Latest Articles from Zoosystematics and Evolution Latest 5 Articles from Zoosystematics and Evolution https://zse.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 11:01:31 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://zse.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Zoosystematics and Evolution https://zse.pensoft.net/ Two new Oxynoemacheilus species in western Anatolia (Teleostei, Nemacheilidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/102575/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 99(2): 439-455

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.102575

Authors: Davut Turan, Sadi Aksu, Gökhan Kalayci

Abstract: Oxynoemacheilus sakaryaensis sp. nov., is restricted to the Sakarya River basin, and O. melenicus sp. nov., is distributed in both the Sakarya River and Büyükmelen Stream. Oxynoemacheilus sakaryaensis is distinguished by having a flank plain or with numerous irregularly shaped pale brownish bars and a caudal-peduncle depth 2.8–3.2 times in its length. Oxynoemacheilus melenicus is distinguished by having a flank with 10–13 irregular shaped brownish bars or blotches and the caudal peduncle depth 1.9–2.8 times in its length. Oxynoemacheilus banarescui, O. samanticus, O. simavicus, O. fatsaensis, O. sakaryaensis, and O. melenicus are valid, which belong to the O. bergianus species group. O. melenicus and O. sakaryaensis were differentiated from all other Oxynoemacheilus species in western Anatolia by two diagnostic and unique nucleotide substitution sites in the COI barcoding region. Also, species delineation tests (ABGD, GMYC, ASAP) and phylogenetic analyses support the validity of O. melenicus and O. sakaryaensis as distinct species.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 4 Oct 2023 19:06:47 +0300
Guide to image editing and production of figures for scientific publications with an emphasis on taxonomy https://zse.pensoft.net/article/49225/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 96(1): 139-158

DOI: 10.3897/zse.96.49225

Authors: Marcus Bevilaqua

Abstract: Figures for scientific publications go through various stages from the planning, to the capturing of images, to the production of finished figures for publication. This guide is meant to familiarise the reader with the main image-editing software used by professional photographers. The guide’s focus is on digital photo editing and the production of figures using Adobe Photoshop to produce publication-quality figures for scientific publications. This guide will be of fundamental use for the academic public, especially taxonomists and others who work with images. Besides, it should be useful for anyone interested in becoming familiar with the basic tools of image editing.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Mon, 4 May 2020 08:13:35 +0300
Evolutionary ecology of driftwood talitrids: a review https://zse.pensoft.net/article/12582/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 93(2): 353-361

DOI: 10.3897/zse.93.12582

Authors: David J. Wildish

Abstract: Marine driftwood, both when floating at the sea surface and after stranding in the supralittoral of a beach, has been inadequately sampled for talitrids throughout the world. It is probable that many more talitrids than the seven currently recognized as driftwood species are extant. Because they are obligate xylophages all seven species are considered to be specialized driftwood talitrids. They contrast with talitrids able to feed on either wrack or driftwood, as has been established experimentally in Platorchestia platensis (Krøyer, 1845). For the best known genus of specialized driftwood talitrids, Macarorchestia, there are two zoogeographic series: Northeast Atlantic: M. microphtalma – M. roffensis –M. martini and Mediterranean: M. remyi – M. pavesiae. Both geographic series are characterized by increasing dwarfism. Experimental studies suggest that dwarfism evolved to allow talitrids to occupy the small burrows made by gribbles (Isopoda, Limnoridae) in driftwood, and/or because driftwood was a poor quality food by comparison with wrack. The phylogenetic advantages of talitrids living in driftwood are that: they are protected from shorebird predation, they are provided with a long distance dispersal mechanism, and they have a relatively long term, albeit poorer quality, food source. Molecular genetic studies confirm that both Macarorchestia and Neotenorchestia have evolved by dwarfism from larger Orchestia ancestors.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Review Article Wed, 15 Nov 2017 15:55:56 +0200
Life on the beach for a sand crab (Emerita rathbunae) (Decapoda, Hippidae): parasite-induced mortality of females in populations of the Pacific sand crab caused by Microphallus nicolli (Microphallidae) https://zse.pensoft.net/article/8256/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 92(2): 153-161

DOI: 10.3897/zse.92.8256

Authors: Juan Violante-González, Scott Monks, Guadalupe Quiterio-Rendon, Sergio García-Ibáñez, Edvino Larumbe-Morán, Agustín A. Rojas-Herrera

Abstract: Parasites, by definition, can affect mortality of their host, making parasitism an important biotic determinant of animal population dynamics and community structure. Reduction in the number of larger, reproductive age females in populations of the Pacific sand crab, Emerita rathbunae (Decapoda, Hippidae), was observed in studies of the helminth community of this host. The aim of this study was to determine if high abundance of the metacercaria of the trematode, Microphallus nicolli (Microphallidae), causes mortality in this host. Females of E. rathbunae were collected from four sandy beaches in Guerrero State, Mexico, and helminths were collected from each crab. An analysis of variance (Anova) was applied to these data in order to identify differences in abundance between sizes of crabs, and an analysis of covariance (Ancova) was applied to identify differences in the abundance of metacercariae between locations. Parasite-related mortality was inferred by a decrease in abundance in older hosts. Linear and polynomial regressions of mean abundance of helminths (log x+1 transformed data) vs. cephalothorax length of crabs were significant for the four populations of E. rathbunae, indicating increased mortality of older, more heavily infected female crabs and resultant removal from the population. Encapsulation and melanization of cysts by crabs was observed, indicating that an immune response by crabs also killed a portion of the cysts from subsequent exposures. Mortality of hosts through behavioral modification favoring transmission of highly infected crabs was suggested as the driving force behind this process.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Thu, 8 Sep 2016 10:46:41 +0300
Systematics and ecology of Oligodon sublineatus Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854, an endemic snake of Sri Lanka, including the designation of a lectotype https://zse.pensoft.net/article/4971/ Zoosystematics and Evolution 91(1): 71-80

DOI: 10.3897/zse.91.4971

Authors: AA Thasun Amarasinghe, D.M.S. Suranjan Karunarathna, Patrick D. Campbell, Ivan Ineich

Abstract: The description of Oligodon sublineatus Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854 was based on two syntypes located at Paris Natural History Museum (MNHN). The larger specimen (SVL 254 mm) was described in detail, but erroneously labelled as originating from the Philippines, the second specimen (SVL 150 mm) was labelled as originating from ‘Ceylan’ (=Sri Lanka). The smaller specimen, up to this point, has always been considered as the holotype by monotypy. Since recognising the larger specimen in the collection of MNHN as a syntype, we hereby designate it as the lectotype of Oligodon sublineatus and redescribe comprehensively both syntypes. Oligodon sublineatus (SVL 152–310 mm) has 130–161 ventral scales, 23–42 divided subcaudals, a divided anal plate, a loreal, seven supralabials, and 1+2 temporals. Furthermore, we provide a detailed account of the distribution and natural history of this widely distributed Sri Lankan endemic snake.

HTML

XML

PDF

]]>
Research Article Wed, 22 Apr 2015 17:44:53 +0300