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Widely distributed Species in different geological and ecological environments often exhibit great intraspecific diversity. Aphaniops stoliczkanus (Day, 1872) is an endemic species of Middle East occurring over a vast geographic range in different basins. This species has been observed in freshwater, brackish water and hot sulphur springs; therefore, its populations are known to exhibit considerable morphological variation. In the present study, we have investigated the poorly studied populations of A. stoliczkanus of the Hormuz and Makran basins of Iran in terms of otolith morphology and morphometrics. According to the results, these populations can be divided into two distinct groups including east and west of the Strait of Hormuz. Our results also provide evidence that there is a relationship between otolith morphology and the environment, serving as environmental factors that may influence the formation of specific regions in the otolith shape. Despite the remarkable morphological similarities among otoliths in geographically close populations of Charak and Chiruyeh, our data purposed that geographically these populations have different dorsal tip shapes in their otolith. In comparison to the data from other studies, the otoliths of Qeshm Island appear to resemble the overall shape of otolith found in Oman very closely. However, it is believed that Qeshm Island population was separated from the Hormuz basin populations during the Holocene Sea level rise. Also, the outcomes of this study provide insights into the potential role of environmental factors in shaping intraspecific diversity and the migration patterns of this species within the Persian Gulf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phaseolus vulgaris is a globally important legume cash crop, which can carry out symbiotic nitrogen fixation with rhizobia. The presence of suitable rhizobia in cultivating soils is crucial for legume cropping, especially in areas beyond the plant-host native range, where soils may lack efficient symbiotic partners. We analyzed the distribution patterns and traits of native rhizobia associated with P. vulgaris in soils of Yunnan, where the common bean experienced a recent expansion. A total of 608 rhizobial isolates were tracked from soils of fifteen sampling sites using two local varieties of P. vulgaris. The isolates were discriminated into 43 genotypes as defined by IGS PCR-RFLP. Multiple locus sequence analysis based on recA, atpD and rpoB of representative strains placed them into 11 rhizobial species of Rhizobium involving Rhizobium sophorae, Rhizobium acidisoli, Rhizobium ecuadorense, Rhizobium hidalgonense, Rhizobium vallis, Rhizobium sophoriradicis, Rhizobium croatiense, Rhizobium anhuiense, Rhizobium phaseoli, Rhizobium chutanense and Rhizobium etli, and five unknown Rhizobium species; Rhizobium genosp. I~V. R. phaseoli and R. anhuiense were the dominant species (28.0% and 28.8%) most widely distributed, followed by R. croatiense (14.8%). The other rhizobial species were less numerous or site-specific. Phylogenies of nodC and nifH markers, were divided into two specific symbiovars, sv. phaseoli regardless of the species affiliation and sv. viciae associated with R. vallis. Through symbiotic effect assessment, all the tested strains nodulated both P. vulgaris varieties, often resulting with a significant greenness index (91–98%). However, about half of them exhibited better plant biomass performance, at least on one common bean variety, and two isolates (CYAH-6 and BLYH-15) showed a better symbiotic efficiency score. Representative strains revealed diverse abiotic stress tolerance to NaCl, acidity, alkalinity, temperature, drought and glyphosate. One strain efficient on both varieties and exhibiting stress abiotic tolerance (BLYH-15) belonged to R. genosp. IV sv. phaseoli, a species first found as a legume symbiont. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present novel distributional information on the little-known snake species Dryophylax chaquensis (Bergna & Álvarez, 1993) in Bolivia, including the first record from Cochabamba Department. Our record extends the distribution of this species towards the Bolivian Inter-Andean Dry Forests by approximately 63 km to the west (in a straight line) from the nearest known locality in Vallegrande, Santa Cruz, Bolivia. We comment on the biogeographic distribution, altitude of occurrence, and aspects behavior and natural history of D. chaquensis in Bolivia.

Phylogenetic diversity studies of parasitic isopods in Egyptian fisheries are very limited, based on a few records of the single mitochondrial gene, COI. Consequently, there has been no mapping study to monitor the phylogenetic diversity and biogeographic distribution of parasitic isopods among a wide range of Egyptian fisheries, leading to gaps in our understanding of the origin and expansion of these parasites. Hence, this study focused on validating the taxonomy and phylogenetic distribution of parasitic isopods using two marker genes, nuclear 18S rDNA and mitochondrial COI. Isopods were collected from seven fish species, Liza ramada , Solea aegyptiaca , Tilapia zillii, Pomadasys sp., Dicentrarchus sp., Atherinomorus lacunosus , and Nemipterus japonicus at four distant Egyptian lakes, Lake Qarun, Bitter Lakes, Lake Burullus, and Lake Manzala; and two marine localities, Red Sea and Suez Gulf, respectively. Sequence analysis revealed 10 and 19 haplotypes of 18S rDNA and COI , respectively. Lake Qarun showed the highest haplotype intra-diversity and is considered a pool of haplotypes with ancestors from other distant lakes. The Red Sea and Suez Gulf haplotypes showed genetic divergence from those recovered from lakes, implicating endemic isopod species. Some haplotypes had mutations in COI-deduced catalytic amino acids. The lake haplotypes belonged to Livoneca redmanii , suggesting a biogeographic expansion of this species among distant Egyptian fisheries. A new genus belonging to the family Cymothoidae was recorded in the Red Sea fish A. lacunosus. Elthusa vulgaris -like haplotypes were recorded in the Suez Gulf fish N. japonicus. Hence, this study clarified the expansion of isopod phylogenetic diversity among varieties of fish species from distant localities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tintinnids (Ciliophora) are important microzooplankton grazers. In the Southern Ocean, they are found in the Antarctic Zone, Polar Front and Subantarctic Zone. The Antarctic Zone encompasses large gyres (Weddell Gyre and Ross Gyre) and the Antarctic Slope Current around the continent. The influence of these water masses on tintinnid communities has not been studied. This study investigated the tintinnid community structure in the Weddell and Cosmonaut seas in the summer of 2022. In the Weddell Gyre, tintinnid abundance was significantly lower in the interior than at the fronts. The dominant species differed between the east and west fronts: the proportion of Codonellopsis gaussi was high at the west front, whilst Laackmanniella naviculaefera, Salpingella sp. and Salpingella faurei showed high abundances at the east front. Tintinnid communities varied from inshore to offshore of the Cosmonaut Sea, possibly because of the influence from the Antarctic Slope Current and Antarctic Circumpolar Current. The Antarctic Slope Current was characterized by the occurrence of Cymatocylis drygalskii, whilst the Antarctic Circumpolar Current was characterized by Codonellopsis glacialis, Cymatocylis convallaria and Cy. calyciformis. We proposed that Cy. drygalskii can be used as an indicator of the Antarctic Slope Current. Moreover, we classify polymorphic C. gaussi into three types, in accordance with their loricae, and report their distribution characteristics in water masses. Our results contribute to a better understanding of tintinnid horizontal distribution in different parts of the Weddell Gyre and water masses and serve as a baseline for future studies of pelagic community responses to climate change in the Southern Ocean.

Three strains of thermophilic green sulfur bacteria (GSB) are known; all are from microbial mats in hot springs in Rotorua, New Zealand (NZ) and belong to the species Chlorobaculum tepidum. Here, we describe diverse populations of GSB inhabiting Travel Lodge Spring (TLS) (NZ) and hot springs ranging from 36.1 °C to 51.1 °C in the Republic of the Philippines (PHL) and Yellowstone National Park (YNP), Wyoming, USA. Using targeted amplification and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, GSB 16S rRNA sequences were detected in mats in TLS, one PHL site, and three regions of YNP. GSB enrichments from YNP and PHL mats contained small, green, nonmotile rods possessing chlorosomes, chlorobactene, and bacteriochlorophyll c. Partial 16S rRNA gene sequences from YNP, NZ, and PHL mats and enrichments from YNP and PHL samples formed distinct phylogenetic clades, suggesting geographic isolation, and were associated with samples differing in temperature and pH, suggesting adaptations to these parameters. Sequences from enrichments and corresponding mats formed clades that were sometimes distinct, increasing the diversity detected. Sequence differences, monophyly, distribution patterns, and evolutionary simulation modeling support our discovery of at least four new putative moderately thermophilic Chlorobaculum species that grew rapidly at 40 °C to 44 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and anthropogenic exploitation have led to the gradual salinization of inland waters worldwide. However, the impacts of this process on the prokaryotic plankton communities and their role in biogeochemical cycles in the inland lake are poorly known. Here, we take a space-for-time substitution approach, using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and metagenomic sequencing. We analyzed the prokaryotic plankton communities of 11 lakes in northwest China, with average water salinities ranging from 0.002 to 14.370%. The results demonstrated that, among the various environmental parameters, salinity was the most important driver of prokaryotic plankton β-diversity (Mantel test, r = 0.53, P < 0.001). (1) Under low salinity, prokaryotic planktons were assembled by stochastic processes and employed diverse halotolerant strategies, including the synthesis and uptake of compatible solutes and extrusion of Na+ or Li+ in exchange for H+. Under elevated salinity pressure, strong homogeneous selection meant that only planktonic prokaryotes showing an energetically favorable halotolerant strategy employing an Mnh-type Na+/H+ antiporter remained. (2) The decreasing taxonomic diversity caused by intense environmental filtering in high-salinity lakes impaired functional diversity related to substance metabolism. The prokaryotes enhanced the TCA cycle, carbon fixation, and low-energy-consumption amino acid biosynthesis in high-salinity lakes. (3) Elevated salinity pressure decreased the negative:positive cohesion and the modularity of the molecular ecology networks for the planktonic prokaryotes, indicating a precarious microbial network. Our findings provide new insights into plankton ecology and are helpful for the protecting of the biodiversity and function of inland lakes against the background of salinization. Key points: • Increased salinity enhances homogeneous selection in the microbial assembly. • Elevated salinity decreases the microbial co-occurrence networks stability. • High salinity damages the microbial function diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, and non-motile bacterial strain, designated SDUM287046T, was isolated from the coastal sediments of Jingzi Port of Weihai, China. Cells of strain SDUM287046T were rod-shaped with widths of 0.4–0.5 μm and lengths of 0.7–1.4 μm and could produce flexirubin-type pigments. Optimum growth of strain SDUM287046T occurred at 33–35 °C, pH 7.0, and with 2% (w/v) NaCl. Oxidase activity was negative, but catalase activity was positive. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain SDUM287046T was most closely related to Aequorivita aquimaris D-24T (98.3%). The main cellular fatty acids were iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 3–OH, and summed feature 9 (comprised of iso-C17:1 ω9c and/or C16:0 10-methyl). The sole respiratory quinone was MK-6. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), one aminolipid (AL), three unidentified glycolipids (GL), and three unidentified lipids (L). The DNA G + C content was 39.3 mol%. According to the integrated results of phylogenetic, physiological, biochemical, and chemotaxonomic characteristics, we propose that strain SDUM287046T represents a novel species of the genus Aequorivita, for which the name Aequorivita aurantiaca sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SDUM287046T (=KCTC 92754T = MCCC 1H01418T). Comparative genomic analysis showed that the 16 Aequorivita species shared 1453 core genes and differed mainly in amino acid metabolism, cofactor metabolism, and vitamin metabolism. Biogeographic distribution analysis indicated that the marine environments were the primary habitat of Aequorivita bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The patterns of biogeographic distribution and assembly processes of microbiota are of vital importance for understanding ecological adaptation and functioning maintenance. However, the role of morphological characteristics in microbial assembly is still poorly ascertained. Here, by integrating high-throughput sequencing and robust extrapolation of traits, we investigated taxonomic and phylogenetic turnovers of various cyanobacterial morphotypes in biocrusts to evaluate the contributions of deterministic and stochastic processes across a large scale of drylands in northwestern China. The results showed that the non-heterocystous filamentous category dominated biocrusts in the arid ecosystem and exhibited strong tolerance against environmental fluctuations. Despite the significant distance-decay relationship of β-diversity detected in all categories, both species composition and phylogenetic turnover rates of coccoid cyanobacteria were higher than non-heterocystous filamentous and heterocystous morphotypes. Moreover, the assembly of cyanobacteria was driven by different ecological processes that the entire community and non-heterocystous filamentous morphotype were governed by deterministic processes, while stochasticity prevailed in heterocystous and coccoid cyanobacteria. Nonetheless, aridity can modulate the balance between determinism and stochasticity and prompt a shifting threshold among morphotypes. Our findings provide a unique perspective to understanding the critical role of microbial morphology in community assembly and facilitate the prediction of biodiversity loss under climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deciphering biogeographical patterns of alkaline phosphatase (phoD)-harboring bacteria is essential to understand organic phosphorus mineralization. However, it is poorly understood about distribution pattern and diversity maintenance mechanisms of phoD-harboring bacteria (PHB) in watershed ecosystems. Here, we estimated ecological processes shaping landscape of PHB in soils and sediments along the Yangtze River. The PHB community similarity decayed against higher geographical distance at taxonomic and phylogenetic levels, and larger compositional variation in PHB community were found in sediments only. The PHB displayed higher α-diversities, broader environmental breadths, higher community stability, and stronger species replacement in soils. Conversely, PHB showed stronger phylogenetic signals in sediments. Stochastic and differentiating processes dominated community assemblies of PHB in both soils and sediments. Electrical conductivity displayed decisive roles in shaping PHB diversity for soils and sediments at taxonomic and phylogenetic levels. Our results emphasized differences in distribution patterns of PHB between soils and sediments, and highlighted ecological processes shaping landscapes of PHB in soils and sediments along the Yangtze River. The phosphorus cycling-related findings might be helpful to estimate ecological potential of a watershed ecosystem and could provide new insights for ecological protection policy for the Yangtze River.

China has unquestionably led efforts to 'green' drylands, but an evaluation of the large‐scale effects of afforestation in desert ecosystems mediated by soil microorganisms is lacking. The ecological functions of fungi are closely related to soil and plant health. Therefore, there is a lively interest in revealing the biogeographic patterns of root‐associated (RAF) and soil fungal (SF) communities of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica, a widespread evergreen tree endemic to Northern China. We revealed the community assembly of RAF and SF of natural forest and plantations in the Hulunbuir Desert, Horqin Desert, and Mu Us Desert and investigated fungal responses to geographical location, climate factors, soil properties, and stand age at regional and local scales. The results indicated that (1) SF was more diverse than RAF. For RAF, the diversity indices in the natural forest were significantly lower than those in plantations, and ectomycorrhizal fungi (50.37%) were the predominant functional guild in the natural forest. (2) At the local scale, SF, not RAF, is more sensitive to the impacts of soil properties. More than half of the differential genera were ectomycorrhizal and endophytic fungi, such as Acephala, Cadophora, Pustularia, and Trichoderma. (3) On the regional scale, precipitation and sunshine duration were the main influences on geographical differences in the fungal community composition. Geographical location directly and significantly influences RAF diversity and structure. The effect of climate factors on SF diversity was low, but it had a shaping effect on SF structure. Our results demonstrated that the fungal communities were geographically structured, a stable relationship was established between hosts and RAF, and soil nutrients had a significant impact on SF community composition. The ecological functions of fungi are important in evaluating afforestation efforts and maintaining stability in desert ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unisexual bryophytes provide excellent models to study the mechanisms that regulate the frequency of sexual versus asexual reproduction in plants, and their ecological and evolutionary implications. Here, we determined sex expression, phenotypic sex ratio, and individual shoot traits in 242 populations of the cosmopolitan moss Pseudoscleropodium purum spanning its whole distributional range. We tested whether niche differentiation, sex‐specific differences in shoot size, and biogeographical history explained the spatial variation of reproductive traits. We observed high levels of sex expression and predominantly female‐biased populations, although both traits showed high intraspecific variation among populations. Sex expression and sex ratio were partly explained by current macroscale environmental variation, with male shoots being less frequent at the higher end of the environmental gradients defined by the current distribution of the species. Female bias in population sex ratio was significantly lower in areas recolonized after the last glacial maximum (recent populations) than in glacial refugia (long‐term persistent populations). We demonstrated that reproductive trait variation in perennial unisexual mosses is partially driven by macroscale and historical environmental variation. Based on our results, we hypothesize that sexual dimorphism in environmental tolerance and vegetative growth contribute to sex ratio bias over time, constraining the chances of sexual reproduction, especially in long‐term persistent populations. Further studies combining genetic analyses and population monitoring should improve our understanding of the implications of the intraspecific variation in the frequency of sexual versus asexual reproduction in bryophyte population fitness and eco‐evolutionary dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a study on sediment bacterial diversity in coastal China, three bacterial strains, DH-69 T , EH-24, and ECK-19 T , were isolated from coastal sediments off Xiaoshi Island, Weihai. These strains were Gram-staining-negative, aerobic, and coccoid to rod-shaped with prosthecae and flagella. Comparison of the 16S rRNA gene showed that they shared the highest identity values with Hyphococcus flavus MCCC 1K03223 T (96.2-97.6 %), followed by Marinicaulis flavus SY-3-19 T (95.2-96.8 %) and Marinicaulis aureus HHTR114 T (95.2-96.2 %). Genome comparisons using average nucleotide identity (ANI) and average amino acid identity (AAI) suggested that the three novel strains and the three related strains belonged to the same genus, with strains DH-69 T , EH-24, and ECK-19 T identified as two distinct novel species. Pan-genome analysis revealed that 995 core genes were shared among 23 Hyphococcus genomes/MAGs. Secondary metabolites analysis identified a biosynthesis gene cluster for microsclerodermin, a potent antifungal peptide, in the novel strains. Moreover, these newly isolated strains were detected in various ecosystems, with a particular prevalence in marine environments, based on analysis of 500,048 amplicon datasets, underscoring their ecological preference. Based on polyphasic characterizations, strains DH-69 T and EH-24 represent a novel species of the genus Hyphococcus, for which the name Hyphococcus formosus sp. nov. is proposed with the type strain DH-69 T (= MCCC 1H00436 T  = KCTC 8010 T ). Strain ECK-19 T represents another novel Hyphococcus species, for which the name Hyphococcus lacteus sp. nov. is proposed with the type strain ECK-19 T (= MCCC 1H00435 T  = KCTC 8009 T ). Furthermore, Marinicaulis flavus and Marinicaulis aureus are proposed to be reclassified as Hyphococcus luteus nom. nov. and Hyphococcus aureus comb. nov., respectively, accompanied by an emended description of the genus Hyphococcus., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

A novel Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, and non-motile bacterial strain, designated SDUM287046T, was isolated from the coastal sediments of Jingzi Port of Weihai, China. Cells of strain SDUM287046T were rod-shaped with widths of 0.4–0.5 μm and lengths of 0.7–1.4 μm and could produce flexirubin-type pigments. Optimum growth of strain SDUM287046T occurred at 33–35 °C, pH 7.0, and with 2% (w/v) NaCl. Oxidase activity was negative, but catalase activity was positive. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain SDUM287046T was most closely related to Aequorivita aquimaris D-24T (98.3%). The main cellular fatty acids were iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 3–OH, and summed feature 9 (comprised of iso-C17:1 ω9c and/or C16:0 10-methyl). The sole respiratory quinone was MK-6. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), one aminolipid (AL), three unidentified glycolipids (GL), and three unidentified lipids (L). The DNA G + C content was 39.3 mol%. According to the integrated results of phylogenetic, physiological, biochemical, and chemotaxonomic characteristics, we propose that strain SDUM287046T represents a novel species of the genus Aequorivita, for which the name Aequorivita aurantiaca sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SDUM287046T (=KCTC 92754T = MCCC 1H01418T). Comparative genomic analysis showed that the 16 Aequorivita species shared 1453 core genes and differed mainly in amino acid metabolism, cofactor metabolism, and vitamin metabolism. Biogeographic distribution analysis indicated that the marine environments were the primary habitat of Aequorivita bacteria.

Rhizosolenia setigera is cosmopolitan diatom with broad distribution in many ocean regions with diverse environmental features, suggesting that R. setigera may have rich genetic diversity. Because genetic diversity of many phytoplankton species is high, we hypothesize that R. setigera genetic diversity is also high and genetic diversity plays a role in its adaptation and bloom development although no evidence has been documented so far to suggest that R. setigera HAB events are a strain-specific phenomenon. Because common molecular markers including 18S rDNA, 16S rDNA, ITS, and rbcL can not resolve R. setigera genetic diversity due to limited resolution, high-resolution molecular markers are needed for resolving and tracking R. setigera genetic diversity and biogeographic distribution. Here, we designed a new molecular marker R. setigera mitochondrial 1 (rsmt1) with high-resolution and high-specificity by comparative analysis of mitochondrial genomes (mtDNAs) of R. setigera strains isolated from various coastal regions of China. We ascertained R. setigera genetic diversity in coastal regions of China using this newly developed molecular marker and identified distribution patterns of R. setigera strains, demonstrating that rsmt1 could be generally applied to probe R. setigera genetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Chryseobacterium spp. are Gram-negative rods found ubiquitously in the environment, with certain species being reported as having unusual degrading properties. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is used widely in industry but causes serious global environmental pollution. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a novel bacterium, AC3, that efficiently degrades PVA. As the representative genome of Chryseobacterium nepalense, key genomic characteristics (e.g., mobile genetic elements, horizontal genes, genome-scale metabolic network, secondary metabolite biosynthesis gene clusters, and carbohydrate-active enzymes) were comprehensively investigated to reveal the potential genetic features of this species. Core genome phylogenetic analysis in combination with average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity, and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values provided an accurate taxonomic position of C. nepalense in the genus Chryseobacterium. Comparative genomic analysis of AC3 with closely related species suggested evolutionary dynamics characterized by a species-specific genetic repertoire, dramatic rearrangements, and evolutionary constraints driven by selective pressure, which facilitated the speciation and adaptative evolution of C. nepalense. Biogeographic characterization indicated that this species is ubiquitously distributed not only in soil habitats but also in a variety of other source niches. Bioinformatic analysis revealed the potential genetic basis of PVA degradation in AC3, which included six putative genes associated with the synthesis of PVA dehydrogenase, cytochrome c, oxidized PVA hydrolase, and secondary alcohol dehydrogenase. Our study reports the first complete genome of C. nepalense with PVA-degrading properties, providing comprehensive insights into the genomic characteristics of this species and increasing our understanding of the microbial degradation of PVA. IMPORTANCE Although PVA is a biodegradable polymer, the widespread use of PVA in global industrialization has resulted in serious environmental problems. To date, knowledge of effective and applicable PVA-degrading bacteria is limited, and thus, the discovery of novel PVA biodegraders is pertinent. Here, we isolated a novel bacterial strain, AC3, which efficiently degraded PVA. The complete genome of AC3 was sequenced as the first genome sequence of the species C. nepalense. Comparative genomic analysis was performed to comprehensively investigate the phylogenetic relationships, genome-scale metabolic network, key genomic characteristics associated with genomic evolution, evolutionary dynamics between AC3 and its close relatives, and biogeographic characterization of C. nepalense, particularly regarding the potential genetic basis of PVA degradation. These findings could advance our understanding of the genomic characteristics of C. nepalense and PVA bioremediation.

Background and aims - Climatic fluctuations during the Pleistocene altered the distribution of many species and even entire biomes, allowing some species to increase their range while others underwent reductions. Recent and ongoing anthropogenic climate change is altering climatic patterns very rapidly and is likely to impact species' distributions over shorter timescales than previous natural fluctuations. Therefore, we aimed to understand how Pleistocene and Holocene climatic fluctuations might have shaped the current distribution of Holoregmia and explore its expected distribution under future climate scenarios. Material and methods - We modelled the potential distribution of Holoregmia viscida (Martyniaceae), a monospecific plant genus endemic to the semi-arid Caatinga Domain in Brazil. We used an ensemble approach to model suitable areas for Holoregmia under present conditions, Paleoclimatic scenarios, and global warming scenarios in 2050 and 2090. Key results - Holocene climates in most Caatinga were too humid for Holoregmia, which restricted its suitable areas to the southern Caatinga, similar to its current distribution. However, under global warming scenarios, the Caatinga is expected to become too dry for this lineage, resulting in a steady decline in the area suitable for Holoregmia and even its possible extinction under the most pessimistic scenario modelled. Conclusion - The predicted extinction of the ancient and highly specialized Holoregmia viscida highlights the possible consequences of climate change for some species of endemic Caatinga flora. Invaluable phylogenetic diversity may be lost in the coming decades, representing millions of years of unique evolutionary history and consequent loss of evolutionary potential to adapt to future environmental changes in semi-arid environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Studies on the effects of temperature on physiological processes are essential to model macroalgae biogeographic distribution. Tetrasporophytes of Hypnea pseudomusciformis were collected from three floristic provinces (tropical, transition and warm temperate) along the Brazilian coast (~3.000 km), representing three ecotypes. Specimens were cultured under 20°C, 24°C, 28°C and 32°C for 21 days, then physiological parameters (growth rates, photosynthesis and pigments content) were analyzed. H. pseudomusciformis specimens tolerated a temperature variation from 20°C to 32°C. However, all ecotypes displayed a significant decrease in physiological performance at 32°C in all parameters analyzed. We hypothesized that the H. pseudomusciformis ecotype from the tropical province is already living at its thermal physiological limit, reaching its maximum growth only in the winter months (June to September), whereas a warm temperate ecotype reaches maximum growth in the summer months (December to March). This wide thermal optimum may be the reason for the widespread distribution of this species along the Brazilian coast, allowing it to occupy different thermal environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of Cytospora are considered important plant pathogens of a wide range of plant hosts, especially Salicaceae plants. Salix (Salicaceae, Malpighiales) has been widely cultivated in China because of its strong ecological adaptability, fast growth, and easy reproduction. In this study, a total of eight species of Cytospora were discovered on Salix in China, including C. ailanthicola, C. alba, C. chrysosperma, C. gigaspora, C. nivea, C. paracinnamomea, C. rostrata, and C. sophoriopsis. Among them, C. alba and C. paracinnamomea were identified as novel species based on morphology and phylogenetic analyses of ITS, act, rpb2, tef1-α, and tub2 gene sequences and were confirmed as pathogens of willow canker disease by pathogenicity tests. The mycelial growth rates of strains from these two novel species (C. alba and C. paracinnamomea) had optimum temperatures of 21 to 22 °C and an optimum pH value of 5 to 6. The effectiveness of six carbon sources on the mycelial growth showed that fructose and maltose had the highest influence. Cytospora species richness was significantly positively correlated with dry and wet areas. This study represents a significant evaluation of Cytospora associated with willow canker disease in China and provides a theoretical basis for predicting the potential risk of willow canker disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Pantanal floodplains of Brazil are a region of rich biodiversity. To date, the true richness of the Pantanal avifauna has not been explored satisfactorily caused by a lack of studies in the region and, especially, by the divergence of opinion among the works published by various authors on the many species found in the region. This is due to the lack of criteria in examining records, both with regard to the reliability of the identifications and in the precise geographical allocation. Therefore, in the study, we collage findings from various studies and records created by us in the last few decades from 199 distinct locations to produce a list of birds in the Pantanal floodplains. We grouped the results into three lists: primary, secondary, and tertiary. We found that the avifauna of the Pantanal floodplain is composed of a total of 617 species, of which 571 (92%) have supporting records of occurrence (primary list) and 46 still lack documentation (secondary list). The number of species listed here for the Pantanal floodplain represents 32% of all avifauna known to the Brazilian territory. This reflects the importance of the biome, as part of the national territory, for the maintenance of a meaningful avifaunistic richness. Migratory birds (n = 183), notably northern ones (n = 43), are among the main players involved in ecological processes of nutrient cycling and dispersion of important pathogens between the two continents. With regard to conservation, 25 species are included in some category of threat in the lists of threatened species with global extinction. We hope that our list will help future researchers a more definitive approach when researching the avian fauna in this bountiful region.

Abstract Background The broad-leaved Korean pine mixed forest is an important and typical component of a global temperate forest. Soil microbes are the main driver of biogeochemical cycling in this forest ecosystem and have complex interactions with carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) components in the soil. Results We investigated the vertical soil microbial community structure in a primary Korean pine-broadleaved mixed forest in Changbai Mountain (from 699 to 1177 m) and analyzed the relationship between the microbial community and both C and N components in the soil. The results showed that the total phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) of soil microbes and Gram-negative bacteria (G-), Gram-positive bacteria (G+), fungi (F), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and Actinomycetes varied significantly (p

Xenobiotics are generally known as man-made refractory organic pollutants widely distributed in various environments. For exploring the bioremediation possibility of xenobiotics, two novel xenobiotics-degrading strains affiliated with Azonexaceae were isolated. We report here the phylogenetics, genome, and geo-distribution of a novel and ubiquitous Azonexaceae species that primarily joins in the cometabolic process of some xenobiotics in natural communities. Strains s22 and t15 could be proposed as a novel species within Dechloromonas based on genomic and multi-phylogenetic analysis. Pan-genome analysis showed that the 63 core genes in Dechloromonas include genes for dozens of metabolisms such as nitrogen fixation protein (nifU), nitrogen regulatory protein (glnK), dCTP deaminase, C4-dicarboxylate transporter, and fructose-bisphosphate aldolase. Strains s22 and t15 have the ability to metabolize nitrogen, including nitrogen fixation, NirS-dependent denitrification, and dissimilatory nitrate reduction. Moreover, the novel species possesses the EnvZ-OmpR two-component system for controlling osmotic stress and QseC-QseB system for quorum sensing to rapidly sense environmental changes. It is intriguing that this new species has a series of genes for the biodegradation of some xenobiotics such as azathioprine, 6-Mercaptopurine, trinitrotoluene, chloroalkane, and chloroalkene. Specifically, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and 4-oxalocrotonate tautomerase (praC) in this novel species play important roles in the detoxification metabolism of some xenobiotics like dioxin, trichloroethene, chloroacetyl chloride, benzo[a]pyrene, and aflatoxin B1. Using data from GenBank, DDBJ and EMBL databases, we also demonstrated that members of this novel species were found globally in plants (e.g. rice), guts (e.g. insect), pristine and contaminated regions. Given these data, Dechloromonas sp. strains s22 and t15 take part in the biodegradation of some xenobiotics through key enzymes.

Microbial-mediated iron (Fe) oxidation and reduction greatly contribute to the biogeochemistry and mineralogy of ecosystems. However, knowledge regarding the composition and distribution patterns of iron redox cycling bacteria in peatlands remains limited. Here, using high-throughput sequencing, we compared biogeographic patterns and assemblies of the iron redox cycling bacterial community between soil and water samples obtained from different types of peatland across four regions in Northeast China. A total of 48 phylotypes were identified as potential iron redox bacteria, which had greater than 97% similarity with Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria (FeOB) and Fe(III)-reducing bacteria (FeRB). Among them, Rhodoferax, Clostridium, Geothrix, Sideroxydans, Geobacter, Desulfovibrio, and Leptothrix could be used as bioindicators in peatlands for characterizing different hydrological conditions and nutrient demands. Across all samples, bacterial communities associated with iron redox cycling were mainly affected by pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and Fe2+. Distance–decay relationship (DDR) analysis indicated that iron redox cycling bacterial communities in soil, but not in water, were highly correlated with geographic distance. Additionally, null model analysis revealed that stochastic processes substituted deterministic processes from minerotrophic fens to ombrotrophic bogs in soils, whereas deterministic processes were dominant in water. Overall, these observations suggest that bacteria involved in iron redox cycling are widespread in diverse habitats and exhibit distinct patterns of distribution and community assembly mechanisms between soil and water in peatlands.

Microbial-mediated iron (Fe) oxidation and reduction greatly contribute to the biogeochemistry and mineralogy of ecosystems. However, knowledge regarding the composition and distribution patterns of iron redox cycling bacteria in peatlands remains limited. Here, using high-throughput sequencing, we compared biogeographic patterns and assemblies of the iron redox cycling bacterial community between soil and water samples obtained from different types of peatland across four regions in Northeast China. A total of 48 phylotypes were identified as potential iron redox bacteria, which had greater than 97% similarity with Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria (FeOB) and Fe(III)-reducing bacteria (FeRB). Among them, Rhodoferax , Clostridium , Geothrix , Sideroxydans , Geobacter , Desulfovibrio , and Leptothrix could be used as bioindicators in peatlands for characterizing different hydrological conditions and nutrient demands. Across all samples, bacterial communities associated with iron redox cycling were mainly affected by pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and Fe2+. Distance–decay relationship (DDR) analysis indicated that iron redox cycling bacterial communities in soil, but not in water, were highly correlated with geographic distance. Additionally, null model analysis revealed that stochastic processes substituted deterministic processes from minerotrophic fens to ombrotrophic bogs in soils, whereas deterministic processes were dominant in water. Overall, these observations suggest that bacteria involved in iron redox cycling are widespread in diverse habitats and exhibit distinct patterns of distribution and community assembly mechanisms between soil and water in peatlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alginate, mainly derived from brown algae, is an important carbon source that can support the growth of marine microorganisms in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. However, there is a lack of systematic investigation and comparison of alginate utilization pathways in culturable bacteria from both polar regions. In this study, 88 strains were isolated from the Arctic and Antarctic regions, of which 60 strains could grow in the medium with alginate as the sole carbon source. These alginate-utilizing strains belong to 9 genera of the phyla Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. The genomes of 26 alginate-utilizing strains were sequenced and genomic analyses showed that they all contain the gene clusters related to alginate utilization. The alginate transport systems of Proteobacteria differ from those of Bacteroidetes and there may be unique transport systems among different genera of Proteobacteria. The biogeographic distribution pattern of alginate utilization genes was further investigated. The alginate utilization genes are found to cluster according to bacterial taxonomy rather than geographic location, indicating that the alginate utilization genes do not evolve independently in both polar regions. This study systematically illustrates the alginate utilization pathways in culturable bacteria from the Arctic and Antarctic regions, shedding light into the distribution and evolution of alginate utilization pathways in polar bacteria.

Species of Cytospora are considered important plant pathogens of a wide range of plant hosts, especially Salicaceae plants. Salix (Salicaceae, Malpighiales) has been widely cultivated in China because of its strong ecological adaptability, fast growth, and easy reproduction. In this study, a total of eight species of Cytospora were discovered on Salix in China, including C. ailanthicola, C. alba, C. chrysosperma, C. gigaspora, C. nivea, C. paracinnamomea, C. rostrata, and C. sophoriopsis. Among them, C. alba and C. paracinnamomea were identified as novel species based on morphology and phylogenetic analyses of ITS, act, rpb2, tef1-α, and tub2 gene sequences and were confirmed as pathogens of willow canker disease by pathogenicity tests. The mycelial growth rates of strains from these two novel species (C. alba and C. paracinnamomea) had optimum temperatures of 21 to 22 °C and an optimum pH value of 5 to 6. The effectiveness of six carbon sources on the mycelial growth showed that fructose and maltose had the highest influence. Cytospora species richness was significantly positively correlated with dry and wet areas. This study represents a significant evaluation of Cytospora associated with willow canker disease in China and provides a theoretical basis for predicting the potential risk of willow canker disease.

Alginate, mainly derived from brown algae, is an important carbon source that can support the growth of marine microorganisms in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. However, there is a lack of systematic investigation and comparison of alginate utilization pathways in culturable bacteria from both polar regions. In this study, 88 strains were isolated from the Arctic and Antarctic regions, of which 60 strains could grow in the medium with alginate as the sole carbon source. These alginate-utilizing strains belong to 9 genera of the phyla Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. The genomes of 26 alginate-utilizing strains were sequenced and genomic analyses showed that they all contain the gene clusters related to alginate utilization. The alginate transport systems of Proteobacteria differ from those of Bacteroidetes and there may be unique transport systems among different genera of Proteobacteria. The biogeographic distribution pattern of alginate utilization genes was further investigated. The alginate utilization genes are found to cluster according to bacterial taxonomy rather than geographic location, indicating that the alginate utilization genes do not evolve independently in both polar regions. This study systematically illustrates the alginate utilization pathways in culturable bacteria from the Arctic and Antarctic regions, shedding light into the distribution and evolution of alginate utilization pathways in polar bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population of snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is declining across their range, due to poaching, habitat fragmentation, retaliatory killing, and a decrease of wild prey species. Obtaining information on rare and cryptic predators living in remote and rugged terrain is important for making conservation and management strategies. We used the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) ecological niche modeling framework to predict the potential habitat of snow leopards across the western Himalayan region, India. The model was developed using 34 spatial species occurrence points in the western Himalaya, and 26 parameters including, prey species distribution, temperature, precipitation, land use and land cover (LULC), slope, aspect, terrain ruggedness and altitude. Thirteen variables contributed 98.6% towards predicting the distribution of snow leopards. The area under the curve (AUC) score was high (0.994) for the training data from our model, which indicates predictive ability of the model. The model predicted that there was 42 432 km2 of potential habitat for snow leopards in the western Himalaya region. Protected status was available for 11 247 km2 (26.5%), but the other 31 185 km2 (73.5%) of potential habitat did not have any protected status. Thus, our approach is useful for predicting the distribution and suitable habitats and can focus field surveys in selected areas to save resources, increase survey success, and improve conservation efforts for snow leopards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Australia, Phytophthora cinnamomi is the only species reported as the causal agent of stem canker and root rot in macadamia. In other countries, five Phytophthora species have been reported to cause diseases in macadamia, which led us to question if more than one Phytophthora species is responsible for poor tree health in macadamia orchards in Australia. To investigate this, samples were collected from the rhizosphere, stem, and root tissues of trees with and without symptoms, nurseries, and water sources from 70 commercial macadamia orchards in Australia. Phytophthora isolates were identified based on morphological characteristics and DNA sequencing. P. cinnamomi was the most predominant and widely distributed species, and was obtained from the different types of samples including symptomless root tissues. In addition to P. cinnamomi, only P. multivora was isolated from diseased tissue (stem canker) samples. Six other Phytophthora species were obtained from the rhizosphere samples: P. pseudocryptogea, P. citrophthora, P. nicotianae, P. gondwanense, P. sojae, and a new Phytophthora taxon. Only P. cinnamomi was obtained from macadamia nursery samples, while five Phytophthora species were obtained from water sources. Of the heterothallic Phytophthora species, mating type A2 isolates were dominant in P. cinnamomi isolates, whereas only mating type A1 isolates were obtained for P. nicotianae, P. pseudocryptogea, and P. citrophthora. Pathogenicity assays revealed that P. cinnamomi and P. multivora caused significantly larger stem and leaf lesions than P. citrophthora, P. nicotianae, and P. pseudocryptogea. Phytophthora sp. and P. sojae were nonpathogenic towards leaves and stems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional genes, namely hzo/hao, nirS, hzs, and ccs gene, are efficient with high specificity for detecting anammox bacteria. Sc-nirS and An-nirS primer sets were proposed for targeting Scalindua/non-Scalindua anammox bacterial groups; previously, they have not been assessed for biogeographic study on marine-terrestrial transitional systems, specifically marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we report phylogenetic distribution pattern of anammox bacteria in both northern South China Sea (nSCS) and Mai Po wetland (a coastal mangrove) using nirS gene-based primers. A well-delineated biogeographic distribution pattern from ocean to continental shelf was evident by combining both gene-based analyses as previously depicted using 16S rRNA as the biomarker. Furthermore, factors affecting the abundance and composition of An-nirS genes in Mai Po wetland were identified as substrate (NO3−/NO2− concentration) and anoxic/oxic condition in association to depth. An-nirS gene abundance was from 2.6 × 103 to 1.2–1.4 × 104 copies/g dry sediment in nSCS; and it was around 5 × 103 and 1–2 × 104 copies/g dry sediment in surface and subsurface sediments of Mai Po wetland, respectively. In addition, nirS gene abundance and distribution pattern of denitrifiers and anammox bacteria in the wetland indicates a competition relationship between them. Mangrove vegetation affected the community composition of An-nirS gene considerably, and a more homogeneous distribution pattern was observed in the mangrove forest than intertidal mudflats. Sc/An-nirS gene-based biogeographic insights on anammox bacteria have shed lights on the compositional and potential functional dynamics and emphasized the importance of molecular tools on refining the current microbial ecological patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus-like species are gram-positive bacteria that are ubiquitous in soils. Many of Bacillus-like bacteria are demonstrated as beneficial microbes widely used in industry and agriculture. However, the knowledge related to their diversity and distribution patterns in soils is still rudimentary. In this study, we developed a combined research method of using culture-dependent and high-throughput sequencing to investigate the composition and diversity of cultivable Bacillus-like bacterial communities across 26 soil samples obtained from the black soil zone in northeast China. Nearly all bacterial 16S rDNA sequences were classified into the order Bacillales. Fifteen genera were detected, with Bacillus, Paenibacillus, and Brevibacillus being the three most abundant genera. Although more than 2,000 OTUs were obtained across all samples, 33 OTUs were confirmed as the abundant species with a relative abundance over 5% in at least one sample. Pairwise analysis showed that the diversity of Bacillus-like bacterial communities were significantly and positively correlated with soil total carbon contents and soil sampling latitudes, which suggests that a latitudinal gradient diversity of Bacillus-like bacterial communities exists in the black soil zone. The principal coordinates analysis revealed that the Bacillus-like bacterial communities were remarkably affected by soil sampling latitudes and soil total carbon content. In general, this study demonstrated that a distinct biogeographic distribution pattern of cultivable Bacillus-like bacterial communities existed in the black soil zone, which emphasizes that the strategy of local isolation and application of beneficial Bacillus-like strains is rather important in black soil agriculture development.

Bacillus -like species are gram-positive bacteria that are ubiquitous in soils. Many of Bacillus -like bacteria are demonstrated as beneficial microbes widely used in industry and agriculture. However, the knowledge related to their diversity and distribution patterns in soils is still rudimentary. In this study, we developed a combined research method of using culture-dependent and high-throughput sequencing to investigate the composition and diversity of cultivable Bacillus -like bacterial communities across 26 soil samples obtained from the black soil zone in northeast China. Nearly all bacterial 16S rDNA sequences were classified into the order Bacillales. Fifteen genera were detected, with Bacillus , Paenibacillus , and Brevibacillus being the three most abundant genera. Although more than 2,000 OTUs were obtained across all samples, 33 OTUs were confirmed as the abundant species with a relative abundance over 5% in at least one sample. Pairwise analysis showed that the diversity of Bacillus -like bacterial communities were significantly and positively correlated with soil total carbon contents and soil sampling latitudes, which suggests that a latitudinal gradient diversity of Bacillus -like bacterial communities exists in the black soil zone. The principal coordinates analysis revealed that the Bacillus -like bacterial communities were remarkably affected by soil sampling latitudes and soil total carbon content. In general, this study demonstrated that a distinct biogeographic distribution pattern of cultivable Bacillus -like bacterial communities existed in the black soil zone, which emphasizes that the strategy of local isolation and application of beneficial Bacillus -like strains is rather important in black soil agriculture development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black soils (Mollisols) of northeast China are highly productive and agriculturally important for food production. Ammonia-oxidizing microbes play an important role in N cycling in the black soils. However, the information related to the composition and distribution of ammonia-oxidizing microbes in the black soils has not yet been addressed. In this study, we used the amoA gene to quantify the abundance and community composition of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) across the black soil zone. The amoA abundance of AOA was remarkably larger than that of AOB, with ratios of AOA/AOB in the range from 3.1 to 91.0 across all soil samples. The abundance of AOA amoA was positively correlated with total soil C content (p < 0.001) but not with soil pH (p > 0.05). In contrast, the abundance of AOB amoA positively correlated with soil pH (p = 0.009) but not with total soil C. Alpha diversity of AOA did not correlate with any soil parameter, however, alpha diversity of AOB was affected by multiple soil factors, such as soil pH, total P, N, and C, available K content, and soil water content. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that the AOA community was mainly affected by the sampling latitude, followed by soil pH, total P and C; while the AOB community was mainly determined by soil pH, as well as total P, C and N, water content, and sampling latitude, which highlighted that the AOA community was more geographically distributed in the black soil zone of northeast China than AOB community. In addition, the pairwise analyses showed that the potential nitrification rate (PNR) was not correlated with alpha diversity but weakly positively with the abundance of the AOA community (p = 0.048), whereas PNR significantly correlated positively with the richness (p = 0.003), diversity (p = 0.001) and abundance (p < 0.001) of the AOB community, which suggested that AOB community might make a greater contribution to nitrification than AOA community in the black soils when ammonium is readily available.

[Display omitted] • Higher alkaline phosphatase activity was found for sediments rather than soils. • Community similarity decayed against higher geographical distance. • Different landscapes of phoD -harboring bacteria between soils and sediments. • Electrical conductivity shaping taxonomic and phylogenetic α-diversities. • Ecological processes drive biogeography of phoD -harboring bacteria. Deciphering biogeographical patterns of alkaline phosphatase (phoD)-harboring bacteria is essential to understand organic phosphorus mineralization. However, it is poorly understood about distribution pattern and diversity maintenance mechanisms of phoD -harboring bacteria (PHB) in watershed ecosystems. Here, we estimated ecological processes shaping landscape of PHB in soils and sediments along the Yangtze River. The PHB community similarity decayed against higher geographical distance at taxonomic and phylogenetic levels, and larger compositional variation in PHB community were found in sediments only. The PHB displayed higher α-diversities, broader environmental breadths, higher community stability, and stronger species replacement in soils. Conversely, PHB showed stronger phylogenetic signals in sediments. Stochastic and differentiating processes dominated community assemblies of PHB in both soils and sediments. Electrical conductivity displayed decisive roles in shaping PHB diversity for soils and sediments at taxonomic and phylogenetic levels. Our results emphasized differences in distribution patterns of PHB between soils and sediments, and highlighted ecological processes shaping landscapes of PHB in soils and sediments along the Yangtze River. The phosphorus cycling-related findings might be helpful to estimate ecological potential of a watershed ecosystem and could provide new insights for ecological protection policy for the Yangtze River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lichen-forming genusParmeliaAcharius occurs worldwide but its centre of distribution is in the northern hemisphere and it is widespread in boreal-temperate Eurasia and North America. Recent molecular work onParmeliahas identified phylogenetic relationships within two major groups of the genus:P. saxatiliss. lat. andP. sulcatas. lat. However, little is known about the diversification and historical biogeography of these groups. Here we have used a dataset of two genetic markers and 64 samples to estimate phylogenetic relationships withinParmelia.The dated phylogeny provides evidence for major diversification during the Neogene and Pleistocene. These diversification events are probably correlated with climatic changes during these periods. Evidence of gene flow within species between populations from North America and Europe has been found in three species:P. sulcataTaylor,P. saxatilis(L.) Acharius andP. barrenoaeDivakar, M.C. Molina & A. Crespo. Cryptic species recently segregated on the basis of molecular differences (P. encryptataA. Crespo, Divakar & M.C. Molina vs.P. sulcataandP. saxatilisvs.P. mayiDivakar, A. Crespo & M.C. Molina) do not share a common ancestor. Moreover, theP. saxatiliscomplex is remarkably diverse. Two morphotypes ofP. saxatiliss. lat. were shown to represent independent monophyletic lineages. Consequently, two species (P. sulymaeGoward, Divakar, & M.C. Molina & A. Crespo andP. imbricariaGoward, Divakar, M.C. Molina & A. Crespo) are newly described here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gondwanan origin, northward migration and subsequent collision with Asia means that the Indian subcontinent is of particular interest regarding the origin and dispersal of numerous plants and animal species. With this in mind, we describe a fossil leaf of Aporosa Blume (Phyllanthaceae) from the Paleogene of the Indian subcontinent and discuss its evolution and diversification with respect to the moving Indian plate and its connection with Southeast Asia since the early Cenozoic. At present, Aporosa Blume is confined to Southeast Asia with a few species in India and New Guinea. It is represented by six endemic species growing in the evergreen forests of India and Sri Lanka, including Aporosa acuminata Thwaites, which is morphologically close to the here described fossil from Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. From the age of the fossil and the distribution of its modern comparable form, it is assumed that Aporosa originated on the Indian subcontinent and then was distributed to Southeast Asia, supporting the ‘Out of India’ hypothesis. Diversification of the genus might have taken place either in the Paleogene or Neogene. Our fossil leaf material also indicates the existence of palaeoequatorial (< 10° N) tropical rain forests in western India during the Paleogene in contrast to dry and desertic climate occurring today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A total of 67 species and 12,304 individuals from Mt. Jirisan. • Higher species richness and abundance from the northern slope than the southern slope. • Species richness increased with elevation and the abundance showed hump-shaped. • Spatial turnover for the mountain and nestedness for slope level. • Ground beetle assemblages depended on elevation and soil. We examined the diversity of ground-dwelling (epigaeic) beetles at different elevations of the northern and southern slopes of Mt. Jirisan National Park, South Korea. We selected eight study sites from both slopes and collected the beetles 10 times from May 2018 to August 2019 using pitfall traps. We collected a total of 67 species and 12,304 individuals and found higher species richness and abundance among the beetles from the northern slope (54 species and 6,969 individuals) than the southern slope (46 species and 5,335 individuals). We observed that the proportion of species based on the biogeographic affinity (Palearctic or Oriental) did not depend on the elevation and slope. The species richness increased with elevation and the abundance showed hump-shaped with a peak at 800 m. While the overall beta diversity was similar at the mountain and slope levels, the underlying processes such as spatial turnover and nestedness differed at the mountain and slope levels, respectively. We found that the ground beetle assemblages depended on elevation and soil characteristics such as soil organic matter and pH but were unaffected by the vegetation type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We give an update on the worldwide spoligotype database, which now contains 3,319 spoligotype patterns of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 47 countries, with 259 shared types, i.e., identical spoligotypes shared by two or more patient isolates. The 259 shared types contained a total of 2,779 (84%) of all the isolates. Seven major genetic groups represented 37% of all clustered isolates. Two types (119 and 137) were found almost exclusively in the USA and accounted for 9% of clustered isolates. The remaining 1,517 isolates were scattered into 252 different spoligotypes. This database constitutes a tool for pattern comparison of M. tuberculosis clinical isolates for global epidemiologic studies and phylogenetic purposes.