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A range-wide phylogenetic/phylogeographic study of the three-toed jerboas of the genus Stylodipus is conducted using the mitochondrial cytb gene and fragments of several nuclear genes. The genus has been believed to include three species: S. telum (W Central Asia, SE Europe), S. andrewsi (E Central Asia), and S. sungorus (Dzungar basin). Our data support the dichotomy between S. andrewsi and the other taxa forming S. telum species group. Within the latter, both mtDNA and nuclear loci indicate a species-level divergence between S. telum and the S. t. birulae lineage (Zaisan depression, NE Kazakhstan), previously considered a subspecies of S. telum and here elevated to full species. S. sungorus is recovered as a close sister group to S. birulae on the basis of nuclear data but clustered with S. telum in the mitochondrial tree. The latter taxon is the most variable and includes two closely related eastern and western sublineages, separated by the Volga-Ural sands and joined by a more divergent S. t. karelini lineage (E Kazakhstan). The observed mitonuclear discordance is hypothesized to occur due to mtDNA introgression resulting from hybridization between S. sungorus and S. t. karelini, which highlights the important role of reticulations in the evolution of Dipodidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assemblage of small mammals from a site near Yeniköy (Anatolia) is described. The assemblage was collected by screen-washing a sample from a locality in the Selimye Formation (Sivas basin). The site has a magneto-stratigraphic calibrated age of 29 Ma (younger part of the early Oligocene). The murids dominate in this relatively small collection with Eucricetodon and Pseudocricetodon. In addition, a dipodid, an unidentified erinaceide and the new baluchimyin hystricognath genus and species Zorania milosi nov. gen. et nov. sp. are present. The study of Eucricetodon, Pseudocricetodon and Zorania nov. sp. includes an analysis of incisor enamel microstructure. The incisor microstructure of Eucricetodon shows that there are several parallel long-living lineages within the genus. The Anatolia-Balkans biogeography of the late Eocene-Oligocene is reviewed. Its rodent assemblages are characterised by dominance of murids and presence of taxa that are known from low-latitude Asia. The Paleogene Anatolia-Balkans biogeographic province, is therefore rather different from those of western European and the Indian subcontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The northern three-toed jerboa Dipus sagitta had long been considered to be a single polytypic species. High genetic diversity of D. sagitta was earlier revealed on the basis of several mitochondrial and nuclear genes, and several separate species were hypothesized to occur within the taxon. However, the relationships between phylogenetic lineages have not been established because of the small sample size of nuclear genes. In the present work, a far larger set of nuclear DNA loci was used, and thus, a higher resolution of the phylogenetic tree was achieved for ten D. sagitta forms. The structure revealed for the species mainly confirmed the topology and relationships of the mtDNA lineages. Yet the mitochondrial and nuclear phylogenies were not completely consistent. Some of the D. sagitta genetic lineages were therefore assumed to be a product of reticular evolutionary processes. The taxon was concluded to be the diverse species complex D. sagitta sensu lato, in which long-diverged lineages are not always reproductively isolated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A range-wide phylogenetic/phylogeographic study of the three-toed jerboas of the genus Stylodipus is conducted using the mitochondrial cytb gene and fragments of several nuclear genes. The genus has been believed to include three species: S. telum (W Central Asia, SE Europe), S. andrewsi (E Central Asia), and S. sungorus (Dzungar basin). Our data support the dichotomy between S. andrewsi and the other taxa forming S. telum species group. Within the latter, both mtDNA and nuclear loci indicate a species-level divergence between S. telum and the S. t. birulae lineage (Zaisan depression, NE Kazakhstan), previously considered a subspecies of S. telum and here elevated to full species. S. sungorus is recovered as a close sister group to S. birulae on the basis of nuclear data but clustered with S. telum in the mitochondrial tree. The latter taxon is the most variable and includes two closely related eastern and western sublineages, separated by the Volga-Ural sands and joined by a more divergent S. t. karelini lineage (E Kazakhstan). The observed mitonuclear discordance is hypothesized to occur due to mtDNA introgression resulting from hybridization between S. sungorus and S. t. karelini, which highlights the important role of reticulations in the evolution of Dipodidae.

The rodent associations from the late Oligocene deposits of Ugljevik and Paragovo in the Pannonian basin are described. Pannoniamys paragovensis, a new genus and species of Spalacidae, is defined. The published data from a third late Oligocene locality in the area (Banovići) is included in the discussion of the changes in community structure through the time-interval studied. Although the composition of the rodent faunas studied differs, the dominating cricetid genus in all three associations is Deperetomys, a genus that appears in western Europe during the late middle Miocene. While the late Oligocene rodent record of central and southwestern Europe is characterised by endemic development, the regime in the Balkans seems to have been one of multiple immigrations and replacements. The late Oligocene age of the rodent fauna from Ugljevik estimated at about 26 Ma, provides a minimum age for the start of rifting in the Pannonian basin, some 6 Ma earlier than previously documented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolated cheek teeth of the Asian dipodid Heosminthus primiveris from four early Oligocene localities in the Koritnica-Babušnica basin, south-east Serbia, are described. The record of the Paleogene Dipodidae of Central Asia and Europe is briefly discussed. The current view of the migration pattern of the Paleogene Dipodidae between central Asia and Europe is revised: the migration of Plesiosminthus into Europe during the late Oligocene was preceded by the immigration of Heosminthus into the Serbo-Macedonian high (S. E. Europe) during the early Oligocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phylogeographical study of the small five-toed jerboa (Scarturus elater) and examination of the phylogenetic position of S. vinogradovi were performed using the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene and fragments of the BRCA1 and IRBP nuclear genes. Phylogenetic analysis of the cytb data including 115 specimens of S. elater from 47 localities across the species range revealed the existence of three highly divergent (10–11.3%) genetic clades: North (N), South (S) and South-West (SW). The N and S clades are well supported by nuclear genes and occur in sympatry across a large part of the range south of the Aral Sea. We found no trace of admixture between these clades, which suggests their reproductive isolation. We detected no morphological differences in the skull or glans penis between these two lineages, which we consider to represent an intriguing example of cryptic species. Given the reciprocal monophyly and deep genetic divergence, the SW lineage also deserves full species rank. The data indicate that S. vinogradovi is not a close relative of S. elater. It is placed as a separate deep branch in a clade also containing S. elater s.l. and S. williamsi + S. euphratica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phylogeographical study of the northern three-toed jerboa, Dipus sagitta, which has one of the largest geographical ranges among Palaearctic desert rodents, was performed using complete mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) and fragments of two nuclear genes. Phylogenetic analysis of the Cytb data, including 222 specimens from 69 localities revealed, six allopatric lineages divergent at 7.4-10.1%. In some lineages the Cytb data are supported by nuclear data, thus confirming a high level of cryptic diversity within D. sagitta. The recovered pattern of genetic differentiation was reviewed from a taxonomic perspective. In general, the mitochondrial lineages show relatively good correlation with morphological subspecies. Both mitochondrial and nuclear data support the isolated position of the Qaidam lineage, which diverged from the rest in the Early Pleistocene (~1.5 Myr) according to our molecular clock results. Therefore, we propose to recognize this lineage as a separate species, Dipus deasyi; the taxonomic status of other lineages remains to be clarified. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the centre of the origin of the D. sagitta complex is located in the eastern part of the range. The geographical structure of genetic variation in D. sagitta is compared to those in other desert rodents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of molar teeth from low-crowned (brachyodont) to high-crowned (hypsodont) has traditionally been recognized as a response to increasing tooth wear due to endogenous (e.g., fiber, silica) and/ or exogenous (e.g., dust, grit) properties of ingested food. Recent work indicates that the mean hypsodonty level of large herbivorous land mammalian communities is a strong predictor of precipitation in their habitats . For small mammals, however, the research is still in an early stage. This study performed comparative studies of hypsodonty on 26 extant dipodid species with and without consideration of phylogeny. The results confirm the role of diet in shaping the cheek tooth crown height in Dipodidae. The significant relationship of investigated environmental variables with hypsodonty may be partly due to phylogenetic effects. Nonetheless, the mean hypsodonty of dipodid communities has significant relationship with regional climatic variables. Hence, the hypsodonty of dipodids also has great potential to be a regional climate proxy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New dipodid occurrences (Heosminthus nomogenesissp. nov.,Sinosminthussp.,Allosminthuscf.A. majusculus,Allosminthus ernosandAllosminthuscf.A. diconjugatus) are reported from the ‘Upper Red’ beds of the Erden Obo section in Nei Mongol, China.Heosminthus nomogenesisis similar toHeosminthus primiverisfrom the Caijiachong Formation, and it is more primitive thanHeosminthus chimidaeof the Mongolian biozone A.Allosminthuscf.A. majusculushas a more variable mesolophid and metalophid in m1-2. Based on the dipodid assemblage, the age of the ‘Upper Red’ of the Erden Obo section is late Eocene and correlative to the Ergilian. Based on the comparison of their morphological characters, we recognize some differences between the stem dipodoids and muroids. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

From 1999 through 2012, a total of 541 individual rodents (jerboas of the family Dipodidae) were collected from several habitat types, primarily from the Gobi region of Mongolia, and were examined for helminth and protistan parasites. Of those rodents, 25 were identified as Pygeretmus pumilio Kerr, 1792 (Rodentia: Dipodidae), whereas 516 were other species of jerboa from the provinces of Dornogobi, Dundgobi, Omnogobi, Ovorhangai, Bayanhongor, Gobi Altai, and Hovd. During our field work, we collected several cestodes; some of which represented undescribed species, and these new species occurred in 40% of P. pumilio from four separate collecting localities. We designate this new species as Catenotaenia tuyae n. sp. (Cyclophyllidea: Catenotaeniidae), which is characterized by having relatively long and narrow gravid proglottids and an ovary in mature segments that is located antiporally in the anterior portion of the mature proglottids. In addition, the position and the ratio of the genital pore toward the anterior end of the proglottids are unique and the ovary is elongate, being confined to the antiporal part of the mature proglottid. These morphological features serve to differentiate Catenotaenia tuyae from all other species in the genus included in the phylogenetic analysis and are supported by molecular phylogenetic evidence using the 28S ribosomal RNA gene. The intensity of C. tuyae infection in Pygeretmus ranged from 1 to 3 individual cestodes per infected host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allactaga sibirica (Dipodidae) is widely distributed in the northwestern arid regions of China. The complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of A. sibirica was 16,685 bp in length; included 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosome genes, 22 tRNA genes, and one control region; and had a structure that was typical of vertebrates. The base composition and codon usage of the mitogenome are described, and the structure of the non-coding sequence in the A. sibirica is reported for the first time. The putative origin of replication for the light strand of A. sibirica was approximately 45 bp long, and was highly conserved in the stem-loop and adjacent sequences. Phylogenetic analyses showed high resolution in each of the main divergent clades within Dipodoidea using mitogenomes data. The results indicated that the Zapodidae group was a representative of very basal taxon in Dipodoidea, and shared a common ancestor with Dipodidae species. Within Dipodidae clade, Allactaginae species was at basal position, and this result was in line with previous molecular systematic and morphological studies. Furthermore, Euchoreutes naso and A. sibirica had a close relationship could implicate a sister-group relationship between Euchoreutinae and Allactaginae. Meanwhile, this work also provided a set of useful data on phylogeny and molecular evolution in Dipodidae species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The greater Egyptian jerboa Jaculus orientalis is a member of the subfamily Dipodinae and widely distributed in Tunisia. Previous allozymic and karyotypic studies showed high gene flow and absence of genetic structuration. This study aimed to analyze the geographic patterns of cranial morphometric variation among populations of this species in Tunisia. The extent of morphometric patterns was addressed in a survey of 13 craniodental characters among 162 adult specimens collected from 12 localities within its distribution range by using univariate and multivariate statistics. Our results supported the existence of three morphotypes of this species comparable to three climatic zones, the northern, central, and southern regions of Tunisia. The probability of the correct classification of specimens was 99.38%, indicating significant degrees of variation in craniodental characteristics among these three morphotypes. In addition, we tested the effects of age, sex, geography, and some habitat variables (such as precipitation) on the size of the skull. The results showed that latitude and precipitation had significant effects on skull size. Hence, the pattern of morphometric variation is probably correlated with local environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lesser Egyptian jerboa Jaculus jaculus, is a member of the subfamily Dipodinae, known to have a number of subspecies. Previous studies of J. jaculus from North Africa found various morphological forms of unknown taxonomic status, which are frequently grouped into two taxa: J. jaculus and J. deserti. We assessed the taxonomic status of this taxon in Tunisia using allozymic (phylogenetic analysis of 23 genetic loci encoding 16 enzymatic proteins) and morphological (multivariate analysis of 13 craniodental characters) analyses of 136 J. jaculus specimens collected from seven localities within its distribution range. Allozymic analysis clearly indicated the existence of two distinct groups of J. jaculus, with a mean genetic distance (D) value of 0.99 and FST=0.52. Individuals within the two groups did not show any obvious geographical structuration, even within the Matmata locality which represents the meeting point for the two groups where they were found in sympatry. Additionally, morphometric analysis of 13 craniodental characters was clearly separated the two groups. These results were obtained over a very restricted area of the total distribution of J. jaculus and strongly suggest the occurrence of two separate and often sympatric species within the currently accepted J. jaculus in Tunisia: J. jaculus and J. deserti [Current Zoology 56 (4): 421–431, 2010].

The biogeographic area of Tunisia is characterized by several geographic and climatic zones that shaped the spatial distribution and genetic differentiation in many species. Despite the merit studies carried out on different species in this region, yet the distribution patterns of genetic diversity and taxonomy of many taxa remain unresolved. This study aimed to elucidate the geographic patterns of genetic variation in one of the endemic species of Tunisia, the greater Egyptian jerboa, Jaculus orientalis . The extent of phylogeographic patterns and molecular genetic diversity (mitochondrial cytochrome b gene) were addressed in a survey of 65 specimens from 11 localities. Twenty-four haplotypes were identified among populations which organized them into two well-supported clades separated by a higher genetic divergence (K2P = 1%; Фct = 0.65; P < 0.05). The first, clade I, included populations from the northern and central parts of Tunisia, while the second, clade II, comprised only populations from the southern part. Divergence between populations of the two clades would have occurred by Middle Pleistocene (ca. 0.71 Mya). Barrier Software showed that the populations of the two clades were separated by a geographical barrier, namely Chott El Jerid, located in the middle zone. Additionally, the clear distinction between the northern and central populations from those of the southern part was probably due to a Libyan origin of the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study aimed to address molecular diversities of the small five-toed jerboa Allactaga elater Lichtenstein, 1825, and the Toussi jerboa Allactaga toussi Darvish et al., 2008, in marginal geographic distribution of the genus in Iran. The study involved 35 individuals of A. elater and A. toussi, from the east and central parts of Iranian plateau. The two probabilistic phylogenetic algorithms, Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI), applied on 68 sequences of the two mitochondrial genes (34 cytochrome b and 34 cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1), retrieved reciprocal monophyly of the two species. Independent species status of A. elater and A. toussi is further evident from their sympatry in eastern Iran. Each of these species was further subdivided into two deeply divergent phylogeographic lineages within Iranian plateau, showing high level of genetic divergence ranging from 7-10.7 % for cytb and 7.8-12.4 % for cox1 genes. Such values exceed the intraspecific level of variation in rodents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paralactaga williamsi, a five-toed jerboa, is known to occur in Anatolian Turkey, northern Lebanon, Armenia, Azerbaijan and western Iran. Here, we report the first record of this species in Kopet-Dag Mountains, northeastern Iran. Species identification was based on external morphology, skull and molar teeth morphology and morphometrics studies, as well as molecular analyses. Brief notes on the ecology of the species are also provided. This new record expands the distribution of P. williamsi in Iran about 850 km eastward, however further sampling will be needed for a better judgment on the taxonomic status of this species in eastern Iran and to determine the patterns of its distribution. Since the specimen did not group with other P. williamsi in the cytochrome b analysis, we provisionally classify the specimens as P. cf. williamsi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the dipodid materials collected from Siziwang Qi, Nei Mongol in 2009, a new speciesBrachyscirtetes tomidaisp. nov.is erected. It is characterised by its smaller size, more bunodont paracone on M2, more separate mesoloph and posteroloph on M2 and separate mesolophid on m2, more longitudinally symmetrical protoconid–metaconid complex diverging at an obtuse angle and elongated anterior part of ectolophid on m1 than existing species. It represents the most primitive known species of this genus. Judging from the associated mammals, the age ofBrachyscirtetes tomidaishould be late Late Miocene.Brachyscirtetesis possibly derived from a form of early Late MioceneParalactaga. Its dental trends include increasing size and crown height, and increasing lophodonty of occlusal morphology, which is reflected as gradual fusion of mesoloph and posteroloph with paracone, metacone on M2 and of mesolophid with entoconid on m2, respectively; the protoconid–metaconid complex on m1 shifts from a longitudinally symmetrical position to an anterolabial orientation, and the anterior part of ectolophid on m1 is gradually shortened, shifting from a longitudinal to an oblique orientation. The appearance ofBrachyscirtetesand abundant herbivores indicates an arid and steppe environment in late Late Miocene Siziwang Qi area. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In most mammals, the Zfp36 gene family consists of three conserved members, with a fourth member, Zfp36l3 , present only in rodents. The ZFP36 proteins regulate post-transcriptional gene expression at the level of mRNA stability in organisms from humans to yeasts, and appear to be expressed in all major groups of eukaryotes. In Mus musculus , Zfp36l3 expression is limited to the placenta and yolk sac, and is important for overall fecundity. We sequenced the Zfp36l3 gene from more than 20 representative species, from members of the Muridae, Cricetidae and Nesomyidae families. Zfp36l3 was not present in Dipodidae, or any families that branched earlier, indicating that this gene is exclusive to the Muroidea superfamily. We provide evidence that Zfp36l3 arose by retrotransposition of an mRNA encoded by a related gene, Zfp36l2 into an ancestral rodent X chromosome. Zfp36l3 has evolved rapidly since its origin, and numerous modifications have developed, including variations in start codon utilization, de novo intron formation by mechanisms including a nested retrotransposition, and the insertion of distinct repetitive regions. One of these repeat regions, a long alanine rich-sequence, is responsible for the full-time cytoplasmic localization of Mus musculus ZFP36L3. In contrast, this repeat sequence is lacking in Peromyscus maniculatus ZFP36L3, and this protein contains a novel nuclear export sequence that controls shuttling between the nucleus and cytosol. Zfp36l3 is an example of a recently acquired, rapidly evolving gene, and its various orthologues illustrate several different mechanisms by which new genes emerge and evolve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel mitogenomes of Eozapus setchuanus ( KJ648495 ) and Sicista concolor ( KJ648496 ) were reported and their total lengths were 16,630 bp and 16,493 bp, respectively. Both mitogenomes which were analogous to other rodent mitogenomes, contained 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, and a control region. Specifically, the ND2 gene of S. concolor has three amino acids lesser than that of two other Dipodidae species ( E. setchuanus and Jaculus jaculus ) due to a premature termination codon in the 3′ end. We detected a tandem repeat cluster of 221 bp and 274 bp in the control region of S. concolor and E. setchuanus , respectively. Along with phylogenetic relationship analysis, we speculated that the tandem repeats in control regions might be common in Dipodinae species. Our phylogenetic analysis using concatenated mitochondrial gene datasets suggested five suborder and 16 family monophyletic groups in 54 rodent taxa sampled and strongly supported a basal position of the squirrel-related clade (PP = 1; BP = 100). Dipodidae had a sister-group relationship with Muroidea, and Sicistinae was in the base of Dipodidae clade. The complete mitochondrial genomes showed high resolution in deep-level phylogenetic relationship reconstructions of Rodentia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim We assessed the influence of past environmental changes, notably the importance of palaeogeographical and climatic drivers, in shaping the distribution patterns of Dipodoidea (Rodentia), the superfamily most closely related to the large species-rich superfamily Muroidea ( c. 1300-1500 species). Dipodoids are suitable for testing several biogeographical hypotheses because of their disjunct distribution patterns in the Northern Hemisphere and the numerous species distributed in Asian deserts. Location Holarctic. Methods We inferred molecular phylogenetic relationships for Dipodoidea (34 out of 51 species and 15 out of 16 genera) based on five coding genes. A time-calibrated phylogeny was estimated using a Bayesian relaxed molecular clock with four fossil calibrations. A cross-validation procedure was adopted to examine the impact of each fossil on our estimates. The ancestral area of origin and biogeographical scenarios were reconstructed using time-stratified dispersal-extinction-cladogenesis models. Results Phylogenetic analyses recovered a well-resolved and supported topology. The divergence between Dipodoidea and Muroidea occurred in the late Palaeocene ( c. 57.72 Ma) and modern Dipodoidea diversified during the middle Eocene ( c. 40.62 Ma). Similar results were found with each calibration strategy used with the cross-validation procedure. The reconstruction of ancestral areas and biogeographical events indicated that modern Dipodoidea originated in the Himalaya-Tibetan and Central Asian region. Main conclusions At the time when Dipodoidea diversified (middle Eocene), the Central Asia and Himalaya-Tibetan Plateau region experienced major uplift episodes due to the collision of India with Asia, which also induced diversification events in many other groups. Other important diversification events (e.g. divergence between Zapodidae and Dipodidae in Central Asia) took placed during the Eocene-Oligocene transition when the global temperature decreased significantly and rodent/lagomorph-dominant faunas replaced Eocene perissodactyl-dominant faunas. All of these climatic and geological disruptions in the Central Asia and Himalaya-Tibetan Plateau region modified landscapes and offered new habitats that favoured diversification events, thus triggering the evolutionary history of Dipodoidea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied karyotype and chromosomal characteristics of 3 species of five-toed jerboa from central Iran, including Allactaga firouzi, A. williamsi, and A. elater. This study revealed that the 3 species possessed a diploid number of 48 chromosomes. The first pair of chromosomes was significantly larger than other chromosomes in all 3 species. The total length of the haploid genome of Allactaga elater was longer than those of the other 2 species, and most of the chromosomes of the 3 species were metacentric. Based on total form percentage, interchromosomal asymmetry index, and centromeric index, Allactaga elater had the highest interchromosomal asymmetry. Allactaga firouzi showed the highest between-chromosomal symmetry based on the difference of range of relative length, coefficient of variability, and intrachromosomal asymmetry index. Cluster analysis showed that A. firouzi and A. williamsi have more affinity than previously thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation of the activity pattern of Hotson's jerboa (Allactaga hotsoni) by motorcycle and search light indicated that there was a significant relationship between night brightness and the encounter rate of the Hotson's jerboa or its activity. The results showed a reduction in activity of the jerboa as the moon light intensity increased. In other words, we can infer that the encounter rate reaches a peak during the first and the last days of the lunar month, whereas they are hardly detectable during the middle of the lunar cycle. Although, on completely cloudy nights even in the middle of the lunar cycle, the encounter rate increased as well. This is a predator-prey co-evolutional mechanism that lowers the predation risk. Additionally, the activity shifted somewhat from the vegetation cover to the open areas when the moon was high; however, the least encounter rate was recorded in full moon status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tested the camouflage hypothesis, or the linkage between animal (Saharan rodent) and habitat coloration, on the largest geographical scale yet conducted. We aimed to determine whether phenotypic variation is explained by micro-habitat variation and/or genetic polymorphism to determine 1) the strength of linkage between fur color and local substrate color, and 2) the divergence in fur coloration between two genetic clades, representing cryptic species, throughout the complete range of the African desert jerboas (Jaculus jaculus). We used a combination of museum and field-collected specimens, remote sensing tools, satellite and digital photography and molecular genetic and phylogenetic methods to investigate the above hypotheses. Along with showing that the two divergent genetic clades of jerboas occur sympatrically throughout their African distribution, we showed significant covariation between dorsal fur coloration of the animals and the color of their habitat. We also described significant phenotypic divergence in fur color, consistent with genetic divergence between the sympatric clades. The linkage between environment and phenotype supports the idea that the selection promoting cryptic coloration is persistent in contemporary populations of jerboas, however the phenotypic divergence indicates that it has different strengths (or optima) in the two clades. The mosaic distribution of micro-habitats occupied by geographically sympatric clades suggests that it may influence both ecological and evolutionary dynamics between these two cryptic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tested the camouflage hypothesis, or the linkage between animal (Saharan rodent) and habitat coloration, on the largest geographical scale yet conducted. We aimed to determine whether phenotypic variation is explained by micro-habitat variation and/or genetic polymorphism to determine 1) the strength of linkage between fur color and local substrate color, and 2) the divergence in fur coloration between two genetic clades, representing cryptic species, throughout the complete range of the African desert jerboas (Jaculus jaculus). We used a combination of museum and field-collected specimens, remote sensing tools, satellite and digital photography and molecular genetic and phylogenetic methods to investigate the above hypotheses. Along with showing that the two divergent genetic clades of jerboas occur sympatrically throughout their African distribution, we showed significant covariation between dorsal fur coloration of the animals and the color of their habitat. We also described significant phenotypic divergence in fur color, consistent with genetic divergence between the sympatric clades. The linkage between environment and phenotype supports the idea that the selection promoting cryptic coloration is persistent in contemporary populations of jerboas, however the phenotypic divergence indicates that it has different strengths (or optima) in the two clades. The mosaic distribution of micro-habitats occupied by geographically sympatric clades suggests that it may influence both ecological and evolutionary dynamics between these two cryptic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bear Lodge meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius campestris) is commonly reported from the Black Hills of South Dakota and the adjacent Bear Lodge Mountains of Wyoming, however little information is available regarding its population densities and habitat associations. The purpose of this study was to determine the present distribution, population estimates, and habitat affinities of Z. hudsonius campestris in the Black Hills of South Dakota and compare its current distribution to the historical record. Live trapping methods were used to estimate the population density of this species. Capture rates ranged from 0 to 4.7 individuals per 100 trap nights, with a mean ± 1 SD of 1.7 ± 1.6. The Jolly-Seber population estimate per km of stream (x ± 1 SD) was 31 ± 26, and was significantly different from the minimum-number known alive estimate (x ± 1 SD) of 18 ± 14 per km of stream (t = -3.65, df = 15, P = 0.002). The relative abundance of jumping mice ranged from 7 to 78% of the total number of small mammals. On 4 of the 16 streamside transects, the jumping mouse was the most numerous species, and was overall very common. Jumping mice were significantly correlated with percent litter cover (r = 0.673, df = 14, P = 0.006), percent moss cover (r = 0.58, df = 14, P = 0.039), and negatively correlated with percent grass cover (r = -0.546, df = 14, P = 0.035). Captures occurred at elevations ranging from 1279 to 1890 m. Jumping mice were captured throughout the range of historical records, and were even collected in Meade County, despite a lack of reports of meadow jumping mice from that county in the past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how diversity is partitioned across the landscape provides perspectives on the environmental processes that have influenced the evolutionary history of organisms. We analyzed spatial demography, historical biogeography, and niche divergence of the western jumping mouse (Zapus princeps) using molecular sequence data from mitochondrial and nuclear DNA recovered from 7 of the 11 subspecies in western North America. Phylogeographic structure within Z. princeps was partitioned across 5 clades (Boreal, Northern Sierra, Southern Rockies, Southern Sierra, and Uinta). Two lineages detected in the Sierra Nevada of California (Northern Sierra and Southern Sierra) were more closely allied to Z. trinotatus than to other lineages of Z. princeps and species distribution models mirror these phylogenetic signatures by detecting wide overlap in niches for Sierran jumping mice and Z. trinotatus as compared to other Z. princeps. Four southern lineages are deeply divergent and limited to disjunct mesic and montane habitats within the xeric southwestern United States, whereas the 5th lineage is widespread, extending from Wyoming to Alaska and reflecting expansion northward following deglaciation, a common pattern in boreal mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dipodoidea are a diverse rodent group whose earliest known record is from the Middle Eocene. The evolution and diversification of this superfamily have been documented by fossils and comparative morphology, but have not yet been studied from the perspective of molecular phylogeny. This study is the first attempt to reconstruct an extensive phylogeny of Dipodidae and estimate divergence times based on a nuclear gene coding for interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein. We found that there is a wide measure of agreement with the fossil record. Each of the three ecological groups of the extant Dipodoidea (sicistines, zapodines, and jerboas) has its distinctive distribution; the distribution patterns have been shaped by the dispersal events. The key events of paleogeographic distribution coincided with major paleoenvironmental events in the Cenozoic. The first important diversification phase occurred during the period from the Oligocene to Early Miocene, when global climate underwent major changes beginning with the Eocene/Oligocene boundary. The second adaptive radiation occurred within jerboas and was associated with the expansion of open habitat starting with the late Middle Miocene. The diversification of jerboas can be correlated with habitat changes in response to global and regional climatic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A dipodal sensor detects Al3+ in HEPES buffered THF/H2O (7:3, v/v) through excited state proton transfer, representing a quenching at 355nm and enhancement at 480nm. The resulting aluminium complex (1.Al 3+ ) displays a highly selective response to perchlorate anion over other anions through the emergence of a new band at 428nm. The chemical inputs of Al3+ and ClO4 − satisfies the conditions of AND molecular logic gates and in a sequential manner generates an output which mimics the functions of a security keypad lock. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Constantine S. Rafinesque described Sorex dichrurus as a shrew in 1833, based on a specimen he found in a proprietary museum near Niagara Falls on the New York/Ontario border. The name subsequently has been ignored by the scientific community. By describing this specimen as a shrew and ascribing it to the genus Sorex, Rafinesque clearly indicated that his species should be considered a member of the taxonomic family now recognized as the Soricidae (Mammalia, Eulipotyphla). Yet, the description of the animal, and its comparison to “Gerbillus,” clearly identify it as a dipodid rodent, specifically Zapus hudsonius (Zimmermann, 1780); S. dichrurus should be treated as a junior subjective synonym of that taxon. Based on its type locality of Goat Island, New York, this name is also a junior synonym of the subspecies Z. hudsonius canadensis (Davies, 1798). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The desert biota is exposed to extreme and variable conditions that shape its evolution and diversification processes. In this respect, the Jaculus jerboas have gained the attention of researchers as a result of their broad Saharan-Arabian distribution and their high and unexplained, morphological, anatomical, and molecular variation. In the present study, mitochondrial and nuclear genealogies where used to confirm monophyly of two cryptic species: Jaculus jaculus and Jaculus deserti. The reconstructed demography showed that the evolutionary histories of the species are markedly different and that the expansion into North-West Africa by J. deserti was more recent than that of J. jaculus. The weak ecological separation between species and the signs of recent population growth and expansion of J. deserti suggest that its sympatric occurrence with J. jaculus is recent and that these species evolved in isolated populations, after diverging around the Pliocene-Pleistocene boundary. The importance of climate changes on the Sahara Desert biota is discussed in the context of genetic diversification. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 105, 435-445. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lesser Egyptian jerboa Jaculus jaculus, is a member of the subfamily Dipodinae, known to have a number of subspecies. Previous studies of J. jaculus from North Africa found various morphological forms of unknown taxonomic status, which are frequently grouped into two taxa: J. jaculus and J. deserti. We assessed the taxonomic status of this taxon in Tunisia using allozymic (phylogenetic analysis of 23 genetic loci encoding 16 enzymatic proteins) and morphological (multivariate analysis of 13 craniodental characters) analyses of 136 J. jaculus specimens collected from seven localities within its distribution range. Allozymic analysis clearly indicated the existence of two distinct groups of J. jaculus, with a mean genetic distance (D) value of 0.99 and FST=0.52. Individuals within the two groups did not show any obvious geographical structuration, even within the Matmata locality which represents the meeting point for the two groups where they were found in sympatry. Additionally, morphometric analysis of 13 craniodental characters was clearly separated the two groups. These results were obtained over a very restricted area of the total distribution of J. jaculus and strongly suggest the occurrence of two separate and often sympatric species within the currently accepted J. jaculus in Tunisia: J. jaculus and J. deserti [Current Zoology 56 (4): 421-431, 2010]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dipus sagittaandEuchoreutes nasoare both monotypic genus, both of them belong to the family of Dipodidae, andE. nasois an Endangered species (EN) defined by the World Conservation Union. The length of its complete mitochondrial sequence ofD. sagittaandE. nasois 16,664  bp and 16,705  bp, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis displayed thatD. sagitta, Jaculus jaculus,andE. nasowere classified into the same cluster. This result was consistent with that of primary morphological taxonomy. The mitochondrial genome ofD. sagittaandE. nasowould be a key supplement for the gene pool of Rodentia and the conclusion of phylogenetic analysis was an important molecular evidence for the taxonomic status of the two species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines the conspecificity of Allactaga hotsoni and Allactaga firouzi found in the Middle East. For the study, researchers analyzed various Allactaga hotsoni and Allactaga firouzi samples from the Field Museum of Natural History (FMNM), the British Museum of Natural History (BMNM), and the U.S. National Museum of Natural History (USNM). Researchers found that there are no morphological gaps between Allactaga hotsoni and Allactaga firouzi. Furthermore, they found that Allactaga hotsoni and Allactaga firouzi do not differ much to accept the full species rank of both.

Aim of the work: The present study aimed to compare between the anatomy, histology and histochemistry of two species belonging to two different families namely Muridae and Dipodidae. Muridae is the largest family of rodents in the world; it is represented in this work by fat sand rat Psammomys obesus. Four-toed jerboa Allactaga tetradactyla represents the other family, Dipodidae. Psammomys obesus lives in coastal presaharan region; the preferred habitat is saline marshes and wadis where halophytic plants were abundant. However, Allactaga tetradactyla, inhabites the salt marshes and clay desert areas of coastal plains. Material and methods: The investigated animals were collected from desert, weighed and transferred alive to the laboratory in separate cages then anaesthetized with ether, after which they were carefully dissected, organs are taken out and prepared for the histological and histochemical studies. The nucleocytoplasmic index of liver cells was calculated, kidney weighed and the relative thickness of cortex, outer and inner medulla was measured and total glomerular number was recorded. Results: The liver, as in mammalian species, is consists of five separate lobes. The mitotic index of Psammomys obesus is smaller than that found in Allactaga tetradactyla. This may be due to the increased activity of Allactaga tetradactyla. In the kidney, the cortex is classified into three regions namely superficial, midcortical and juxtamedullary zones. Both number and diameter of glomeruli, glomerular volume and relative glomerular blood volume is greater in Psammomys obesus than that in Allactaga tetradactyla. Conclusion: These observations indicate the ability of Psammomys obesus to produce highly concentrated urine than that of Allactaga tetradactyla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation plans for the Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei), a threatened subspecies, commonly include habitat restoration. Our objective was to determine if Z. h. preblei would detect and use supplemental food and cover (simulated restoration) placed in areas where the mouse bad not been documented for 3 y, thus altering their movement and site fidelity behaviors. Through monitoring of radiotagged mice during pre- and post-treatment periods, we documented the mouse's immediate, short-term movement response to the addition of supplemental resources. Results were mixed with only 1 of 11 individuals using a single treatment plot in 2002 compared to 6 of 8 individuals using 50% of the treatment plots in 2003, including 1 individual radiotagged in both years. Zapus h. preblei use of supplemental resources may have been limited by and affected temporally by a combination of factors including: (1) site fidelity and (2) precipitation (2002 was much drier) and its potential impacts on habitat, exploratory movements to detect new habitat and elevated predation risk. These results suggest that detection of restored habitat by Z. h. preblei, at least in the short-term, may not be certain and underscore the need for direct monitoring after restoration efforts to ensure that use occurs and desired effects such as long-term persistence are attained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Riparian wetlands are complex ecosystems containing species diversity that may easily be affected by anthropogenic disturbances. Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) is a federally threatened subspecies dependent upon riparian wetlands along the Front Range of Colorado and southeastern Wyoming, USA. Although habitat improvements for Preble's meadow jumping mouse are designed at multiple spatial scales, most knowledge about its habitat requirements has been described at a landscape scale. Our objective was to improve our understanding of Preble's meadow jumping mouse microhabitat characteristics within high-use areas (hotspots), which are essential for the development of effective management and conservation strategies. We evaluated Preble's meadow jumping mouse habitat by describing areas of high use and no use as determined from monitoring radiocollared individuals. A comparison of microhabitat characteristics from random samples of high-use and no-use areas indicated that mice use areas closer to the center of the creek bed and positively associated with shrub, grass, and woody debris cover. Distance to center of the creek bed, and percent of shrub and grass cover also had the greatest relative importance of habitat variables modeled when describing high-use areas. High-use areas contained 3 times more grass cover than forb cover, and overall had a greater proportion of wetland shrub and grass cover. However, proportion of cover type (shrub or grass) did not vary greatly between high-use and no-use areas. Our results suggest that management and conservation efforts should continue to focus on establishment of native wetland vegetation near streams and creeks. For example, vegetation should include shrubs such as willow (Salix spp.), narrowleaf cottonwood (Populus angustifolia), alder (Alnus incana), grasses such as fescue (Fescue spp.), sedges (Carex spp.), and rush (Juncus spp). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of metatarsals in Allactaga tetradactyla, Jaculus jaculus jaculus and J. orientalis was studied and their taxonomic significance was elucidated. The five metatarsals, as a rule, are developed and ossified in the three species, but variation in the fate of the first and fifth metatarsals was found. Ossification begins in the median part of the metatarsals; however, it appears in the distal part of the digits’ phalanges, beginning with the third phalanx. The first metatarsal appears just distal to the entocuneiform and develops as a small, separate bone located either in close contact with the distal end of the entocuneiform in A. tetradactyla or completely fused with it, forming a compound bone, in both of J. j. jaculus and J. orientalis. The second, third and fourth metatarsals differentiate distal to the mesocuneiform, ectocuneiform and cuboid, respectively, and fuse with one another into a single long cannon bone in all species. Nevertheless, the fifth metatarsal differentiates ventro-lateral to the head of the fourth metatarsal and ossifies ventral to the head process of the developing cannon bone. The fifth metatarsal either extends to articulate with the phalanges of the fourth digit in A. tetradactyla or persists as a separate, small bone in both of J. j. jaculus and J. orientalis. On this basis, it is concluded that J. jaculus and J. orientalis are both distinct congeneric species and are somewhat more distant from A. tetradactyla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]