Elucidating the historical processes that led populations to their current spatial and genetic arrangement is relevant in conserving threatened species. We interpreted the phylogeographic structure of the threatened Y...Elucidating the historical processes that led populations to their current spatial and genetic arrangement is relevant in conserving threatened species. We interpreted the phylogeographic structure of the threatened Yellow-headed Parrot (Amazona oratrix) with mitochondrial markers and analyzed 98 samples from Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. We performed analyses of genetic structure, genealogical relationships, demographic history, and divergence times and illustrated the phenotypic variation qualitatively of the sampled individuals. The studies revealed that 92% of the genetic variation is explained between the Mexican Tres Marías Islands, the Mexican Pacific Coast, and the Atlantic groups. These three groups were segregated into two main lineages (Pacific and Atlantic), separated by 26 mutations, leaving A. auropalliata within the Atlantic. We found that both lineages diverged 0.55 million years ago, from which the Atlantic lineage experienced population expansion, high levels of genetic diversity, and a low genetic structure with two phenotypes. The Pacific experienced demographic stability, low levels of diversity, and a genetic structure marked with two phenotypes. Our estimates indicate that this separation occurred in the Pleistocene when the Atlantic clade diverged from Panama and dispersed overland to the Gulf of Mexico. Simultaneously, the Pacific clade departed from the same area to Tres Marías Islands and the Mexican Pacific coast. We deduce that this long-distance event was probably produced by assisted dispersal, but other scenarios appear more parsimonious. We conclude that there is no gene flow between both lineages and that the phylogeographic structure resulted significantly from historical events and climatic changes during the Pleistocene. We propose undertaking other analyses in the future to compare our results and the paraphyletic relationships in A. oratrix.展开更多
Toxicodendron is a genus in the Rhus complex of Anacardiaceae with a disjunct distribution between eastern Asia and North America, extending to southeastern Asia and the neotropics. Nuclear （internal transcribed spac...Toxicodendron is a genus in the Rhus complex of Anacardiaceae with a disjunct distribution between eastern Asia and North America, extending to southeastern Asia and the neotropics. Nuclear （internal transcribed spacer, external transcribed spacer, and NIA-i3） and chloroplast （ndhF and trnL-F） sequences were used to construct phylogenetic relationships of Toxicodendron. Phylogenetic analysis of these data strongly support Toxieodendron as a monophyletic group distinct from other genera of the Rhus complex, and the phylogeny does not fully corroborate classification at the sectional level. Two temperate disjunct lineages were detected, one from section Toxicodendron and the other between the eastern North American Toxicodendron vernix and the eastern Asian Toxicodendron vernieifluum. Their divergence times were estimated to be 13.46 （7.95-19.42） and 7.53 （2.76-12.86） mya, respectively. The disjunction between section Griffithii （taxa from warm temperate to tropical Asia） and Toxieodendron striatum （from the neotropics） was supported and their divergence time was estimated to be 20.84 （11.1 6-30.52） mya in the early Miocene. Our biogeographic results and the paleontological data support the Bering land bridge as the most likely route to explain the temperate disjunctions, yet the tropical disjunction in Toxicodendron seems to be best explained by the North Atlantic land bridge hypothesis.展开更多
Species composition, diversity and population structure of woody species recovered on three abandoned agricultural fields after 4, 9 and 14 years were characterized. Seedlings, saplings/poles and mature trees were ide...Species composition, diversity and population structure of woody species recovered on three abandoned agricultural fields after 4, 9 and 14 years were characterized. Seedlings, saplings/poles and mature trees were identified and counted in 70 plots of 100 m^2 in each abandoned site. A total of 13, 29 and 22 families represented by 17, 48 and 44 species were registered in 4-, 9- and 14-year-old stands, respectively. There was a shift in dominant species across successional stages. Lonchocarpus acuminatus had the highest importance value in the 4-year old stand, whereas, Myrospermun frutescens, Guazurna ulmifolia and Cordia alliodora had the highest importance value in the 9-year-old-stand and Caesaeria corymbosa, Muntingia calabura, Gliricidia sepium and Tabebuia rosea in the 14-year-old stand. The total stem density increased from 5011 to 9631 individuals per hectare as the age of abandonment increased from 4 to 14 years. The total basal area of individuals _〉 I cm d.b.h, also increased with the age of abandonment. Overall, small individuals （〈 10 cm dbh） contributed to more than half of the total basal area. Species diversity was the highest in the 9-year old stand followed by 14- and 4-year-old stands. We concluded that floristic composition of secondary forests recovers rapidly to the mature forest level compared to structural attributes, which is consistent with the general successional trajectories of tropical dry forest.展开更多
Patterns of specialization and the structure of interactions between bats and ectoparasitic flies have been studied mostly on non-urban environments and at local scales.Thus,how anthropogenic disturbances influence sp...Patterns of specialization and the structure of interactions between bats and ectoparasitic flies have been studied mostly on non-urban environments and at local scales.Thus,how anthropogenic disturbances influence species interactions and network structure in this system remain poorly understood.Here,we investigated patterns of interaction between Phyllostomidae bats and ectoparasitic Streblidae flies,and variations in network specialization and structure across Cerrado patches within urbanized landscapes in Brazil and between local and regional scales.We found high similarity in the richness and composition of bat and fly species across communities,associated with low turnover of interactions between networks.The high specialization of bat-streblid interactions resulted in little connected and modular networks,with the emergence of modules containing subsets of species that interact exclusively or primarily with each other.Such similarities in species and interaction composition and network structure across communities and scales suggest that bat-fly interactions within Cerrado patches are little affected by the degree of human modification in the surrounding matrix.This remarkable consistency is likely promoted by specific behaviors,the tolerance of Phyllostomidae bats to surrounding urbanized landscapes as well as by the specificity of the streblid-bat interactions shaped over evolutionary time.展开更多
The species within Xenarthra(sloths,anteaters,and armadillos)are quintessential South American mammals.Of the three groups,Vermilingua(anteaters)contains the fewest extant and paleontological species.Here,we sampled a...The species within Xenarthra(sloths,anteaters,and armadillos)are quintessential South American mammals.Of the three groups,Vermilingua(anteaters)contains the fewest extant and paleontological species.Here,we sampled and sequenced the entire mitochondrial genomes(mitogenomes)of two Tamandua species(Tamandua tetradactyla and T.mexicana)(n=74)from Central and South America,as well as Myrmecophaga tridactyla(n=41)from South America.Within Tamandua,we detected three different haplogroups.The oldest(THI)contained many specimens with the T.tetradactyla morphotype(but also several with the T.mexicana morphotype)and originated in southeastern South America(currently Uruguay)before moving towards northern South America,where the THII haplogroup originated.THII primarily contained specimens with the T.mexicana morphotype(but also several with the T.tetradactyla morphotype)and was distributed in Central America,Colombia,and Ecuador.THI and THII yielded a genetic distance of 4%.THII originated in either northern South America or“in situ”in Central America with haplogroup THIII,which consisted of~50%T.mexicana and 50%T.tetradactyla phenotypes.THIII was mostly located in the same areas as THII,i.e.,Central America,Ecuador,and Colombia,though mainly in the latter.The three haplogroups overlapped in Colombia and Ecuador.Thus,T.tetradactyla and T.mexicana were not reciprocally monophyletic.For this reason,we considered that a unique species of Tamandua likely exists,i.e.,T.tetradactyla.In contrast to Tamandua,M.tridactyla did not show different morphotypes throughout its geographical range in the Neotropics.However,two very divergent genetic haplogroups(MHI and MHII),with a genetic distance of~10%,were detected.The basal haplogroup,MHI,originated in northwestern South America,whereas the more geographically derived haplogroup,MHII,overlapped with MHI,but also expanded into central and southern South America.Thus,Tamandua migrated from south to north whereas Myrmecophaga migrated from north to south.Our results also showed that temporal mitochondrial diversification for Tamandua began during the Late Pliocene and Upper Pleistocene,but for Myrmecophaga began during the Late Miocene.Furthermore,both taxa showed elevated levels of mitochondrial genetic diversity.Tamandua showed more evidence of female population expansion than Myrmecophaga.Tamandua experienced population expansion~0.6–0.17 million years ago(Mya),whereas Myrmecophaga showed possible population expansion~0.3–0.2 Mya.However,both taxa experienced a conspicuous female decline in the last 10000–20000 years.Our results also showed little spatial genetic structure for both taxa.However,several analyses revealed higher spatial structure in Tamandua than in Myrmecophaga.Therefore,Tamandua and Myrmecophaga were not subjected to the same biogeographical,geological,or climatological events in shaping their genetic structures.展开更多
The spider monkey, a fruit specialist and important seed dispersal agent in the Neotropics, is an endangered primate due to habitat loss, hunting and the pet trade. Spider monkeys have been the subject of a few studie...The spider monkey, a fruit specialist and important seed dispersal agent in the Neotropics, is an endangered primate due to habitat loss, hunting and the pet trade. Spider monkeys have been the subject of a few studies in Central and South Ame- rica, but little is known about the diet and ranging for this primate in southern Mexico. Here we report the results of a six-month long study （October 2010 to March 2011） of the feeding preferences and ranging patterns of the Yucatan spider monkey Ateles geoffroyi yucatanensis living in the ＂Ya＇ax＇che＂ reserve by the Caribbean coast in northeast Yucatan peninsula. Focal animal and scan sampling as well as GPS tracking were used to document spider monkey feeding behavior, location of food trees and ranging in the reserve. The spider monkeys used 36 species of plants （94% trees; n = 432） and six non tree morphospecies as a source of food. Six tree species accounted for 〉~80% of total feeding time and for 74% of all trees used. Fruits accounted for 59% of total feeding time, followed by leaves （35%）, palm piths （5%） and other plant parts （1%）. Total range used by the monkeys was esti- mated at 43% of semievergreen rainforest habitat available （ca 40ha）. Range use was not random with segments showing light, moderate and heavy use; the use of different areas of their range varied monthly and was closely linked to the spatial dispersion of the trees used for food [Current Zoology 59 （1）： 125-134, 2013].展开更多
Species composition, diversity and population structure of woody species recovered on three abandoned agricultural fields after 4, 9 and 14 years were characterized. Seedlings, saplings/poles and mature trees were ide...Species composition, diversity and population structure of woody species recovered on three abandoned agricultural fields after 4, 9 and 14 years were characterized. Seedlings, saplings/poles and mature trees were identified and counted in 70 plots of 100 m2 in each abandoned site. A total of 13, 29 and 22 families represented by 17, 48 and 44 species were registered in 4-, 9-and 14-year-old stands, respectively. There was a shift in dominant species across successional stages. Lonchocarpus acuminatus had the highest importance value in the 4-year old stand, whereas, Myrospermun frutescens, Guazuma ulmifolia and Cordia alliodora had the highest importance value in the 9-year-old-stand and Caesaeria corymbosa, Muntingia calabura, Gliricidia sepium and Tabebuia rosea in the 14-year-old stand. The total stem density increased from 5011 to 9631 individuals per hectare as the age of abandonment increased from 4 to 14 years. The total basal area of individuals ≥ 1cm d.b.h. also increased with the age of abandonment. Overall, small individuals (< 10 cm dbh) contributed to more than half of the total basal area. Species diversity was the highest in the 9-year old stand followed by 14-and 4-year-old stands. We concluded that floristic composition of secondary forests recovers rapidly to the mature forest level compared to structural attributes, which is consistent with the general successional trajectories of tropical dry forest.展开更多
Five new species are described in the genus Diplazium Sw. from Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Colombia, as results of studies in the Neotropical ferns. The new species are Diplazium chirripoense A. Rojas, Diplazium cornutu...Five new species are described in the genus Diplazium Sw. from Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Colombia, as results of studies in the Neotropical ferns. The new species are Diplazium chirripoense A. Rojas, Diplazium cornutum A. Rojas, Diplazium crassirhizoma A. Rojas, Diplazium lustrosum A. Rojas and Diplazium rodriguezii A. Rojas. The first species is related to D. skutchii Lellinger, but differs from it by having glabrous stipe, glabrous blade abaxially, hyaline and entire indusia, and distributed and higher elevations. The second species is different to D. diplazioides (Klotzsch et H. Karst.) Alston by having densely scaly stipe, rachis and costa, relative bigger pinnae and entire to erose indusia. After that, the third species differs from D. werckleanum Christ by thicker rhizome, bigger rhizome scales and blade with 1 - 2 buds at apex. Consecutively, the fourth species differs from D. lindbergii (Mett.) H. Christ by thinner rhizome, shorter fronds, longer stipe, smaller blade, less pinnae pairs, shiny laminar tissue and veins 3 - 5 pairs per segment. Finally, the fifth species is related to D. tungurahuae (Sodiro) C. Chr., but with abaxially glabrous rachis and costae, pinnules 4 - 5 times longer than wide and entire, costules adaxially without wings, veins abaxially glabrous and reticulate along costae and between pinnate veins.展开更多
Attalea speciosa Mart. ex Spreng (baba?u) is a palm tree of considerable economic importance in Brazil, especially in the northeast portion of the country. The myxobiota of baba?u was studied by examining living and d...Attalea speciosa Mart. ex Spreng (baba?u) is a palm tree of considerable economic importance in Brazil, especially in the northeast portion of the country. The myxobiota of baba?u was studied by examining living and dead trunks, leaves, inflorescences and fallen fruits on the ground during the wet season at the Teresina Park, Piauí State, Brazil. Taxonomic diversity, species diversity, frequency of occurrence, abundance and constancy of each species were determined in two areas of deciduous mixed forest. The taxonomic diversity of the myxobiota was similar, with values of 1.5 and 1.6 for the two areas. The highest frequency of occurrence value was recorded for the spathe (50% -54%), followed by the petiole (18% -19%) and leaf sheath (4% -19%). Myxomycetes were absent on fallen fruits and rare on the leaf blade (6%) and dead (9%) or living (2%) trunks. Hemitrichia serpula (Scop.) Rostaf. ex Lister, Perichaena depressa Lib., Arcyria cinerea (Bull.) Pers. and H. calyculata (Speg.) M. L. Farr were the species characterized by the highest levels of constancy, abundance and frequency. Cribraria microcarpa (Schrad.) Pers. and Stemonitopsis typhina (F. H. Wigg.) Nann.-Bremek. were occasionally present. Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa (Mull.) T. Macbr., Clastoderma debaryanum A. Blytt, Craterium aureum (Schumach.) Rostaf. and Physarum melleum (Berk. & Broome) Massee were infrequently encountered. Other species recorded were Arcyria denudata (L.) Wettst., Cribraria cancellata (Batsch.) Nann.-Bremek., C. violacea Rex, Lycogala exiguum Morgan, Metatrichia vesparia (Batsch) Nann.-Bremek. ex G. W. Martin, Physarum bogoriense Racib., P. nucleatum Rex, P. pusillum (Berk. & M. A. Curtis) G. Lister and Stemonitis axifera (Bull.) T. Macbr. The myxobiota of the shaded study area was characterized by a higher diversity (6.10) than the unshaded area (2.10), and the incidence of myxomycetes on the A. speciosa trees selected for study was appreciably higher (100% and 40%, respectively).展开更多
Basidiomata of a Phallus species were found near bamboo trees in the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden.This species was described as new to science and was named as Phallus fluminensis based on morphological characteris...Basidiomata of a Phallus species were found near bamboo trees in the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden.This species was described as new to science and was named as Phallus fluminensis based on morphological characteristics.A detailed description,color images of microstructures and basidiomata of P.fluminensis,a comparison of P.fluminensis with its morphologically closely related taxa and a key to the genus Phallus in Brazil are given.A comparative analysis of P.glutinolens collections from the type locality was also made.展开更多
Mycenastrum catimbauense is found growing in the xerophytic biome named“Caatinga”in the Catimbau National Park,Pernambuco State,Brazil.Basidiomata are found solitary in an open place and exposed to sunlight.The morp...Mycenastrum catimbauense is found growing in the xerophytic biome named“Caatinga”in the Catimbau National Park,Pernambuco State,Brazil.Basidiomata are found solitary in an open place and exposed to sunlight.The morphological analyses of macro-and microstructures followed the specific literature of the group.The fundamental diagnostic characteristics for this new taxon are the dark-colored peridium and gleba,tomentose peridium and spiny capillitium with brittle thorns.Full description,color photographs of the basidiomata and microstructures of this new species,and a discussion are provided.展开更多
The genus Geastrum Pers.has cosmopolitan distribution and can be found in humid,arid or semi-arid climates.Geastrum hyalinum is a new species found in the Brazilian Southern Amazon in the Rio Ronuro Ecological Station...The genus Geastrum Pers.has cosmopolitan distribution and can be found in humid,arid or semi-arid climates.Geastrum hyalinum is a new species found in the Brazilian Southern Amazon in the Rio Ronuro Ecological Station.This new species can be recognized by its hyaline microscopic structures,such as peridium hyphae,capillitium and spores;indeed,this character is unusual for the genus Geastrum.Description,discussion and photographs of this new taxon are given.展开更多
Tulostoma reticulatum,until this report only found occurring on the Australian mainland,was found growing in sandy soil of the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest.The specimens are described and illustrated macro-and micro-...Tulostoma reticulatum,until this report only found occurring on the Australian mainland,was found growing in sandy soil of the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest.The specimens are described and illustrated macro-and micro-morphologically,and data on taxonomy,distribution and ecology are given.This is the first record of this species outside Australia.展开更多
Aggressive behavior can be an important factor in determining how animals use and divide space and resources. Previous studies have shown that aggression in fishes can be influenced by a variety of factors, including ...Aggressive behavior can be an important factor in determining how animals use and divide space and resources. Previous studies have shown that aggression in fishes can be influenced by a variety of factors, including water temperature and resource levels. In this study, we tested if the amount of habitat structure in the environment affected aggression levels in female convict cichlids Archocentrus nigrofasciatus. We performed a laboratory experiment in which we placed female convict cichlids into an aquarium with low or high amounts of habitat structure and monitored the dominant female＇s behavior toward the subordinate female. Aggressive behavior in convict cichlids primarily consists of chases and bites. We found that the total time the dominant female spent chasing the subordinate female was greater when there was a low amount of habitat structure as compared to when there was a high amount of habitat structure. We also found that both the average duration of a chasing bout and the number of bites directed at the subordinate fish increased when there was a low amount of structure, but the number of chases did not. These results indicate that increased habitat structural complexity decreases aggressive behavior in convict cichlids [Current Zoology 56 （1）： 52-56, 2010].展开更多
I review evidence that females deceive males in the context of sexual selection and sexual conflict in the green poison frog, Dendrobates auratus. In this species, males mate polygynously when they have the opportunit...I review evidence that females deceive males in the context of sexual selection and sexual conflict in the green poison frog, Dendrobates auratus. In this species, males mate polygynously when they have the opportunity, but polygyny imposes a cost on female reproductive success. Some females attempt to guard their mates when those males are approached by other fe- males. This behavior involves both aggression toward other females and active ＂pseudo-courtship＂ of the male. This courtship is hypothesized to be a deceptive signal that ffmctions to prevent the male from mating with other females. Observational and com- parative evidence is presented in support of the predictions of this hypothesis. This form of deception is compared to similar be- haviors that occur in other species, and the possibility that other forms of deception occur in poison frogs is discussed展开更多
As forests in neotropical regions,particularly in developing countries,are devastated,interventions to restore biodiversity and its ecological functions are needed.Rural producers have thus been encouraged to grow tre...As forests in neotropical regions,particularly in developing countries,are devastated,interventions to restore biodiversity and its ecological functions are needed.Rural producers have thus been encouraged to grow trees for wood production as an economic activity.The objective of this study was to quantify the increment of wood density of four forest species from different successional classes of a mixed system of restoration in a neotropical forest in Brazil.Tree discs were sampled at breast height and analyzed radially by X-ray densitometry to obtain apparent density and basic density.Three trees each of a species from the pioneer,early and late secondary successional stages and of the dominant species in the climax community.The radial profiles indicated increasing density from the pith to bark of trunks,except for some variations due to wood defects and growth.Average density was 0.576 g cm^(-3),0.655 g cm^(-3),0.706 g cm^(-3)and 0.775 g cm^(-3),respectively,for Peltophorum dubium,Schinus terebinthifolius,Cariniana estrellensis and Hymenaea courbaril.Radial profiles indicated higher amplitudes in the apparent densities for slow-growing species.X-ray densitometry generated parameters such as minimum,average and maximum densities,and radial density variations.These parameters are important for understanding the ecological functional role of successional classes of the Atlantic Forest from the Neotropical region.展开更多
基金funded by the Program of Support for Research and Technological Innovation Projects (PAPIIT) of the Dirección General de Asuntos del Personal Académico, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México with project number PAPIIT_IT200722funded by the Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencia y Tecnologíathe Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
文摘Elucidating the historical processes that led populations to their current spatial and genetic arrangement is relevant in conserving threatened species. We interpreted the phylogeographic structure of the threatened Yellow-headed Parrot (Amazona oratrix) with mitochondrial markers and analyzed 98 samples from Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. We performed analyses of genetic structure, genealogical relationships, demographic history, and divergence times and illustrated the phenotypic variation qualitatively of the sampled individuals. The studies revealed that 92% of the genetic variation is explained between the Mexican Tres Marías Islands, the Mexican Pacific Coast, and the Atlantic groups. These three groups were segregated into two main lineages (Pacific and Atlantic), separated by 26 mutations, leaving A. auropalliata within the Atlantic. We found that both lineages diverged 0.55 million years ago, from which the Atlantic lineage experienced population expansion, high levels of genetic diversity, and a low genetic structure with two phenotypes. The Pacific experienced demographic stability, low levels of diversity, and a genetic structure marked with two phenotypes. Our estimates indicate that this separation occurred in the Pleistocene when the Atlantic clade diverged from Panama and dispersed overland to the Gulf of Mexico. Simultaneously, the Pacific clade departed from the same area to Tres Marías Islands and the Mexican Pacific coast. We deduce that this long-distance event was probably produced by assisted dispersal, but other scenarios appear more parsimonious. We conclude that there is no gene flow between both lineages and that the phylogeographic structure resulted significantly from historical events and climatic changes during the Pleistocene. We propose undertaking other analyses in the future to compare our results and the paraphyletic relationships in A. oratrix.
基金supported bygrants from the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program,grant no. 2007CB411601)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant nos.30625004 and 40771073 to H. Sun)+2 种基金the Yunnan Natural Science Foundation (grant no. 2008CC013)the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation (to J.Wen)supported by the Laboratory of Analytical Biology of the National Museum of Natural History,Smithsonian Institution,Washington DC,USA
文摘Toxicodendron is a genus in the Rhus complex of Anacardiaceae with a disjunct distribution between eastern Asia and North America, extending to southeastern Asia and the neotropics. Nuclear （internal transcribed spacer, external transcribed spacer, and NIA-i3） and chloroplast （ndhF and trnL-F） sequences were used to construct phylogenetic relationships of Toxicodendron. Phylogenetic analysis of these data strongly support Toxieodendron as a monophyletic group distinct from other genera of the Rhus complex, and the phylogeny does not fully corroborate classification at the sectional level. Two temperate disjunct lineages were detected, one from section Toxicodendron and the other between the eastern North American Toxicodendron vernix and the eastern Asian Toxicodendron vernieifluum. Their divergence times were estimated to be 13.46 （7.95-19.42） and 7.53 （2.76-12.86） mya, respectively. The disjunction between section Griffithii （taxa from warm temperate to tropical Asia） and Toxieodendron striatum （from the neotropics） was supported and their divergence time was estimated to be 20.84 （11.1 6-30.52） mya in the early Miocene. Our biogeographic results and the paleontological data support the Bering land bridge as the most likely route to explain the temperate disjunctions, yet the tropical disjunction in Toxicodendron seems to be best explained by the North Atlantic land bridge hypothesis.
文摘Species composition, diversity and population structure of woody species recovered on three abandoned agricultural fields after 4, 9 and 14 years were characterized. Seedlings, saplings/poles and mature trees were identified and counted in 70 plots of 100 m^2 in each abandoned site. A total of 13, 29 and 22 families represented by 17, 48 and 44 species were registered in 4-, 9- and 14-year-old stands, respectively. There was a shift in dominant species across successional stages. Lonchocarpus acuminatus had the highest importance value in the 4-year old stand, whereas, Myrospermun frutescens, Guazurna ulmifolia and Cordia alliodora had the highest importance value in the 9-year-old-stand and Caesaeria corymbosa, Muntingia calabura, Gliricidia sepium and Tabebuia rosea in the 14-year-old stand. The total stem density increased from 5011 to 9631 individuals per hectare as the age of abandonment increased from 4 to 14 years. The total basal area of individuals _〉 I cm d.b.h, also increased with the age of abandonment. Overall, small individuals （〈 10 cm dbh） contributed to more than half of the total basal area. Species diversity was the highest in the 9-year old stand followed by 14- and 4-year-old stands. We concluded that floristic composition of secondary forests recovers rapidly to the mature forest level compared to structural attributes, which is consistent with the general successional trajectories of tropical dry forest.
基金supported by the CAPES[Process number:1591062]CNPq[Process number:304616/2015-0]+1 种基金Fundaqao de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento do Ensino,and Ciencia e Tecnologia do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul(FUNDECT)for supporting[Process number:23/200.662/2014]Paraiba State Research Foundation(FAPESQ)by a doctoral scholarship from Grant 518/18 to G.L.U.J.V.-B.
文摘Patterns of specialization and the structure of interactions between bats and ectoparasitic flies have been studied mostly on non-urban environments and at local scales.Thus,how anthropogenic disturbances influence species interactions and network structure in this system remain poorly understood.Here,we investigated patterns of interaction between Phyllostomidae bats and ectoparasitic Streblidae flies,and variations in network specialization and structure across Cerrado patches within urbanized landscapes in Brazil and between local and regional scales.We found high similarity in the richness and composition of bat and fly species across communities,associated with low turnover of interactions between networks.The high specialization of bat-streblid interactions resulted in little connected and modular networks,with the emergence of modules containing subsets of species that interact exclusively or primarily with each other.Such similarities in species and interaction composition and network structure across communities and scales suggest that bat-fly interactions within Cerrado patches are little affected by the degree of human modification in the surrounding matrix.This remarkable consistency is likely promoted by specific behaviors,the tolerance of Phyllostomidae bats to surrounding urbanized landscapes as well as by the specificity of the streblid-bat interactions shaped over evolutionary time.
文摘The species within Xenarthra(sloths,anteaters,and armadillos)are quintessential South American mammals.Of the three groups,Vermilingua(anteaters)contains the fewest extant and paleontological species.Here,we sampled and sequenced the entire mitochondrial genomes(mitogenomes)of two Tamandua species(Tamandua tetradactyla and T.mexicana)(n=74)from Central and South America,as well as Myrmecophaga tridactyla(n=41)from South America.Within Tamandua,we detected three different haplogroups.The oldest(THI)contained many specimens with the T.tetradactyla morphotype(but also several with the T.mexicana morphotype)and originated in southeastern South America(currently Uruguay)before moving towards northern South America,where the THII haplogroup originated.THII primarily contained specimens with the T.mexicana morphotype(but also several with the T.tetradactyla morphotype)and was distributed in Central America,Colombia,and Ecuador.THI and THII yielded a genetic distance of 4%.THII originated in either northern South America or“in situ”in Central America with haplogroup THIII,which consisted of~50%T.mexicana and 50%T.tetradactyla phenotypes.THIII was mostly located in the same areas as THII,i.e.,Central America,Ecuador,and Colombia,though mainly in the latter.The three haplogroups overlapped in Colombia and Ecuador.Thus,T.tetradactyla and T.mexicana were not reciprocally monophyletic.For this reason,we considered that a unique species of Tamandua likely exists,i.e.,T.tetradactyla.In contrast to Tamandua,M.tridactyla did not show different morphotypes throughout its geographical range in the Neotropics.However,two very divergent genetic haplogroups(MHI and MHII),with a genetic distance of~10%,were detected.The basal haplogroup,MHI,originated in northwestern South America,whereas the more geographically derived haplogroup,MHII,overlapped with MHI,but also expanded into central and southern South America.Thus,Tamandua migrated from south to north whereas Myrmecophaga migrated from north to south.Our results also showed that temporal mitochondrial diversification for Tamandua began during the Late Pliocene and Upper Pleistocene,but for Myrmecophaga began during the Late Miocene.Furthermore,both taxa showed elevated levels of mitochondrial genetic diversity.Tamandua showed more evidence of female population expansion than Myrmecophaga.Tamandua experienced population expansion~0.6–0.17 million years ago(Mya),whereas Myrmecophaga showed possible population expansion~0.3–0.2 Mya.However,both taxa experienced a conspicuous female decline in the last 10000–20000 years.Our results also showed little spatial genetic structure for both taxa.However,several analyses revealed higher spatial structure in Tamandua than in Myrmecophaga.Therefore,Tamandua and Myrmecophaga were not subjected to the same biogeographical,geological,or climatological events in shaping their genetic structures.
文摘The spider monkey, a fruit specialist and important seed dispersal agent in the Neotropics, is an endangered primate due to habitat loss, hunting and the pet trade. Spider monkeys have been the subject of a few studies in Central and South Ame- rica, but little is known about the diet and ranging for this primate in southern Mexico. Here we report the results of a six-month long study （October 2010 to March 2011） of the feeding preferences and ranging patterns of the Yucatan spider monkey Ateles geoffroyi yucatanensis living in the ＂Ya＇ax＇che＂ reserve by the Caribbean coast in northeast Yucatan peninsula. Focal animal and scan sampling as well as GPS tracking were used to document spider monkey feeding behavior, location of food trees and ranging in the reserve. The spider monkeys used 36 species of plants （94% trees; n = 432） and six non tree morphospecies as a source of food. Six tree species accounted for 〉~80% of total feeding time and for 74% of all trees used. Fruits accounted for 59% of total feeding time, followed by leaves （35%）, palm piths （5%） and other plant parts （1%）. Total range used by the monkeys was esti- mated at 43% of semievergreen rainforest habitat available （ca 40ha）. Range use was not random with segments showing light, moderate and heavy use; the use of different areas of their range varied monthly and was closely linked to the spatial dispersion of the trees used for food [Current Zoology 59 （1）： 125-134, 2013].
基金supported by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida)
文摘Species composition, diversity and population structure of woody species recovered on three abandoned agricultural fields after 4, 9 and 14 years were characterized. Seedlings, saplings/poles and mature trees were identified and counted in 70 plots of 100 m2 in each abandoned site. A total of 13, 29 and 22 families represented by 17, 48 and 44 species were registered in 4-, 9-and 14-year-old stands, respectively. There was a shift in dominant species across successional stages. Lonchocarpus acuminatus had the highest importance value in the 4-year old stand, whereas, Myrospermun frutescens, Guazuma ulmifolia and Cordia alliodora had the highest importance value in the 9-year-old-stand and Caesaeria corymbosa, Muntingia calabura, Gliricidia sepium and Tabebuia rosea in the 14-year-old stand. The total stem density increased from 5011 to 9631 individuals per hectare as the age of abandonment increased from 4 to 14 years. The total basal area of individuals ≥ 1cm d.b.h. also increased with the age of abandonment. Overall, small individuals (< 10 cm dbh) contributed to more than half of the total basal area. Species diversity was the highest in the 9-year old stand followed by 14-and 4-year-old stands. We concluded that floristic composition of secondary forests recovers rapidly to the mature forest level compared to structural attributes, which is consistent with the general successional trajectories of tropical dry forest.
文摘Five new species are described in the genus Diplazium Sw. from Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Colombia, as results of studies in the Neotropical ferns. The new species are Diplazium chirripoense A. Rojas, Diplazium cornutum A. Rojas, Diplazium crassirhizoma A. Rojas, Diplazium lustrosum A. Rojas and Diplazium rodriguezii A. Rojas. The first species is related to D. skutchii Lellinger, but differs from it by having glabrous stipe, glabrous blade abaxially, hyaline and entire indusia, and distributed and higher elevations. The second species is different to D. diplazioides (Klotzsch et H. Karst.) Alston by having densely scaly stipe, rachis and costa, relative bigger pinnae and entire to erose indusia. After that, the third species differs from D. werckleanum Christ by thicker rhizome, bigger rhizome scales and blade with 1 - 2 buds at apex. Consecutively, the fourth species differs from D. lindbergii (Mett.) H. Christ by thinner rhizome, shorter fronds, longer stipe, smaller blade, less pinnae pairs, shiny laminar tissue and veins 3 - 5 pairs per segment. Finally, the fifth species is related to D. tungurahuae (Sodiro) C. Chr., but with abaxially glabrous rachis and costae, pinnules 4 - 5 times longer than wide and entire, costules adaxially without wings, veins abaxially glabrous and reticulate along costae and between pinnate veins.
文摘Attalea speciosa Mart. ex Spreng (baba?u) is a palm tree of considerable economic importance in Brazil, especially in the northeast portion of the country. The myxobiota of baba?u was studied by examining living and dead trunks, leaves, inflorescences and fallen fruits on the ground during the wet season at the Teresina Park, Piauí State, Brazil. Taxonomic diversity, species diversity, frequency of occurrence, abundance and constancy of each species were determined in two areas of deciduous mixed forest. The taxonomic diversity of the myxobiota was similar, with values of 1.5 and 1.6 for the two areas. The highest frequency of occurrence value was recorded for the spathe (50% -54%), followed by the petiole (18% -19%) and leaf sheath (4% -19%). Myxomycetes were absent on fallen fruits and rare on the leaf blade (6%) and dead (9%) or living (2%) trunks. Hemitrichia serpula (Scop.) Rostaf. ex Lister, Perichaena depressa Lib., Arcyria cinerea (Bull.) Pers. and H. calyculata (Speg.) M. L. Farr were the species characterized by the highest levels of constancy, abundance and frequency. Cribraria microcarpa (Schrad.) Pers. and Stemonitopsis typhina (F. H. Wigg.) Nann.-Bremek. were occasionally present. Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa (Mull.) T. Macbr., Clastoderma debaryanum A. Blytt, Craterium aureum (Schumach.) Rostaf. and Physarum melleum (Berk. & Broome) Massee were infrequently encountered. Other species recorded were Arcyria denudata (L.) Wettst., Cribraria cancellata (Batsch.) Nann.-Bremek., C. violacea Rex, Lycogala exiguum Morgan, Metatrichia vesparia (Batsch) Nann.-Bremek. ex G. W. Martin, Physarum bogoriense Racib., P. nucleatum Rex, P. pusillum (Berk. & M. A. Curtis) G. Lister and Stemonitis axifera (Bull.) T. Macbr. The myxobiota of the shaded study area was characterized by a higher diversity (6.10) than the unshaded area (2.10), and the incidence of myxomycetes on the A. speciosa trees selected for study was appreciably higher (100% and 40%, respectively).
文摘Basidiomata of a Phallus species were found near bamboo trees in the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden.This species was described as new to science and was named as Phallus fluminensis based on morphological characteristics.A detailed description,color images of microstructures and basidiomata of P.fluminensis,a comparison of P.fluminensis with its morphologically closely related taxa and a key to the genus Phallus in Brazil are given.A comparative analysis of P.glutinolens collections from the type locality was also made.
基金the Programa de Capacitação em Taxonomia(PROTAX/440612/2015-2)Projeto de Pesquisa em Biodiversidade do Semiarido(PPBio/457476/2012-5)for scholarships and funding the fieldwork,respectively.
文摘Mycenastrum catimbauense is found growing in the xerophytic biome named“Caatinga”in the Catimbau National Park,Pernambuco State,Brazil.Basidiomata are found solitary in an open place and exposed to sunlight.The morphological analyses of macro-and microstructures followed the specific literature of the group.The fundamental diagnostic characteristics for this new taxon are the dark-colored peridium and gleba,tomentose peridium and spiny capillitium with brittle thorns.Full description,color photographs of the basidiomata and microstructures of this new species,and a discussion are provided.
文摘The genus Geastrum Pers.has cosmopolitan distribution and can be found in humid,arid or semi-arid climates.Geastrum hyalinum is a new species found in the Brazilian Southern Amazon in the Rio Ronuro Ecological Station.This new species can be recognized by its hyaline microscopic structures,such as peridium hyphae,capillitium and spores;indeed,this character is unusual for the genus Geastrum.Description,discussion and photographs of this new taxon are given.
文摘Tulostoma reticulatum,until this report only found occurring on the Australian mainland,was found growing in sandy soil of the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest.The specimens are described and illustrated macro-and micro-morphologically,and data on taxonomy,distribution and ecology are given.This is the first record of this species outside Australia.
基金the Program of Research of Biodiversity in the Brazilian Semi-arid(PPBIO Semi-arid/Ministry of Technology and Science-proc.554718/2009-0)for financial supportthe National Council for Scientific and Technological Development for the Postdoctoral Research Fellowships(CNPq proc.163775/2015-0)LFPG for the grant(CNPq proc.303062/2014-2)。
文摘Phaeoisaria triseptata and Spadicoides heterocolorata are described,illustrated and discussed.Both species represent new records for Brazil.
基金Acknowledgements We thank Samantha Hilber for valuable comments on the manuscriPt. RMC thanks G.W. Barlow for countless discussions about behavior and for his unbounded enthusiasm for fishes.
文摘Aggressive behavior can be an important factor in determining how animals use and divide space and resources. Previous studies have shown that aggression in fishes can be influenced by a variety of factors, including water temperature and resource levels. In this study, we tested if the amount of habitat structure in the environment affected aggression levels in female convict cichlids Archocentrus nigrofasciatus. We performed a laboratory experiment in which we placed female convict cichlids into an aquarium with low or high amounts of habitat structure and monitored the dominant female＇s behavior toward the subordinate female. Aggressive behavior in convict cichlids primarily consists of chases and bites. We found that the total time the dominant female spent chasing the subordinate female was greater when there was a low amount of habitat structure as compared to when there was a high amount of habitat structure. We also found that both the average duration of a chasing bout and the number of bites directed at the subordinate fish increased when there was a low amount of structure, but the number of chases did not. These results indicate that increased habitat structural complexity decreases aggressive behavior in convict cichlids [Current Zoology 56 （1）： 52-56, 2010].
文摘I review evidence that females deceive males in the context of sexual selection and sexual conflict in the green poison frog, Dendrobates auratus. In this species, males mate polygynously when they have the opportunity, but polygyny imposes a cost on female reproductive success. Some females attempt to guard their mates when those males are approached by other fe- males. This behavior involves both aggression toward other females and active ＂pseudo-courtship＂ of the male. This courtship is hypothesized to be a deceptive signal that ffmctions to prevent the male from mating with other females. Observational and com- parative evidence is presented in support of the predictions of this hypothesis. This form of deception is compared to similar be- haviors that occur in other species, and the possibility that other forms of deception occur in poison frogs is discussed
基金This study is funded by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel(CAPES).
文摘As forests in neotropical regions,particularly in developing countries,are devastated,interventions to restore biodiversity and its ecological functions are needed.Rural producers have thus been encouraged to grow trees for wood production as an economic activity.The objective of this study was to quantify the increment of wood density of four forest species from different successional classes of a mixed system of restoration in a neotropical forest in Brazil.Tree discs were sampled at breast height and analyzed radially by X-ray densitometry to obtain apparent density and basic density.Three trees each of a species from the pioneer,early and late secondary successional stages and of the dominant species in the climax community.The radial profiles indicated increasing density from the pith to bark of trunks,except for some variations due to wood defects and growth.Average density was 0.576 g cm^(-3),0.655 g cm^(-3),0.706 g cm^(-3)and 0.775 g cm^(-3),respectively,for Peltophorum dubium,Schinus terebinthifolius,Cariniana estrellensis and Hymenaea courbaril.Radial profiles indicated higher amplitudes in the apparent densities for slow-growing species.X-ray densitometry generated parameters such as minimum,average and maximum densities,and radial density variations.These parameters are important for understanding the ecological functional role of successional classes of the Atlantic Forest from the Neotropical region.
