Search

AbstractEcological and evolutionary processes underlying spatial variation in signals involved in mate recognition and reproductive isolation are crucial to understanding the causes of population divergence and speciation. Here, to test hypotheses concerning the causes of song divergence, we examine how songs of two sister species of Atlantic Forest suboscine birds with innate songs, the Pyriglena fire-eye antbirds, vary across their ranges. Specifically, we evaluated the influence of isolation by distance and introgressive hybridization, as well as morphological and environmental variation, on geographic variation in male songs. Analyses based on 496 male vocalizations from 63 locations across a 2,200-km latitudinal transect revealed clinal changes in the structure of songs and showed that introgressive hybridization increases both the variability and the homogenization of songs in the contact zone between the two species. We also found that isolation by distance, morphological constraints, the environment, and genetic introgression independently predicted song variation across geographic space. Our study shows the importance of an integrative approach that investigates the roles of distinct ecological and evolutionary processes that influence acoustic signal evolution.

Populations in the Rufous Antpitta (Grallaria rufula) complex occupy humid montane forests of the Andes from northern Colombia and adjacent Venezuela to central Bolivia. Their tawny to cinnamon-colored plumages are generally uniform, featuring subtle variation in hue and saturation across this range. In contrast to their conservative plumage, substantial vocal differences occur among geographically isolated or parapatric populations. Working within the framework of a comprehensive molecular phylogeny, we reexamined species limits in the G. rufula complex, basing taxonomic recommendations on diagnostic differences in vocalizations and considering identifiable differences in plumage where pertinent. We identified 16 populations for species designation, including seven populations previously described as subspecies and, remarkably, six new species described herein. Within one of these species, we identified less robust vocal differences between populations that we designate as subspecies. Geographic variation exists within another species, but its critical evaluation requires additional material. Taxonomic revisions of groups consisting of cryptic species, like the Grallaria rufula complex, are imperative for their conservation. Rather than widespread species as currently defined, these complexes can comprise many range-restricted taxa at higher risk of extinction given the continuing human pressures on their habitats.

A comprehensive molecular phylogeny of the family Thamnophilidae indicated that the genus Myrmeciza (Gray) is not monophyletic. Species currently assigned to the genus are found in three of the five tribes comprising the subfamily Thamnophilinae. Morphological, behavioral, and ecological character states of species within these tribes and their closest relatives were compared to establish generic limits. As a result of this analysis, species currently placed in Myrmeciza are assigned to Myrmeciza and eleven other genera, four of which (Myrmelastes Sclater, Myrmoderus Ridgway, Myrmophylax Todd, and Sipia Hellmayr) are resurrected, and seven of which (Ammonastes, A mpelornis, Aprositornis, Hafferia, Inundicola, Poliocrania, and Sciaphylax) are newly described.

The purpose of this study was to present normative values for thumb abduction and adduction and also to present measures of reliability of the measuring system arising from the use of the Ab-Adductometer. With the Ab-Adductometer, we obtained abductor and adductor measurements of intrinsic muscle strength of the healthy hand thumb in 600 volunteers. Handgrip strength values were obtained with the Jamar dynamometer. Age and male-female specific reference ranges for the Ab-Adductometer and the Jamar dynamometer are presented. This study, with a very large number of volunteer subjects, 600, presents reference ranges for pure palmar adduction and abduction of the thumb. The results indicate that the Ab-Adductometer is a clinically useful device for the purpose of quantitatively measuring thumb adduction and abduction strength at various starting angles of thumb abduction relative to the plane of the palm. The device may be especially helpful in the evaluation of compressive neuropathies of the median or ulnar nerves such as carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome as well as for primary disease of the peripheral nerves that affect intrinsic muscles and for thumb function in proximal conditions such as tetraplegia and brachial plexopathy.