, which is probably attributable to adaptations to different functional demands on the respective scales. Our comparative analyses reveal that flank scale size is tightly linked to phylogeny, whereas scale shape and ctenii coverage can be explained only in part by phylogenetic history and/or our proxy for ecology (stable isotopes and body shape), suggesting an additional adaptive component. We also show that our measured scale characteristics can help to assign an individual scale to a taxonomic group or ecotype. Thus, our data may serve as a valuable resource for taxonomic studies and to interpret fossil finds.

Cladistic character matrices are routinely repurposed in analyses of morphological disparity. Unfortunately, the sampling of taxa and characters within such datasets reflects their intended application - to resolve phylogeny, rather than distinguish between phenotypes - resulting in tree shapes that often misrepresent broader taxonomic and morphological diversity. Here we use tree shape as a proxy to explore how sampling can affect perceptions of evolving morphological disparity. Through analyses of simulated and empirical data, we demonstrate that sampling can introduce biases in morphospace occupation between clades that are predicted by differences in tree symmetry and branch length distribution. Symmetrical trees with relatively long internal branches predict more expansive patterns of morphospace occupation. Conversely, asymmetrical trees with relatively short internal branches predict more compact distributions. Additionally, we find that long external branches predict greater phenotypic divergence by peripheral morphotypes. Taken together, our results caution against the uncritical repurposing of cladistic datasets in disparity analyses. However, they also demonstrate that when morphological diversity is proportionately sampled, differences in tree shape between clades can speak to genuine differences in morphospace occupation. While cladistic datasets may serve as a useful starting point, disparity datasets must attempt to achieve uniformity of lineage sampling across time and topology. Only when all potential sources of bias are accounted for can genuine evolutionary phenomena be distinguished from artefactual signals. It must be accepted that the non-uniformity of the fossil record may preclude representative sampling and, therefore, a faithful characterization of the evolution of morphological disparity.

Background: The current study was undertaken with a major goal of evaluating the influence of the heavy metal Copper (Cu) on growth and physiology as well as the proteomic status of Ziziphus spina-christi. Objective: We set a hypothesis that Z. spina-christi could be a potent phytoremediator in Cu-polluted environments and the industrial area of Riyadh was chosen as a model of contaminated sites. Methods: To address our goal, young Z. spina-christi plants were maintained in pots filled with soil comprised of sand and clay in an open area. Cu treatments were performed by subjecting young Z. spina-christi seedlings to different copper treatments [0 - 100 μM] which was supplied to the plants in the form of hydrated copper sulfate (CuSO4.5H2O) and the treatment period lasted 45 days. To monitor plant growth during Cu exposure period, measurements of some morphological and physiological variables were taken regularly every week and the growth rates were determined. Results: Results from proteomics showed 16 proteins participated in expression, 10 proteins showed up regulations and other six showed down regulation. Such expressed proteins are involved in plant photosynthesis process, metabolism, antioxidant enzymes as well as those associated with plant defense response and signal transduction. Conclusion: The study outcomes offered understandings of the molecular systems linked to Cu stress condition, in addition to Cu effect on Z. spina-christi seedlings morphology and physiology. Regarding phytoremediation potential we recommend that, future experiments should be conducted on Z. spina-christi at different developmental stages to better view its Cu accumulative power.

A dead woody sample of Acer sp. with fungal fruiting bodies was collected in Pu’er City of Yunnan Province. Multigene phylogenetic analyses of LSU, ITS, SSU, and tef1-α sequence data showed that our collection belongs to Montagnula and is well separated from all other extant species. Montagnula puerensis is compared with all extant species by morphological characteristics, culture characteristics, host, and location information and is the first report of Montagnula from the host genus Acer.

A new genus and species, Guttulapsyche mayaensis gen. et sp. nov., of Psychidae are described from Mexico. The new taxon shares some characters with Arrhenophaninae and several others with Typhoniinae. Together with Antillonatus sessilis Núñez & Davis, 2016 it is already the second Neotropic species with a complex of characteristics that deviates from the previous understanding of the two subfamilies. The morphology of adults, larva, and pupa is described and illustrated. The larval cases are attached at the distal end, a behaviour that is unique among all known Psychidae. Information on distribution and habitat as well as some ecological data are provided.

Studies on temperature-dependent phenology and morphology of insects facilitate examination of the consequences of temperature on their growth, development and population dynamics. The effects of s...

Holothurians referred to as “teatfish” contain three species, Holothuria (Microthele) nobilis, H. (M.) whitmaei and H. (M.) fuscogilva, that have recently been included in CITES Appendix II for sustainable catch and trade. Taxonomic key traits of these species are primarily genetic sequences and there are few morphological differences among them, except for color patterns of the body. Although located in the northern limit of their distribution, there have been no reports identifying species of teatfish in Japan based on both morphology and genetic traits. This study investigated sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and morphology including ossicles of black and white teatfish collected from Okinawa Island and Yaeyama Islands, Japan. The entirely black specimens and white specimens having black mottles on the dorsal side were identified as Holothuria (M.) whitmaei and H. (M.) fuscogilva, respectively, based on the agreement of genetic and morphological traits and with published data. There is no clear difference in COI sequences between specimens from Japan and other Pacific regions for both species. The only inconsistent finding with previous reports was that one specimen of H. (M.) whitmaei lacked Cuvierian tubules, which are usually present in this species, implying plasticity of this trait. Mean diameter of the disc and height of the pillars of table ossicles were shorter and longer, respectively, in H. (M.) fuscogilva than in H. (M.) whitmaei (p

Portulaca is the only genus in Portulacaceae and includes ca. 115 species with worldwide distribution. 12 species (one naturalized) occur in Cuba. The taxonomic value of seeds characters for the circumscription of species, by comparing macro- and micromorphological characters, is analyzed. The seeds of Cuban purslanes do not present association patterns between types of undulations of the anticline walls. The relief of their periclinal walls allows the corroborate certain variation in the distribution range of some species. The delimitation of Portulaca species in Cuba using seeds characters, provided as an identification key and descriptions, confirms the taxonomic value of such characters and strengthens the circumscriptions supported by the rest of the plant structures. This is largely given by the standardization of macromorphological terms with a micromorphological basis, the color of the mature seeds and their dimensions.

Minimalist Morphology predicts that allomorphy is conditioned inward and locally, and that the domains of morphosyntactically and phonologically conditioned allomorphy selection are identical. Amy Rose Deal and Matthew Wolf have put forward two cases of allomorphy in Nez Perce that appear to be conditioned by an outward phonological context. I present an analysis of Nez Perce morphology and phonology which supports the conclusion that the first case is not outward-conditioned, and the second case is not allomorphy but phonology.

We diagnose and describe a new freshwater mussel species of the genus Inversidens, I. rentianensissp. nov. from Jiangxi Province, China based on morphological characters and molecular data. This paper includes a morphological description and photograph of the holotype, and partial sequences of mitochondrial COI as DNA barcode data.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:34:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 The ultrastructure of spermatophores and spermatozoa of freshwater crabs are little known, and a description of characters unique to this taxon is lacking. In this study, we describe and compare the ultrastructure of spermatophores and spermatozoa of Dilocarcinus pagei, Zilchiopsis oronensis and Valdivia serrata. In addition, we perform a comparative analysis with other freshwater crab species described in the literature. All species studied presented predominantly coenospermic spermatophores, in addition Z. oronensis and V. serrata also presented some cleistospermic spermatophores; which are described here for the first time in Trichodactylidae. The spermatozoa of the three species share a pattern found in the Brachyura, however, we found common traits for Trichodactylidae. The operculum is thick, protruding and imperforate with the presence of a prominent subopercular ring. The shape of the operculum is roundish in D. pagei and more triangular in Z. oronensis and V. serrata. The perforatorial chamber is panduriform in D. pagei and Z. oronensis, and oblong in V. serrata. The membrane of the perforatorial chamber in D. pagei has numerous shallow corrugations and short perforatorial filaments, while Z. oronensis and V. serrata have fewer, almost indistinguishable corrugations and long perforatorial filaments. All three species have a marked lateral expansion of the base of the perforatorial chamber and overall truncation of the acrosome vesicle, in Z. oronensis and V. serrata, absence of an acrosome ray zone, developed thickened ring and a thick nucleo-cytoplasmic plate, being obviously lamellar in D. pagei and homogeneous in Z. oronensis and V. serrata. The spermatozoa presents similar characteristics between Trichodactylidae and other freshwater crab families opening the possibility of unit all heterotreme freshwater crab families as a single group. The probably Trichodactylidae autapomorphies, that diverges from all other freshwater crabs, reinforce the hypothesis that the trichodactylids derived later as an independent lineage of freshwater crabs. Invertebrate Morphology Laboratory (IML) Biology Department São Paulo State University (UNESP) Agricultural and Veterinary School of Jaboticabal (FCAV) and Aquaculture Center of UNESP (CAUNESP) Aquaculture Center of Unesp (CAUNESP) São Paulo State University (UNESP) Laboratório de Zoologia e Grupo de Pesquisa em Biologia e Produção de Organismos Aquáticos Amazônicos ICET Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM) Biology Department American University Department of Invertebrate Zoology National Museum of Natural History Smithsonian Institution Invertebrate Morphology Laboratory (IML) Biology Department São Paulo State University (UNESP) Agricultural and Veterinary School of Jaboticabal (FCAV) and Aquaculture Center of UNESP (CAUNESP) Aquaculture Center of Unesp (CAUNESP) São Paulo State University (UNESP)

Pliocene and earliest Pleistocene Northern Eurasian rhinocerotines are poorly documented and understudied in comparison to Pleistocene and Miocene ones. However, they represent a key-group of speci...

The morphological peculiarities of the pronoun present in the text of the popular writing entitled Sandipa (ms. Rom. 824, dated in 1798 and kept at the State Library of the Russian Federation, Moscow) are analyzed. Being a flexible part of speech with several species (9), the pronoun is highlighted by a series of forms typical of both our first ancient texts and those developed in the second half of the eighteenth century, especially in recent decades. of the century, therefore contemporary with the handwritten version of the popular writing announced in the title.

Background: Breadfruit [Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson ex F.A.Zorn) Fosberg] is a versatile plant that can be used by humans. Breadfruit has morphological variations that are thought to be related to anatomical variations that are formed as an adaptation mechanism to survive in a different area. This plant has the ability to live in different altitude ranges, from coastal areas to upland areas. This research was conducted for eight months in areas with altitude ranges of 700 masl in Banyumas, Purbalingga, and Cilacap Regencies. Sampling of plants was carried out randomly selected (purposive random sampling), then described their morphological characteristics. Furthermore, the leaves are made for anatomical preservation to determine the anatomical character. Breadfruit plants that grow at an altitude of less than 350 m above sea level have the characteristics of a higher, larger diameter stem, have a tighter branching, more sap production, a higher number of fruit and have a larger fruit size. The anatomical characteristics of breadfruit plants that grow at an altitude of less than 350 masl have stomata characters that are wider and longer than those of 350-700 masl and > 700 masl. The highest stomata and trichomata density at an altitude > 700 masl. The highest mean cuticle thickness, epidermis, palisade ratio and mesophyll thickness were highest in breadfruit leaves at altitudes

The life history and morphology of the immature stages of the genus Timia are studied for the first time. The larvae inhabit the roots of dying old plants of black saxaul. Judging by the morphology of the cephalopharyngeal skeleton, the larvae are saprophagous and co-occur with actively decomposing wood coleopteran larvae. The species of Timia are easily differentiated by the structure of the anal plate, as well as by the shape of the furrows on the second and terminal body segments of the puparium. A key to the four Timia species is compiled based on the puparium structure.

The reproduction strategies of invertebrates, oviparity, ovoviviparity and viviparity, always reflect the relationship between individuals and their surroundings. There is plasticity in the reproductive strategies of sarcosaphagous flies as they adjust to rapidly changing circumstances. The transition from oviparity to ovoviviparity or viviparity involves numerous changes in physiology, morphology and immunology. Demonstrating these processes can make the application of entomology work in forensic practice more reliable. This essay reviews means of reproduction in sarcosaphagous flies and identifies related features. It is shown that not only the reproduction traits, such as fast location of carrion, and uncommon number of ovaries and oogenesis, but also some morphological features are related to viviparity. In general, viviparous flies have larger adult bodies but smaller eggs and chorions. Moreover, the length of terminalia and the shape of the vagina also varies among those three modes. Reproductive plasticity is a bridge between the three reproductive modes, and it can greatly influence the inference of the post-mortem interval (PMImin).