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The conservation of the genetic integrity of Apis mellifera subspecies has emerged as an important objective. In 2019, the Emilia-Romagna region became the first Italian regional authority to issue a law specifically addressing the protection of the native Apis mellifera ligustica subspecies. In this study we analysed a highly informative portion of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), widely used for assessing genetic diversity of honey bee populations. By analysing 1143 honey bees sampled after the introduction of this law, we provided a snapshot of the distribution of mtDNA haplotypes in this region. The two most frequent mtDNA haplotypes were C1 (characteristic of A. m. ligustica) and C2 (characteristic of A. m. carnica), reported in 86.5% and 11.0% of the analysed bees, respectively. About 1.3% and 1.1% of the analysed bees carried mtDNA haplotypes of the A and M lineages (haplotypes A1a, A1e, A4, A26, A65 and two novel ones, A2w and A6a; M3, M3a, M4 and M79). Continued genetic monitoring will be important to assess the impact of this regional law over the coming years. Based on the obtained results, we recommend a more stringent policy to prevent the erosion of the genetic integrity of the native subspecies A. m. ligustica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term use of chemical fungicides to control plant diseases caused by fungi and oomycetes has led to pathogen resistance and negative impacts on public health and environment. There is a global search for eco-friendly methods and antagonistic bacteria are emerging as alternatives. We isolated a potent antagonistic bacterial strain (S1Bt23) from woodland soil in Québec, Canada. Taxonomic characterization by 16S rRNA, multi-locus sequence analysis, pairwise whole-genome comparisons, phylogenomics and phenotypic data identified strain S1Bt23 as a novel subspecies within Pseudomonas chlororaphis. In dual culture studies, strain S1Bt23 exhibited potent mycelial growth inhibition (60.2–66.7%) against Pythium ultimum. Furthermore, strain S1Bt23 was able to significantly bioprotect potato tuber slices from the development of necrosis inducible by P. ultimum. Annotations of the whole genome sequence of S1Bt23 revealed the presence of an arsenal of secondary metabolites including the complete phenazine biosynthetic cluster (phzABCDEFG). Thin-layer (TLC) and high-performance liquid (HPLC) chromatographic analyses of S1Bt23 extracts confirmed the production of phenazines, potent antifungal compounds. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of phzB (S1Bt23ΔphzB) or phzF (S1Bt23ΔphzF) gene abrogated phenazine production based on TLC and HPLC analyses. Also, S1Bt23ΔphzB and S1Bt23ΔphzF mutants lost antagonistic activity and bioprotection ability of potato tubers against P. ultimum. This demonstrated that phenazines are involved in the antagonistic activity of S1Bt23 against P. ultimum. Finally, based on genotypic and phenotypic data, we taxonomically conclude that S1Bt23 represents a novel subspecies for which the name Pseudomonas chlororaphis subsp. phenazini is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying mechanisms that drive population divergence under varying geographic and ecological scenarios can inform our understanding of evolution and speciation. In particular, analysis of genetic data from island populations with known colonisation timelines allows us to identify potential source populations of diverging island subspecies and current relationships among populations. Silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis) are a small passerine that have served as a valuable study system to investigate evolutionary patterns on both large and small geographic scales. We examined genetic relatedness and diversity of two silvereye subspecies, the mainland Z. l. cornwalli and island Z. l. chlorocephalus, and used 18 077 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), to compare locations across southeast Queensland, Australia. Although silvereyes are prolific island colonisers our findings revealed population divergence over relatively small spatial scales was strongly influenced by geographic isolation mediated by water barriers. Strong genetic connectivity was displayed between mainland sites, but minimal inter-island connectivity was shown despite comparable sampling distances. Genetic diversity analysis showed little difference in heterozygosity between island and mainland populations, but lower inbreeding scores among the island populations. Our study confirmed the range of the Z. l. chlorocephalus subspecies throughout the southern Great Barrier Reef. Our results show that water barriers and not geographic distance per se are important in driving incipient divergence in island populations. This helps to explain the relatively high number of phenotypically differentiated, but often geographically proximate, island silvereye subspecies compared to a lower number of phenotypically less well-defined Australian continental subspecies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An accurate species‐level taxonomy is paramount for biogeographical research, and conversely, biogeographical data are of importance for species delimitation. We here review recent developments and future perspectives of taxonomy of direct relevance for biogeographers. The understanding that species are independently evolving segments of population‐level lineages, the rise of integrative approaches to delimit such lineages, and the advent of high‐throughput sequencing have considerably renewed the discipline of taxonomy. Using genome‐scale molecular datasets, the extent of admixture across hybrid zones can now be effectively assessed and the evolutionary independence of lineages inferred, leading to more reliable and comparable species delimitation criteria. Substantially divergent but admixing phylogeographical lineages can conveniently be named as subspecies, thus avoiding taxonomic oversplitting and taxonomic inflation. At the same time, comprehensive DNA barcoding and DNA metabarcoding efforts are uncovering an enormous proportion of undiscovered biotic diversity, and we encourage the development of bioinformatic pipelines that combine high‐throughput species discovery and delimitation with diagnosis and scientific naming, to approach a biotic inventory of the globe without abandoning the established Linnaean system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. Buffaloes are vital contributors to the global dairy industry. Understanding the genetic basis of milk production traits in buffalo populations is essential for breeding programs and improving productivity. In this study, we conducted whole-genome resequencing on 387 buffalo genomes from 29 diverse Asian breeds, including 132 river buffaloes, 129 swamp buffaloes, and 126 crossbred buffaloes. We identified 36,548 copy number variants (CNV) spanning 133.29 Mb of the buffalo genome, resulting in 2,100 CNV regions (CNVR), with 1,993 shared CNVR being found within the studied buffalo types. Analyzing CNVR highlighted distinct genetic differentiation between river and swamp buffalo subspecies, verified by evolutionary tree and principal component analyses. Admixture analysis grouped buffaloes into river and swamp categories, with crossbred buffaloes displaying mixed ancestry. To identify candidate genes associated with milk production traits, we employed 3 approaches. First, we used Vst -based population differentiation, revealing 11 genes within CNVR that exhibited significant divergence between different buffalo breeds, including genes linked to milk production traits. Second, expression quantitative loci analysis revealed differentially expressed CNVR-derived genes (DECG) associated with milk production traits. Notably, known milk production-related genes were among these DECG, validating their relevance. Last, a GWAS identified 3 CNVR significantly linked to peak milk yield. Our study provides comprehensive genomic insights into buffalo populations and identifies candidate genes associated with milk production traits. These findings facilitate genetic breeding programs aimed at increasing milk yield and improving quality in this economically important livestock species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals that colonize islands often undergo significant evolutionary changes in comparison with their continental counterparts as a response to specific island conditions. The pace of such changes can be relatively fast, which poses challenges in the evaluation of the taxonomic status of island taxa. The Japanese and Manchurian Bush Warbler species complex (Horornis diphone–canturians), which breeds in East Asia and the Japanese Archipelago, is such an avian example. This species complex exhibits significant morphological differentiation between different taxa, and the taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships within the complex are debated. Here, we updated the taxonomy of this species complex and shed insight on its evolutionary history using multi‐locus phylogeographic and acoustic analyses. Our results support the conventional treatment of the two continental taxa borealis and canturians as subspecies of H. canturians, contrary to some recent proposals that they are affiliated to H. diphone. We also document a reduction in body size, that is dwarfism, and vocal divergence in the nominate subspecies H. d. diphone, which is endemic to the remote and isolated Ogasawara Islands. These changes may have happened following colonization of these islands, which was estimated to have taken place approximately 0.2 million years ago. Although H. d. diphone is clearly distinctive and deserves recognition as an evolutionarily significant unit, H. d. diphone and other H. diphone samples were not reciprocally monophyletic. Because of this lack of reciprocal monophyly and a relatively recent divergence time, we advocate maintaining its current subspecies status. We also detected reduced genetic diversity, measured as heterozygosity, in H. d. diphone. We suggest that conservation efforts in the Ogasawara Islands should prioritize the protection of this endemic subspecies. Collectively, our findings suggest that the separation between the populations on the East Asian continent and the Japanese Archipelago, followed by colonization of remote oceanic islands through long‐distance dispersal, underlie rapid phenotypic and genetic diversification of the Horornis diphone–canturians species complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hausdorf, B., Xu, J., BAMBERGER, S. (2024) Repeated colonization of the Northern Limestone Alps from the Southern Limestone Alps by the rock‐dwelling snail species Cochlostoma henricae—Zoologica Scripta, 00, 000–000. The evolution of biogeographic disjunctions in the Southern and Northern Limestone Alps has been studied only in a few taxa. Cochlostoma henricae (Strobel, 1851) is a land snail species restricted to limestone rocks showing such disjunctions. We studied the phylogeny and population structure of this species using genomic ddRAD data to better understand the differentiation of the species in the Southern Alps and the origin of the isolated occurrences in the Northern Limestone Alps. Phylogenetic and population‐genetic analyses of the ddRAD data revealed a subdivision of the C. henricae populations into a western cluster and an eastern cluster. These clusters were probably separated by glaciers that extended from the Piave Valley to the margin of the Alps. Such a longitudinal subdivision is a common pattern of several species in the Southern Limestone Alps. However, the boundaries between western and eastern population groups differ between taxa. Cochlostoma henricae colonized the Northern Limestone Alps at least twice. The population from Breitenwang in Tyrol originated from the western group, whereas the occurrences in the Salzkammergut are from the eastern group. These and similar disjunctions of several other land snails show that even species with limited dispersal abilities could cross the Alps repeatedly by passive long‐distance dispersal events. A subdivision of C. henricae into three subspecies, proposed based on shell characters, does not correspond to its population‐genetic structure. Instead, the eastern and western population groups represent distinct evolutionary units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a prospective study of 159 cases of Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE) bacteremia in 157 patients at 2 hospitals in Finland during November 2015–November 2019. Cellulitis was associated with nonsevere disease (p = 0.008); necrotizing fasciitis was associated with severe disease (p = 0.004). Fifty percent of patients had >1 clinical characteristic associated with risk for death. The case-fatality rate was 6%, and 7% of patients were treated in an intensive care unit. Blood leukocyte counts on days 2 (p = 0.032) and 3 (p = 0.020) and C-reactive protein levels on days 3 (p = 0.030) and 4 (p = 0.009) after admission were predictors of severe disease. The Pitt bacteremia score was an accurate predictor of death. Using the Pitt bacteremia score, leukocyte counts, and CRP responses during initial treatment can improve treatment strategies and survival for patients with SDSE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Golden Jackal, Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758 is widely distributed in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Its range has considerably expanded in Europe over the past few decades. In the Middle East, the species occurs in Levant, including Israel and Palestine, just across the eastern border of Egypt. The first documented occurrence of the species in Egypt was in 2009 from a small area in extreme northeastern Sinai Peninsula, suggesting a very limited distribution within that part of the country. In this paper I report a recent range expansion of the Golden Jackal into large areas in eastern and southern Sinai Peninsula, including well-studied and monitored National Parks where this jackal has never been previously recorded, but is now quite common. I describe the new habitats now colonized by this jackal and discuss its ecological relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Honey bees are the principal commercial pollinators. Along with other arthropods, they are increasingly under threat from anthropogenic factors such as the incursion of invasive honey bee subspecies, pathogens and parasites. Better tools are needed to identify bee subspecies. Genomic data for economic and ecologically important organisms is increasing, but in its basic form its practical application to address ecological problems is limited. Results: We introduce HBeeID a means to identify honey bees. The tool utilizes a knowledge-based network and diagnostic SNPs identified by discriminant analysis of principle components and hierarchical agglomerative clustering. Tests of HBeeID showed that it identifies African, Americas-Africanized, Asian, and European honey bees with a high degree of certainty even when samples lack the full 272 SNPs of HBeeID. Its prediction capacity decreases with highly admixed samples. Conclusion: HBeeID is a high-resolution genomic, SNP based tool, that can be used to identify honey bees and screen species that are invasive. Its flexible design allows for future improvements via sample data additions from other localities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field surveys on large centipedes of Nui Chua National Park, south-central part of Vietnam, were conducted in September 2023 and February 2024. As a result, a total of 12 species/subspecies belonging to five genera and two families of the order Scolopendromorpha were recorded. Of two families, Scolopendridae has nine species in four genera, while Cryptopidae has only two species in one genus. In addition, the distribution pattern of the large centipedes is discussed based on the season (rainy versus dry), altitudes, and different habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The genus Pteridium Gled. ex Scop. was thought to be monotypic with the cosmopolitan species P. aquilinum (L.) Kuhn. for many years. However, morphological variations among these plants in different regions have been noted since the 1940's, leading to the description of new taxa later. Molecular investigations, while not resolving all taxonomical questions within the genus, have highlighted its rich genetic diversity globally, confirming the status of several previously described species and subspecies. This wealth of data has prompted revisions of the Pteridium genus in regional floras, with Northern Eurasia serving as a central arena for such studies in the last 30 years. Recent data suggest that the European flora comprises a single species, P. aquilinum, with two subspecies, P. a. subsp. aquilinum and P. a. subsp. pinetorum (C.N. Page & R.R. Mill) J.A. Thomson. However, their distribution within the continent remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the representation and distribution of Pteridium taxa in Slovakia with an attempt to describe natural ranges of P. aquilinum subspecies based on herbarium materials and citizen science data within Europe for a whole. Results: It is confirmed that the genus Pteridium is represented by the single species with two mentioned subspecies in the flora of Europe, as well as in the flora of Slovakia. The distribution of these subspecies is mapped in the country. Additionally, we discuss the ranges of these subspecies for a whole, and we evidence the growth of P. aquilinum subsp. pinetorum within the Netherlands, Czechia, Austria, Hungary and Romania for the first time. Also, two new combinations of taxa from the Asian part of Russia are offered. Conclusion: Our study is a significant contribution in the present knowledge about the distribution and taxonomy of P. aquilinum, however it also shows that many questions concerning this taxon and its infraspecific taxa remain open. Additional field investigations and herbarium processing should be carried out for detailed explorations of biological and ecological peculiarities of the mentioned subspecies, and for the clear understanding of their regional distribution. Such explorations also might become a basis for new syntaxonomic revisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) cause skin infections, respiratory diseases, and disseminated infections. Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare, which are slow grown Mycobacterium, are main agents of those NTM diseases. A silkworm infection model with Mycobacterium abscessus, a rapidly growing Mycobacterium species, was established to quantitatively evaluate its virulence within a short period. However, a silkworm infection model to quantitatively evaluate the virulence of M. intracellulare has not yet been developed. In this study, we determined the virulence of M. intracellulare subspecies within 4 days using a silkworm infection model. The subspecies of M. intracellulare strains used in this study were estimated by phylogenetic tree analysis using core gene data. The median lethal dose (LD50) values, which are the dose of a pathogen required to kill half of the silkworms in a group, were determined 4 days after infection. The LD50 value of M. intracellulare subsp. chimaera DSM44623 was higher than that of M. intracellulare subsp. intracellulare ATCC13950. These results suggest that the virulence of M. intracellulare subspecies can be compared using a silkworm model within 4 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last decade, the hairy rose beetle, Tropinota squalida ssp. pilosa (Brulle) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), represents a recrudescent subspecies in fruit orchards of Central west Tunisia. This pest destroys flowers of pome- and stone-fruit species by feeding on their reproductive organs. The main goal of this study was to provide fundamental information on the flight activity of this pest in an attempt to find and establish effective control methods against it. The study was conducted in apple orchards of Foussena, located in Central west Tunisia, during springs of the years 2017, 2021 and 2022. Water traps used in field experiments were placed between rows of trees to capture the beetles. The results showed that the activity of beetles was closely associated with the temperature rise and apple blossom onset. Over three years, we observed seven weeks of flight activity in the field. This activity commenced in early March within orchards featuring early varieties where it lasted for 4 to 5 weeks. Following that, the activity came to a close after 3 weeks by late April in apple orchards with autumnal varieties. The most significant captures (50%) occurred in the second half of March. The flight pattern exhibited only one peak in the third week of March, suggesting that T. squalida pilosa is a monovoltine species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

“Nubecularia bioherms” represent unique foraminifera dominated buildups which are restricted to the late Middle Miocene (late Serravallian) of the Paratethys. They occur in the Central Paratethys in the late Sarmatian and in the Eastern Paratethys in the Volhynian–Bessarabian, both regional stages of the respective Paratethyan areas. The generic assignment of the main constituent of the bioherms changed in time from Spirorbis to Nubecularia and Sinzowella. No clear diff erential diagnosis has been provided for the establishment of the genus Sinzowella by Cushman (1933) and the diff erence between both porcelaneous taxa was reported to be the agglutination of foreign particles in Nubecularia (Loeblich and Tappan 1964, 1987). Since in studied Central Paratethyan material agglutinated particles occur frequently in the test wall a separation of Sinzowella from Nubecularia is not justifi ed based on this character and Sinzowella is considered synonymous with Nubecularia. At the species level the situation is even more confusing since a variety of species (nodulus, novorossica, caespitosa), subspecies or/and “types” (e.g., nodulus, solitaria, deformis) have been described. All these taxa are considered to be subjective junior synonyms of Nubecularia nodulus which is the only Nubecularia species in the Central Paratethys since all described morphotypes co-occur even in a single rock thin section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Caenolestes is the most species-rich of the marsupial order Paucituberculata. Two species inhabit Colombia (and also occur in Ecuador) with a discontinuous distribution that has not been accounted for in previous studies— Caenolestes fuliginosus known from the Central and Eastern Andes, and C. convelatus restricted to the Western Andes. Here, we present new and noteworthy records of Caenolestes from the Western Andes at the distributional gap of C. convelatus , and outside the known range of C. fuliginosus. We present detailed comparisons using discrete and continuous diagnostic morphological characters, with type material and additional specimens collected nearby, to assess the identity of the new specimens. We performed statistical analyses at species and subspecies levels, and used a principal components analysis to explore the ordination of the new specimens in morphological space. We found that although these specimens are from the Western Andes, they present traits similar to C. fuliginosus and show great overlap with the morphospace of that species. The new records did not differ statistically with C. fuliginosus or any of its subspecies, but they differed in 20 craniodental measurements from C. convelatus. We also report differences at subspecies level within and between species. Based on these observations, we identified these records as C. fuliginosus , expanding its known distribution to the midportion of the Western Andes, across de Cauca valley. We discuss the biogeography of these 2 species in light of the new data and the context of high Andean habitats, especially regarding the contrasting biogeographical patterns found in other taxa in the Northern Andes. Finally, we discuss the need for a new and exhaustive review of the systematics and biogeography of the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interpreting plant morphological variability makes species delimitation a challenge. Jacquemontia evolvuloides and its relatives have been the target of different taxonomic classifications, either as multiple species and subspecies/varieties or as a single polymorphic species. Here we applied univariate and multivariate morphometric analyses, using both macro- and micromorphological characters of 22 populations comprising this species complex. Our analysis revealed six morphotypes with clear discontinuities in both macro- and micromorphological characters. One morphotype corresponds to J. evolvuloides, two correspond to previously named species, putted under a synonym, here re-established (J. agrestis and J. decumbens) and three morphotypes correspond to new species, described here. We present a complete taxonomic treatment of J. evolvuloides and related species, with descriptions, distribution maps, photographs, and illustrations, that indicate new synonyms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridization between divergent lineages can result in losses of distinct evolutionary taxa. Alternatively, hybridization can lead to increased genetic variability that may fuel local adaptation and the generation of novel traits and/or taxa. Here, we examined single‐nucleotide polymorphisms generated using genotyping‐by‐sequencing in a population of Dolly Varden char (Pisces: Salmonidae) that is highly admixed within a contact zone between two subspecies (Salvelinus malma malma, Northern Dolly Varden [NDV] and S. m. lordi, Southern Dolly Varden [SDV]) in southwestern Alaska to assess the spatial distribution of hybrids and to test hypotheses on the origin of the admixed population. Ancestry analysis revealed that this admixed population is composed of advanced generation hybrids between NDV and SDV or advanced backcrosses to SDV; no F1 hybrids were detected. Coalescent‐based demographic modelling supported the origin of this population about 55,000 years ago by secondary contact between NDV and SDV with low levels of contemporary gene flow. Ancestry in NDV and SDV varies within the watershed and ancestry in NDV was positively associated with distance upstream from the sea, contingent on habitat‐type sampled, and negatively associated with the number of migrations that individual fish made to the sea. Our results suggest that divergence between subspecies over hundreds of thousands of years may not be associated with significant reproductive isolation, but that elevated diversity owing to hybridization may have contributed to adaptive divergence in habitat use and life history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litylenchus crenatae mccannii is a foliar nematode that causes severe damage to beech, known as beech leaf disease (BLD). Previous studies have characterized and identified L. crenataein Japan and a subspecies L. crenatae mccannii in the USA. Litylenchus crenatae mccannii has been found to cause BLD in native and non-native beech hosts in North America. As little is known about the distribution and diversity of the nematode in Ontario, Canada, beech foliage was sampled throughout southcentral Ontario. Incidence and severity maps show that BLD spread from its first detections in 2017, in Elgin and Norfolk counties, to the west and northeast. A gradient in severity and incidence was observed with the highest ratings at the locations where it was originally found. The extent of the nematode's distribution is much broader than BLD, occurring throughout much of the range of American beech. Sequences of two barcoding loci for the L. crenatae mccannii isolates from 11 locations in Ontario showed 100% similarity within and among these locations. The genotype of L. crenatae mccannii found in Ontario is the same as that identified in the USA. This finding is consistent with the fact that 92% of beech imported into Canada is from the USA and suggests that the USA could be the origin of L. crenatae mccannii nematodes in Ontario or that both countries have imported beech trees from the same source country of BLD. This research provides motivation for further studies to clarify the sources of L. crenatae mccannii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Synthesize literature on genetic structure within species to understand how geographic features and species traits influence past responses to climate change. Location: North America. Time Period: We synthesized phylogeographic studies from 1978 to 2023, which describe genetic lineages that diverged during the Pleistocene (≥11,700 years ago). Major Taxa Studied: Mammals. Methods: We conducted a literature review to map genetic breaks in species distributions, then tested a set of geographic hypotheses (e.g., mountains, rivers) to explain their position by comparing break locations to a grid within each species' sampled range using logistic regression. We then conducted a meta‐analysis using species‐specific model estimates to ask if life‐history traits explained variation in which barriers were most important in species' past response to climate change. Results: Our findings reveal heterogeneity in both where North American mammal phylogeography has been studied and the density of genetic breaks across 229 species. We found relatively high concordance among carnivores, ungulates and lagomorphs, where breaks were associated with mountains, major water bodies and relatively even terrain. In contrast, we found high variability within rodents and shrews, and no evidence that intrinsic factors related to dispersal ability explained the importance of hypothesized barriers across all species. Main Conclusions: Southern Mexico is a hotspot for genetic breaks that has yet to be integrated into the broader story of North American phylogeography. We show that mountains and major water bodies play particularly important roles as barriers, but substantial variation across species within orders suggests that there is more to the story besides shared climatic or phylogenetic histories. Thus, understanding the phylogeography of individual species will continue to be important given that our results suggest high variability in how species may respond to future global change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyploid wheats include a group of tetraploids known as Timopheevii (AuAuGG), which are represented by two subspecies: Triticum timopheevii ssp. timopheevii (cultivated) and Triticum timopheevii ssp. araraticum (wild). The combined use of electrophoretic (SDS-PAGE) and chromatographic (RP-HPLC) techniques carried out on high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GSs) permitted the association of different x- and y-type subunits to the A and G genomes and the assessment of allelic variation present at corresponding loci. The results also revealed that in both subspecies, accessions are present that possess expressed y-type subunits at the Glu-A1 locus. Genes corresponding to these subunits were amplified and amplicons corresponding to x- and y-type genes associated with the A genome were detected in all accessions, including those without expressed x- and y-type subunits. The comparison with genes of polyploid wheats confirmed the structural characteristics of typical y-type genes, with the presence of seven cysteine residues and with hexapeptide and nonapeptide repeat motifs. The identification of wild and cultivated T. timopheevii with both x- and y-type glutenin subunits at the Glu-A1 and Glu-G1 loci represents a useful source for the modification of the allelic composition of HMW-GSs in cultivated wheats with the ultimate objective of improving technological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract—In this study we present the results of a comparative genetic analysis of bees of the Apismelliferacaucasica subspecies with the subspecies A.m.carnica and A.m.mellifera. We performed polymorphism analysis of nine microsatellite loci (Ap243, 4a110, A24, A8, A113, A88, Ap049, A28, and A43) and determined the haplotypes of the tRNAleu-COII locus. Analysis of the genetic structure of representatives of three subspecies of honey bees that are widespread in Russia showed a significant level of their differentiation even when using a small set of microsatellite loci. An assessment of the prevalence of tRNAleu-COII haplotypes in the three studied samples showed that for A.m.caucasica the predominant haplotype was C2j. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small and isolated populations are at risk of local extinction, either due to the reduction of genetic diversity or due to stochastic events. We assessed genetic diversity in populations of the red-spotted (Luscinia svecica svecica) and white-spotted bluethroat (L. s. cyanecula) subspecies from six European sites, focusing on a peripheral and declining, red-spotted population from Central Europe (Krkonoše Mountains, Czech Republic). Analysis of population structure using mitochondrial sequences (cytochrome b) and ddRAD genomic data revealed that the two subspecies form clearly defined clusters, but traces of possible admixture were found in three populations of the white-spotted bluethroat. Demographic history reconstruction indicates past population range expansion in both subspecies, while the occurrence of short (0.4 Mbp) runs of homozygosity (ROH) segments suggests possible inbreeding 50 to 200 generations ago. Interestingly, although established by a small number of individuals, the Krkonoše population show reduced genetic diversity in only one measure of summary statistics, possibly due to sustained gene flow. Correspondingly, nine highly homozygous genes were recovered within a 2.6-Mbp long ROH region on the Chr 5. Thus, we found only a small reduction of genetic diversity in a population facing extinction, contrary to the expectations for a geographically distant and small population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is commonly supposed that one can build Aristotle's account of luck (τύχη) and good fortune (εὐτυχία) from Ph. II 4–6 and Eth. Eud. VIII 2. Indeed, in these texts, he is concerned with providing a general account of each. There has, however, been some dispute on the relationship between the texts. Some argue that the two accounts conflict, and the notion of τύχη or εὐτυχία we find in the Ph. is not the one that Aristotle has in mind in Eth. Eud. Others argue that there are two notions of "luck" in Eth. Eud.: one that fits with the account in the Ph. and another that is more stable. Almost no one argues that εὐτυχία in Eth. Eud. VIII 2 is a subspecies of τύχη. I will argue that Aristotle does indeed have two notions of εὐτυχία, a narrow and a broad one. But I show that the distinction is set aside in Eth. Eud. VIII 2 where Aristotle only discusses εὐτυχία as a subspecies of τύχη. We see this especially if we compare the account in Eth. Eud. with what Aristotle says about εὐτυχία in his other ethical treatises. The upshot is that there is a narrower focus in Eth. Eud. than in the other treatises when it comes to εὐτυχία. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. tenebrionis (Btt) was discovered in 1982 and has been used as a biological control agent against the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) since the early 1990s. In this study, we sequenced, assembled and analysed the genome of strain DSM 2803, which is the patent deposit of the original Btt isolate BI 256‐82. A high‐quality reference genome is provided that allows investigating the genomic changes throughout the commercial history of Btt. Strain DSM 2803 (BI 256‐82) is particularly interesting since the subspecies description of ‘tenebrionis’ is based on it and because it represents the genomic origin of the commercial Btt strain currently used in plant protection. Comparative genome analysis of six Btt strains derived from BI 256‐82 revealed that the genomes were generally highly similar. However, some plasticity in the profile of extrachromosomal elements was detected, including recombination‐dependent plasmid differences and the presence/absence of a circular plasmid‐like prophage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferulago nodosa (L.) Boiss. (Apiaceae) is a species occurring in the Balkan-Tyrrhenian area being present in Crete, Greece, Albania, and probably in Macedonia. Although the western disjointed population of Sicily has been classified as an endemic sub-species, F. nodosa subsp. geniculata (Guss.) Troia & Raimondo, its official acceptance is quite controversial. In order to verify the existence of two different sub-species, we investigated the chemical composition of the essential oil of F. nodosa, collected in Crete (Greece), not previously reported, and we compared it with the previously oil compositions reported in literature. Main constituents of the Cretan accessions of F. nodosa were trimethyl benzaldehyde derivatives (29.5%) and monoterpene hydrocarbons (56.14%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA barcoding is commonly used for species identification. Despite this, there has not been a comprehensive assessment of the utility of DNA barcoding in crayfishes (Decapoda: Astacidea). Here we examined the extent to which local barcoding gaps (used for species identification) and global barcoding gaps (used for species discovery) exist among crayfishes, and whether global gaps met a previously suggested 10× threshold (mean interspecific difference being 10× larger than mean intra specific difference). We examined barcoding gaps using publicly available mitochondrial COI sequence data from the National Center for Biotechnology Information's nucleotide database. We created two versions of the COI datasets used for downstream analyses: one focused on the number of unique haplotypes (NH) per species, and another that focused on total number of sequences (NS; i.e., including redundant haplotypes) per species. A total of 81 species were included, with 58 species and five genera from the family Cambaridae and 23 species from three genera from the family Parastacidae. Local barcoding gaps were present in only 30 species (20 Cambaridae and 10 Parastacidae species). We detected global barcoding gaps in only four genera (Cambarus, Cherax, Euastacus, and Tenuibranchiurus), which were all below (4.2× to 5.2×) the previously suggested 10× threshold. We propose that a ~5× threshold would be a more appropriate working hypothesis for species discovery. While the NH and NS datasets yielded largely similar results, there were some discrepant inferences. To understand why some species lacked a local barcoding gap, we performed species delimitation analyses for each genus using the NH dataset. These results suggest that current taxonomy in crayfishes may be inadequate for the majority of examined species, and that even species with local barcoding gaps present may be in need of taxonomic revisions. Currently, the utility of DNA barcoding for species identification and discovery in crayfish is quite limited, and caution should be exercised when mitochondrial‐based approaches are used in place of taxonomic expertise. Assessment of the evidence for local and global barcoding gaps is important for understanding the reliability of molecular species identification and discovery, but outcomes are dependent on the current state of taxonomy. As this improves (e.g., via resolving species complexes, possibly elevating some subspecies to the species‐level status, and redressing specimen misidentifications in natural history and other collections), so too will the utility of DNA barcoding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether or where to draw subspecies' taxonomic boundaries is much more than an esoteric argument. Subspecific taxonomies and associated geographic ranges have important conservation and management implications because the Endangered Species Act (ESA) protects distinct populations segments below the species level. Genomic data can help resolve taxonomic disputes and assist with conservation policy; however, because subspecific lineages often exhibit gene flow, genomic lineages for subspecific taxa are rarely distinct. We used genomic data from the eastern pinesnake (Pituophis melanoleucus) to determine the geographic range of the morphologically variable Florida pinesnake (P. m. mugitus), which is petitioned for listing under the ESA. The overall genomic pattern of the eastern pinesnake is one of admixture, and there are gradual differences over the wide range of the species. But there still are discernable areas of genetic differentiation that correspond to the morphologically defined Florida pinesnake, and other subspecies. This pattern of admixture should be expected for subspecies. We propose that boundaries for the Florida pinesnake should maximize the species redundancy, resilience, and representation based on genomic data. We also propose best practices for managers and policymakers interpreting genomic data of subspecies, given that the genomic cutoffs will rarely be truly distinct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For almost 200 years, the taxonomy of cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii), a salmonid native to Western North America, has been in flux as ichthyologists and fisheries biologists have tried to describe the diversity within these fishes. Starting in the 1950s, Robert Behnke reexamined the cutthroat trout and identified 14 subspecies based on morphological traits, Pleistocene events, and modern geographic ranges. His designations became instrumental in recognizing and preserving the remaining diversity of cutthroat trout. Over time, molecular techniques (i.e. karyotypes, allozymes, mitochondrial DNA, SNPs, and microsatellite arrays) have largely reinforced Behnke's phylogenies, but have also revealed that some relationships are consistently weakly supported. To further resolve these relationships, we generated de novo transcriptomes for nine cutthroat subspecies, as well as a Bear River Bonneville form and two Colorado River lineages (blue and green). We present phylogenies of these subspecies generated from multiple sets of orthologous genes extracted from our transcriptomes. We confirm many of the relationships identified in previous morphological and molecular studies, as well as discuss the importance of significant differences apparent in our phylogenies from these studies within a geological perspective. Specific findings include three distinct clades: (1) Bear River Bonneville form and Yellowstone cutthroat trout; (2) Bonneville cutthroat trout (n = 2); and (3) Greenback and Rio Grande cutthroat trout. We also identify potential gene transfer between Bonneville cutthroat trout and a population of Colorado River green lineage cutthroat trout. Using these findings, it appears that additional groups warrant species‐level consideration if other recent species elevations are retained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elucidating the evolutionary processes that drive population divergence can enhance our understanding of the early stages of speciation and inform conservation management decisions. The honeybee Apis cerana displays extensive population divergence, providing an informative natural system for exploring these processes. The mainland lineage A. cerana includes several peripheral subspecies with disparate ecological and geographical settings radiated from a central ancestor. Under this evolutionary framework, we can explore the patterns of genome differentiation and the evolutionary models that explain them. We can also elucidate the contribution of non‐genomic spatiotemporal mechanisms (extrinsic features) and genomic mechanisms (intrinsic features) that influence these genomic differentiation landscapes. Based on 293 whole genomes, a small part of the genome is highly differentiated between central–peripheral subspecies pairs, while low and partial parallelism partly reflects idiosyncratic responses to environmental differences. Combined elements of recurrent selection and speciation‐with‐gene‐flow models generate the heterogeneous genome landscapes. These elements weight differently between central‐island and other central–peripheral subspecies pairs, influenced by glacial cycles superimposed on different geomorphologies. Although local recombination rates exert a significant influence on patterns of genomic differentiation, it is unlikely that low‐recombination rates regions were generated by structural variation. In conclusion, complex factors including geographical isolation, divergent ecological selection and non‐uniform genome features have acted concertedly in the evolution of reproductive barriers that could reduce gene flow in part of the genome and facilitate the persistence of distinct populations within mainland lineage of A. cerana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saimiri cassiquiarensis cassiquiarensis (Cebidae) is a primate subspecies with a wide distribution in the Amazonian region of Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. However, the boundaries of its geographic range remain poorly defined. This study presents new occurrence localities for this subspecies and updates its distribution using a compiled data set of 140 occurrence records based on literature, specimens vouchered in scientific collections, and new field data to produce model‐based range maps. After cleaning our data set, we updated the subspecies' extent of occurrence, which was used in model calibration. We then modeled the subspecies' range using a maximum entropy algorithm (MaxEnt). The final model was adjusted using a fixed threshold, and we revised this polygon based on known geographic barriers and parapatric congeneric ranges. Our findings indicate that this subspecies is strongly associated with lowland areas, with consistently high daily temperatures. We propose modifications to all range boundaries and estimate that 3% of the area of occupancy (AOO, as defined by IUCN) has already been lost due to deforestation, resulting in a current range of 224,469 km2. We also found that 54% of their AOO is currently covered by protected areas (PAs). Based on these results, we consider that this subspecies is currently properly classified as Least Concern, because it occupies an extensive range, which is relatively well covered by PAs, and is currently experiencing low rates of deforestation. Research Highlights: We used a model‐based approach to estimate Saimiri cassiquiarensis cassiquiarensis range. This subspecies is a small Amazonian cebid that ranges over wide areas in Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. However, the geographic range of this taxon remains poorly defined.The MaxEnt model indicates that the taxon is strongly linked to lowland regions with consistently high daily temperatures. The suitable habitat for this taxon only accounts for 24% of its extent of occurrence.We proposed changes to all range limits and estimated that 3% of the area has already been deforested. This results in a current range of 224,469 km2, with half of this range being encompassed by protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in migratory behavior have been suggested to drive speciation, but the genetics underlying this process remain unknown. Identification and study of migratory divides can help us understand how differential migration can lead to reproductive isolation. Here, we genotyped Willow Warblers Phylloscopus trochilus, from the Åland islands, located in between the ranges of the differentially migrating subspecies P. t. trochilus and P. t. acredula. We found that Willow Warblers on the Åland islands were genetically intermediate to allopatric populations of both parental subspecies, providing evidence that the islands constitute a previously unknown hybrid swarm, likely to be a migratory divide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eurasian subspecies of the Goosander Mergus merganser consists of three subclades (Fennoscandian–British, E European–N Asian, and Alpine). Recently, this species expressed a rapid expansion in the Carpathians. In this study, we used mitochondrial DNA to track the origins of this population. Sequencing revealed that the majority of the Carpathian birds are related to the N Polish and Russian populations, whereas one sample has a haplotype known from the Alps. This mixed ancestry was probably caused by an outbreeding enhancement and/or enlarged habitat requirements that allowed the birds to settle in the mountain rivers of the Carpathians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This scientific report provides an update of the Xylella spp. host plant database, aiming to provide information and scientific support to risk assessors, risk managers and researchers dealing with Xylella spp. Upon a mandate of the European Commission, EFSA created and regularly updates a database of host plant species of Xylella spp. The current mandate covers the period 2021–2026. This report is related to the 10th version of the database published in Zenodo in the EFSA Knowledge Junction community, covering literature published from 1 July 2023 up to 31 December 2023, and recent Europhyt outbreak notifications. Informative data have been extracted from 39 selected publications. Sixteen new host plants, five genera and one family were identified and added to the database. They were naturally infected by X. fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa or unknown either in Portugal or the United States. No additional data were retrieved for X. taiwanensis, and no additional multilocus sequence types (STs) were identified worldwide. New information on the tolerant/resistant response of plant species to X. fastidiosa infection were added to the database. The Xylella spp. host plant species were listed in different categories based on the number and type of detection methods applied for each finding. The overall number of Xylella spp. host plants determined with at least two different detection methods or positive with one method either by sequencing or pure culture isolation (category A), reaches now 451 plant species, 204 genera and 70 families. Such numbers rise to 712 plant species, 312 genera and 89 families if considered regardless of the detection methods applied (category E). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The herpetofauna of the Iberian Peninsula is relatively well-researched, yet detailed studies, at least in part relying on molecular genetic data, continue to reveal taxa new to science, mostly species and subspecies. Newts of the genus Triturus are one such group with undiscovered yet taxonomically relevant variation, as shown by the recent description of new (sub)species of pygmy newts (T. pygmaeus, T. rudolfi). The marbled newt, Triturus marmoratus, shows an equally deep and geographically coherent spatial-genetic diversification. It is here shown that a northern and a southern group are characterized by different mitochondrial dna profiles and are also differentiated in morphometry and colouration pattern. With no firm evidence for selection against intermediate genotypes, the southern group is described at the subspecies level, as T. marmoratus harmannis ssp. nov. The subspecies' contact zone is situated at ca. 41.5 northern latitude and stretches from the Atlantic coast near Porto, Portugal to the northeast of Madrid, Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arnot's Chat Myrmecocichla arnotti in the family Muscicapidae is largely confined to the woodlands of the Zambezian biome of south-central Africa. This work assesses its taxonomic status, including comments on the so-called Ruaha Chat M. [a.] collaris (also named M. [a.] leucolaema). Based on an analysis of morphology, behaviour and molecular data, we recommend that M. arnotti be considered a single species with two subspecies: M. a. arnotti (including shelleyi, leucolaema and collaris) and M. a. harterti. A restricted type locality is proposed for Saxicola shelleyi Sharpe, 1877: Ngwesi (21°03′ S, 27°50′ E), southwestern Zimbabwe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accessibility of genomic tools in evolutionary biology has allowed for a thorough exploration of various evolutionary processes associated with adaptation and speciation. However, genomic studies in natural systems present numerous challenges, reflecting the inherent complexities of studying organisms in their native habitats. The utilization of museum specimens for genomics research has received increased attention in recent times, facilitated by advancements in ancient DNA techniques. In this study, we have utilized a museum genomics approach to analyze historic specimens of Woolly-necked storks (Ciconia spp.) and examine their genetic composition and taxonomic status and explore the evolutionary and adaptive trajectories of populations over the years. The Woolly-necked storks are distributed in Asia and Africa with a taxonomic classification that has been a matter of ambiguity. Asian and African Woollynecks were recently recognized as different species based on their morphological differences; however, their genomic validation was lacking. In this study, we have used ∼70-year-old museum samples for whole-genome population-scale sequencing. Our study has revealed that Asian and African Woollynecks are genetically distinct, consistent with the current taxonomic classification based on morphological features. However, we also found a high genetic divergence between the Asian subspecies Ciconia episcopus neglecta and Ciconia episcopus episcopus , suggesting this classification requires a detailed examination to explore processes of ongoing speciation. Because taxonomic classification directly impacts conservation efforts, and there is evidence of declining populations of Asian Woollynecks in Southeast Asia, our results highlight that population-scale studies are urgent to determine the genetic, ecological, and phylogenetic diversity of these birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assess the accuracy of geometric morphometrics (GMM) for determining the origin of insects of quarantine importance using the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina Lep.1836) as a case study. This species is highly variable, has an extensive natural distribution, and has been transported to many regions of the world. Forewing landmarks were applied to a large sample of regionally specific color morphs (previously considered "subspecies") from across the species' native Asian range. We reconfirm that GMM can statistically distinguish geographic variants independent of the color patterns that have heretofore been used for provenance, but which have been suspected of being unreliable. Almost all morphs in our analyses were statistically different except the centrally located V. v. variana, whose range lies between the continental V. v. auraria Smith, 1852, and V. v. nigrithorax du Buysson, 1905 morphs, and the Malaysian and Indonesian morphs. Even with moderate-sized training samples, discriminant function analysis (DFA) was able to classify geographic morphos with about 90% accuracy (ranging from 60% to 100%). We apply these results to determine the origin of a dead wasp recently intercepted in a mail parcel in Utah. Both DFA and continuous-trait maximum-likelihood clustering suggest that the Utah specimen belongs to the nigrithorax morph, which is native to southern China but now invasive in Europe, Japan, and Korea. These results are also supported by DNA barcode analysis, which groups the Utah individual with nigrithorax populations in South Korea and Japan. The relationship between variation in wing shape and genetic differentiation deserves further study, but molecular data are consistent with the GMM results suggesting that morphometric comparisons may be able to identify and provenance intercepted specimens quickly and inexpensively when molecular sequences and taxonomic specialists are unavailable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major aim of evolutionary biology is to understand why patterns of genomic diversity vary within taxa and space. Large‐scale genomic studies of widespread species are useful for studying how environment and demography shape patterns of genomic divergence. Here, we describe one of the most geographically comprehensive surveys of genomic variation in a wild vertebrate to date; the great tit (Parus major) HapMap project. We screened ca 500,000 SNP markers across 647 individuals from 29 populations, spanning ~30 degrees of latitude and 40 degrees of longitude – almost the entire geographical range of the European subspecies. Genome‐wide variation was consistent with a recent colonisation across Europe from a South‐East European refugium, with bottlenecks and reduced genetic diversity in island populations. Differentiation across the genome was highly heterogeneous, with clear 'islands of differentiation', even among populations with very low levels of genome‐wide differentiation. Low local recombination rates were a strong predictor of high local genomic differentiation (FST), especially in island and peripheral mainland populations, suggesting that the interplay between genetic drift and recombination causes highly heterogeneous differentiation landscapes. We also detected genomic outlier regions that were confined to one or more peripheral great tit populations, probably as a result of recent directional selection at the species' range edges. Haplotype‐based measures of selection were related to recombination rate, albeit less strongly, and highlighted population‐specific sweeps that likely resulted from positive selection. Our study highlights how comprehensive screens of genomic variation in wild organisms can provide unique insights into spatio‐temporal evolutionary dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triaspis hypericoides currently comprises three accepted subspecies endemic to woodland savannas of southern continental Africa. After an unusual population belonging to this complex was collected in southwestern Angola, we re‐evaluated the classification of this group. This study was based on the analysis of type specimens, protologues, field photographs and herbarium sheets of all subspecies within T. hypericoides. We reinstate T. canescens, T. hypericoides and T. nelsonii based on differences in leaf, flower and fruit traits. Additionally, the Angolan population is proposed here as a new species of Triapis endemic to the dry miombo woodlands of Bicuar National Park, Huíla Province, southwestern Angola. Triaspis bicuarensis sp. nov. is easily distinguished from T. nelsonii by its alternate (versus opposite) leaves, ovate to widely ovate (versus widely ovate to very widely ovate) leaf laminas, rounded (versus sagittate) leaf base, flat (versus undulate) margins, sparsely white‐tomentose (versus glabrous to glabrescent) abaxial leaf surface, petiole 4–8 mm long (versus 2–3 mm long), compound inflorescences in thyrses (versus corymbs) and bracteoles inserted below apex of peduncles (versus in the middle of peduncles). An identification key to all species belonging to this species complex is presented alongside a complete morphological description for the new species, photographic plates and comments on the distribution, ecology, palynology and taxonomy. These results underline the need for continued revisions of the taxonomy of the neglected African genera of Malpighiaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Bracken (Pteridium, Dennstaedtiaceae) is a cosmopolitan genus of aggressive disturbance colonizers that are toxic to agricultural livestock. The taxonomy of Pteridium has been treated in multiple schemes, ranging from one to six species worldwide, with numerous subspecies and varieties. Recent work has focused on the worldwide distribution and systematics of the bracken fern, but South America has been poorly represented. We present the first continent‐wide sampling and analysis of Pteridium esculentum, a Southern Hemisphere diploid species. Methods: Within South America, P. esculentum has several morphotypes, distinguished into subspecies by variation in indument and lamina architecture. We used double digest restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (ddRADSeq) to assess the phylogenetic relationships of P. esculentum subspecies. Results: We found a striking genetic homogeneity in the species, being able to support only two morphotypes from molecular data: P. e. arachnoideum and P. e. campestre. We had high confidence for shallow and deep phylogenetic relationships, but less support for relationships among crown groups. Conclusions: We describe an east‐west geographic pattern that would explain the relationships between populations; and, in contrast to previous studies, we detected differences with P. esculentum from Australia. These results will lay the foundations for studying variations in this species' behavior as a weed, as well as its impact on the production of agricultural livestock in South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nordaustlandet is the northernmost and one of the most inaccessible regions of Svalbard. The lichens of the Nordaustlandet were studied most actively from the mid-nineteenth century to the 40 s of the twentieth century. It was during this period that significant collections of lichens were collected, which still form the basis for some taxonomic studies. Thanks to large-scale research conducted by the Avrorin Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden-Institute of the Kola Science Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences for 3 years (2010–2012), we were able to make a significant contribution to the knowledge of Nordaustlandet lichens. The study of the lichen biota of Murchisonfjorden prompted us to summarise all the information about the lichens and lichenophilous fungi of Nordaustlandet, as well as to evaluate the degree of detection of the lichen flora. The checklist includes 477 lichen species, 2 subspecies and 22 species and one subspecies of lichenicolous fungi, of which Calogaya bryochrysion, Diplotomma lutosum, Flavoplaca flavocitrina, Lecanora intumescens and Zwackhiomyces coepulonus are reported for the first time for the Svalbard archipelago and another 40 species—for Nordaustlandet. The richest in terms of the number of species is Gustav V Land (415 species and two subspecies of lichens and 18 species and one subspecies of lichenicolous fungi). An assessment of lichen biota diversity using an integrated approach based on Hill numbers showed that the data cover a maximum of 80.93% of the total number of lichen species in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among avian species, particularly those with altricial young, life‐history strategies are characterized by a 'slow' pace‐of‐life at lower latitudes, where relatively low annual investments in reproduction are traded‐off for increased survival. Evidence for this pattern in precocial species, however, is equivocal, and questions about ecological drivers of latitudinal variation in reproduction remain. To better understand spatial variation in pace‐of‐life and related reproductive traits across bird species and to test a hypothesis that might explain observed spatial patterns, we analysed breeding data from closely related Canada Geese Branta canadensis and Cackling Geese Branta hutchinsii, hereafter Canada‐type geese, comprising eight sub‐species from 16 sites across a broad gradient of latitude (32°N to 69°N) and season length. Unlike the pattern reported for many altricial species, Canada‐type geese did not show reduced annual fecundity at lower latitudes, and instead this reduced reproductive investment was at higher latitudes. For three of five reproductive traits, the relative influence of growing season length (GSL; an index of the time available to breed) was greater than that of latitude. A shorter GSL resulted in later nest initiations, shorter pre‐laying intervals and higher seasonal rates of clutch size decline. Our results suggest that these and other species of geese are able to circumvent nutritional and temporal constraints imposed by shorter GSL by storing and using nutrient reserves for egg laying and incubation. Relative flexibility in reproductive traits may permit Canada‐type geese to accommodate predicted increases in climatic variability, compared to species with more rigid reproductive strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Identifying mechanisms that drive population divergence under varying geographic and ecological scenarios can inform our understanding of evolution and speciation. In particular, analysis of genetic data from island populations with known colonisation timelines allows us to identify potential source populations of diverging island subspecies and current relationships among populations. Silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis) are a small passerine that have served as a valuable study system to investigate evolutionary patterns on both large and small geographic scales. We examined genetic relatedness and diversity of two silvereye subspecies, the mainland Z. l. cornwalli and island Z. l. chlorocephalus, and used 18 077 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), to compare locations across southeast Queensland, Australia. Although silvereyes are prolific island colonisers our findings revealed population divergence over relatively small spatial scales was strongly influenced by geographic isolation mediated by water barriers. Strong genetic connectivity was displayed between mainland sites, but minimal inter-island connectivity was shown despite comparable sampling distances. Genetic diversity analysis showed little difference in heterozygosity between island and mainland populations, but lower inbreeding scores among the island populations. Our study confirmed the range of the Z. l. chlorocephalus subspecies throughout the southern Great Barrier Reef. Our results show that water barriers and not geographic distance per se are important in driving incipient divergence in island populations. This helps to explain the relatively high number of phenotypically differentiated, but often geographically proximate, island silvereye subspecies compared to a lower number of phenotypically less well-defined Australian continental subspecies.

The aim of the study was to develop an algorithm for intraspecific differentiation of tularemia agent strains using a set of approaches based on amplification and sequencing technologies.Materials and methods. 97 strains of Francisella tularensis of various subspecies, biovars and subpopulations from the State Collection of Pathogenic Bacteria of the Russian Research Anti-Plague Institute “Microbe” were used in the work. The intraspecific identification of tularemia agent strains was carried out using the “F. tularensis-4c” system; analysis of the variability of the RD1 differentiation region, the sdhA gene, by applying the disk diffusion method using disks with erythromycin. Fragment Sanger sequencing was performed on a 3500 XL genetic analyzer (Applied Biosystems, USA) taking into account the manufacturer’s recommendations. Sequence homology assessment was conducted using the BLAST algorithm, the GenBank NCBI database, MEGA11 v11.0.13 and Unipro UGENE v50.0 software.Results and discussion. Subspecies- and biovarspecific mutations have been detected in the 23S rRNA gene. Promising regions of this gene for further investigation have been identified using fragment sequencing. A comprehensive scheme for intraspecific differentiation of tularemia microbe strains has been put forward, where at the first stage the subspecies and biovar japonica are determined, and at the second stage, the results are verified based on the determination of mutations in the 23S rRNA gene. The effectiveness of the proposed integrated approach has been confirmed in a study of 97 collection strains of tularemia agent. The conducted research allows for rapid identification of tularemia agent strains of different subspecies and verification of their taxonomic appurtenance using molecular-genetic methods, expanding data on the circulation of various subspecies, biovars and subpopulations of the pathogen in Europe, Asia and other regions of the world.

The new Checklist of hornworts (Anthocerotophyta) and liverworts (Marchantiophyta) of Slovenia within current political boundaries comprises 181 species, additional 4 subspecies and 2 varieties. Additional 5 species are denoted by a question mark since reports are considered questionable. An alphabetically arranged tabular presentation of genera, species and lower taxa shows their presence in the phytogeographical units of Slovenia. The records from the periods before and after 1958 are marked with different symbols. Each species also has a new Red List status in Slovenia. The checklist includes the data from the literature and Herbarium LJU. Annotations to selected species give a critical evaluation of the literature and herbarium data. A list of taxa that should be excluded from the flora of Slovenia, the synonyms and the used literature with floristic data not cited in this article are also added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]