Taxonomic revision of genus Rohanixalus(Anura:Rhacophoridae)in China with description of one new species

DEAR EDITOR,Based upon morphological and molecular evidence,the authors revised the genus Rohanixalus Biju,Garg,Gokulakrishnan,Chandrakasan,Thammachoti,Ren,Gopika,Bisht,Hamidy and Shouche,2020(Anura:Rhacophoridae)in China through describing one new species,adding one species to the fauna(R.shyamrupus)and supplementing data on one species(Rohanixalus hansenae;Supplementary Materials).

Seasonal implications for taxonomic sufficiency to simplify M-AMBI methodology in the coastal area adjacent to a eutrophic estuary

Taxonomic sufficiency(TS)refers to identifying taxa to a taxonomic level sufficient to detect community changes in stressed environments and may provide a cost-effective approach in routine monitoring programs.However,there is still limited information regarding the seasonal impact of applying TS and its implications for the ecological quality evaluation in the estuarine ecosystem.This study investigated the relationship between the multivariate-AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index(M-AMBI)and environmental variables in three seasons(i.e.,spring,summer,and autumn)in the Liaohe River Estuary.We tested the reliability of TS for simplifying the M-AMBI methodology.The results showed that family and genus level data could reproduce the spatial-temporal patterns of community structure at the species level.The M-AMBI values showed a consistent spatial distribution pattern in all sampling seasons,with a decreasing trend with the increasing distance from the estuary mouth.Both genus and family level data performed nearly as well as species level in detecting the seasonal variations of pollutants(i.e.,nutrients and total organic content).The family level M-AMBI was feasible to discern stress in the Liaohe River Estuary because of the high aggregation ratios at different taxonomic levels in all sampling seasons.These findings suggest that applying taxonomic sufficiency based on the M-AMBI provides an efficient approach for evaluating ecological quality in the Liaohe River Estuary.

Comparison between the Medullary Indexes of Hairs from Apodemus orestes and A.draco,with Discussion about the Taxonomic Status of A.orestes

The taxonomic status of long-tailed field mouse (Apodemus orestes) is still uncertain up to now.Some scholars regarded it as a subspecies or a synonym of dragon field mouse (A.draco),while other scholars considered it a valid species.In the study,five specimens of adult long-tailed field mouse,dragon field mouse and Chevrier's field mouse (A.chevrieri) (as a contrast) were chosen respectively.After treated,with the eyepiece micrometer in the inverted microscope,we made measurements of the widths of hairs and medullas and then calculated the medullary indexes of straight guard hairs from around the mouth,head,back,abdomen and forelimb of each species.The results indicate that,viewing at each of the five parts and the mixture of the five parts,there are no significant differences between A.orestes and A.draco,Significant differences can be found between A.orestes & A.chevrieri and A.draco & A.chevrieri though.The standpoint that A.orestes was listed as a valid species is not supported by this study.

从Fuzzy Taxonomic数值型数据库中挖掘一般化关联规则

挖掘关联规则是数据挖掘研究的一个重要方面 基于属性内通常还存在更高层次的抽象 ,即呈现出Taxonomic结构这一事实 ,Srikant和Agrawal等人提出了在确定的Taxonomic结构下挖掘泛化布尔型关联规则的挖掘算法 但在实际应用中 ,往往这种Taxonomic结构还呈现出模糊性 ;着重研究了在这种模糊Taxonomic结构下如何从数值型数据库中挖掘一般化关联规则的问题 ,提出了一种新的FuzzyTaxonomic数值型数据库模型 ,并提出了相应的规则发现方法 。

On the Generic Taxonomy of Opisthotropis balteata(Cope, 1895)(Squamata: Colubridae: Natricinae): Taxonomic Revision of Two Natricine Genera

The single prefrontal configuration has historically been used as an important diagnostic character for many natricine taxa. For example, the genus Trimerodytes Cope, 1895 was long been regarded as a junior synonym of Opisthotropis Günther, 1872 for their similar prefrontal configurations and the type species, T. balteatus Cope, 1895, has been assigned to the genus Opisthotropis. However, as the number and arrangement of prefrontal vary frequently both at species and generic level, it is questionable whether the synonymization of Trimerodytes reflects their evolutionary relationships. On the basis of recently collected specimens of O. balteata, the generic status of the species was assessed using both molecular and morphological data. Opisthotropis was recovered as polyphyletic with reference to O. balteata, because O. balteata is nested within the genus Sinonatrix Rossman and Eberle, 1977 and is the sister species of the type species of Sinonatrix. Consequently, we herein resurrect the long-overlooked synonym Trimerodytes from Opisthotropis and synonymize the junior generic nomen Sinonatrix with Trimerodytes. In addition, based on morphological similarities between the monotypic genus Paratapinophis Angel, 1929 and Trimerodytes, we doubt about the validity of Paratapinophis. Following taxonomic changes in this work, the taxonomic account of the genus Trimerodytes, updated descriptions of its type species, and diagnostic key to Trimerodytes species are provided.

Adansonia digitata L.(baobab):a review of traditional information and taxonomic description

Adansonia digitata L.(Malvaceae) is commonly known as baobab tree native to Africa.Baobab is a multi-purpose tree which offers protection and provides food,clothing and medicine as well as raw material for many useful items.The fruit pulp,seeds,leaves,flowers.roots,and bark of baobab are edible and they have been studied by scientists for their useful properties.The fruit pulp have very high vitamin C.calcium,phosphorus,carbohydrates,fibers,potassium,proteins and lipids content,which can be used in seasoning as an appetizer and also make juices.Seeds contain appreciable quantities of phosphorus,magnesium,zinc,sodium,iron,manganese,whereas they have high levels of lysine,thiamine,calcium and iron.Baobab has numerous biological properties including antimicrobial,anti-malarial,diarrhoea,anaemia,asthma,antiviral,anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities amongst others.Phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of flavonoids.phytosterols.amino acids,fatty acids,vitamins and minerals.The review summarizes the information on various aspects of traditional information,taxonomic description,medicinal properties and importantly nutritional value.

Taxonomic diversity of fish assemblages in the Changjiang Estuary and its adjacent waters

Taxonomic diversity of fish assemblages in the Changjiang Estuary （Yangtze River Estuary） and its adjacent waters was analyzed based on bottom trawl surveys carried out by R/V Beidou in June, August and October 2006. Four groups of fishes were identified for each survey by the twoway indicator species analysis （TWIA）. Taxonomic distinctness, species richness and phylogenetic diversity were used to detect changes in taxonomic structure of fish assemblages. Most dominant fish species mainly belonged to Perciformes, Pleuronectiformes, Clupeiformes, Scorpaeniformes and Tetraodontiformes. Species richness in offshore waters of the survey area was higher than that in the other area. The average taxonomic distinctness value （AvTD,△^＋） of each fish assemblage was close to the average taxonomic distinctness of master list in the Changjiang Estuary （79.9）, and had a positive correlation with species richness and Shannon diversity index （H′）. A negative correlation was found between variations in taxonomic distinctness （VarTD, A^＋） and traditional diversity indices, which were caused by fish species component that led to longer average path lengths among species. Taxonomic diversity index （△） had the similar results with species richness, Ht, Simpson diversity index （D） and Pielou＇s evenness index （J′）. VarTD also kept stable, which further certificated that fish assemblages and ecological environment were in equilibrium. Taxonomic distinctness index （△^＋） was relatively stable in most of fish assemblages, and had higher values in some fish assemblages for a few absolutely dominant species. The present study showed that fish community formed new equilibrium stability in 2006 in the Changjiang Estuary when compared with those in the corresponding months of annual survey from 1985 to 1986. And AvTD in each sampling station was lower than AvTD of master list in the Changjiang Estuary, so some ecological niches were absent in each sampling stations from taxonomic or phylogenetic relationships, these would be helpful to stock natural resource and maintain ecological equilibruim of fish assemblages.

Amphibian Species Contribute Similarly to Taxonomic, but not Functional and Phylogenetic Diversity: Inferences from Amphibian Biodiversity on Emei Mountain

Understanding the relationships between species, communities, and biodiversity are important challenges in conservation ecology. Current biodiversity conservation activities usually focus on species that are rare, endemic, distinctive, or at risk of extinction. However, empirical studies of whether such species contribute more to aspects of biodiversity than common species are still relatively rare. The aim of the present study was to assess the contribution of individual amphibian species to different facets of biodiversity, and to test whether species of conservation interest contribute more to taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity than do species without special conservation status. To answer these questions, 19 000 simulated random communities with a gradient of species richness were created by shuffling the regional pool of species inhabiting Emei Mountain. Differences of diversity values were then computed before and after removing individual species in these random communities. Our results indicated that although individual species contributed similarly to taxonomic diversity, their contribution to functional and phylogenetic diversity was more idiosyncratic. This was primarily driven by the diverse functional attributes of species and the differences in phylogenetic relationships among species. Additionally, species of conservation interest did not show a significantly higher contribution to any facet of biodiversity. Our results support the claims that the usefulness of metrics based only on species richness is limited. Instead, assemblages that include species with functional and phylogenetic diversity should be protected to maintain biodiversity.

Taxonomic revision of Lepisorus(J.Sm.) Ching sect.Lepisorus(Polypodiaceae) from China

The taxonomy of Lepisorus （J. Sm.） Ching sect. Lepisorus in China was revised based on herbarium specimen examinations, field observations, and microscopic study of rhizome scales, soral paraphyses, leaf epidermis, and spores. As a result, nine species were recognized： Lepisorus macrosphaerus （Baker） Ching, Lepisorus asterolepis （Baker） Ching, Lepisorus marginatus Ching, Lepisorus kuchenensis （Y.C. Wu） Ching, Lepisorus megasorus （C. Chr.） Ching, Lepisorus kawakamii （Hayata） Tagawa, Lepisorus subsessilis Ching ＆ Y.X. Lin, Lepisorus affinis Ching, and Lepisorus nudus （Hook.） Ching. Lepisorus kawakamii （Hayata） Tagawa was reinstated; Lepisorus gyirongensis Ching ＆ S.K. Wu and Lepisorus longus Ching were reduced to synonyms ofL. nudus and L. affinis, respectively. The subdivision ofLepisorus macrosphaerus was not accepted. Rhizome scales and paraphyses are the most useful characters for species delimitation as well as for infrageneric classification. Characteristics of the leaf epidermis and spore ornamentation are usually stable and thus of great significance in understanding the relationships among groups within the genus.

Taxonomic Distinctness of Macrofauna as an Ecological Indicator in Laizhou Bay and Adjacent Waters

In this paper, we assessed the ecological and biodiversity status in the Bohai Sea through a quantitative survey on mac-rofaunal community at 25 stations in Laizhou Bay and adjacent waters in the autumn of 2006.We tested the robustness and effectiveness of taxonomic distinctness as an ecological indictor by analyzing its correlation with species richness and natural environmental variables and by analyzing other ecological indicators (Shannon-Wiener H' and W statistics from Abundance Biomass Comparison curve).Results so obtained indicated that the benthic environment of the study waters in general is not under major impact of anthropogenic disturbance, but some stations in Laizhou Bay and along the coast of the Shandong Peninsula and even in the central Bohai Sea might be moderately disturbed and showed signs of ecological degradation.The taxonomic distinctness measures △+ and Λ+ were independent of sampling effort and natural environment factors and were compliant to other ecological indicators.Further application of the taxonomic distinctness indicator to assess marine biodiversity and ecosystem health on a larger regional scale with historical data seems promising.

Taxonomic Distinctness of the Intertidal Fish Community on the Pacific Coast of Baja California Sur, México

The intertidal zone is a complex coastal area exposed to a wide variety of environmental factors. During low tide, rocky pools are exposed to air for several hours throughout the day, and environmental conditions such as temperature and salinity are highly variable. Fish communities that inhabit these tide pools are also exposed to environmental variability;therefore it is important to look at fish community structure in relation to important environmental factors such as temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen on tide pools during spring tides, time of greater exposure to air. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the variation of the taxonomic distinctness of intertidal fish communities considering temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen of the water that remains trapped in the tide pools during low tide. Visual census surveys were carried out monthly, from January to December 2015, in the intertidal zone of El Faro during spring tides on full moon days, when fluctuations of environmental variables are significant. Total extension of the census surveys was 156 × 5 m (780 m2). A total of 145 tide pools were sampled and divided in three groups (small, medium and large) according to size and depths that ranged from 20 to 45 cm. Temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen fluctuate throughout the year of study. Thermal difference between open ocean and tide pools ranged from 3.5°C to 4.5°C. A total of 3757 organisms from 22 species, 12 families, four orders and one class were recorded. When comparing taxonomic distinctness and average taxonomic distinctness between months and tide pools of different sizes, values fell within the confidence intervals in the tunnel and were located close to the mean.

Development of taxonomic rRNA-targeted probes of two harmful algae: Prorocentrum minimum and Karenia mikimotoi by fluorescence in situ hybridization

Harmful algal blooms recently have been under the spotlight throughout the world, because of their nega- tive impact on the marine environment, aquaculture, fisheries as well as public health. The development of methods for rapid and precise identification and quantification of causative species is essential for the warning and monitoring of blooms, among which the techniques based on taxonomic probes are the most favored. In this study, two harmful algae, i.e., Prorocentrum minimum and Karenia mikimotoi were tak- en into consideration. The partial large subunit rDNA （D1-D2） of both species were firstly PCR-amplified, cloned and sequenced. The obtained sequences were then introduced to carry out alignment analysis for gene specific regions. Three respective candidate probes for each species were designed and used to screen the optimal probe by performing fluorescence in situ hybridization （FISH） tests. The results showed that the probes Pmin0443 and Kmik0602 displayed the best hybridization for P. minimum and K.. mikimotoi, respectively. Both the specific （taxonomic） （Pmin0443 and Kmik0602） and the control probes （UniC0512 and UniR0499） were used for cross-reactivity tests with other microalgae in our laboratory. The probes Pmin0443 and Kmik0602 are specific and could be served as taxonomic probes introduced into the tech- niques targeting rRNA, such as FISH, sandwich hybridization, and DNA-microarray assay of P minimum and K. mikimotoi in the future. Finally, FISH analyses with both probes were performed on the simulated field samples. The probes could hybridize exclusively with the target cells well, and no significant differ- ence （p 〉0.05） was observed in the cell densities of the samples determined by FISH and light microscopy （LM）. All suggest that the probes are specific and could be introduced into FISH for the monitoring of both harmful algae.

A New Brown Frog of the Genus Rana(Anura,Ranidae)from North China,with a Taxonomic Revision of the R.chensinensis Species Group

The Rana chensinensis species group is widely distributed throughout North China.However,its taxonomy and composition remain controversial.In recent field investigations of the Taihang Mountains,a series of Rana specimens were collected,which were once identified as R.chensinensis.However,these samples showed significant differences from R.chensinensis of the type locality(Shaanxi Province in the Qinling Mountains)in both morphology and genetics.In this paper,based on analyses of seventeen geographic populations from the Taihang and Qinling Mountains,we describe a new species(namely R.taihangensis sp.nov.)in the R.chensinensis species group.A phylogenetic analysis of the R.chensinensis species group based on mitochondrial genes—COI,16S rRNA and Cytb—revealed the monophyly of the cryptic species,which formed the sister taxon to R.kukunoris.Morphological comparisons indicated that the cryptic species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of characteristics.Additionally,the distribution patterns of the Rana species in North China were clarified.The populations of the southwestern Taihang Mountains,Xiaoqinling Mountains,and Funiu Mountains in Henan Province remain R.chensinensis,whereas the populations recorded as R.chensinensis in Beijing City,Hebei Province,and the southeastern Taihang Mountains of Henan Province should be revised as R.taihangensis sp.nov.

Two new species from Sulawesi and Borneo facilitate phylogeny and taxonomic revision of Engelhardia(Juglandaceae)

Engelhardia,a genus of Juglandaceae(the walnut family),is endemic to tropical and subtropical Asia.The rich Cenozoic fossil records and distinctive morphological characters of the living plants have been used to explore the evolutionary history and geographic distribution of Juglandaceae.However,the taxonomy of this genus has been suffered from a lack of in-depth investigation and good specimens across its distribution ranges.Species delimitation of Engelhardia was defined with seven species in 2020,but detailed information on the circumscription of the species still remains poorly understood.In this study,two new species are described from Sulawesi and Borneo,Engelhardia anminiana and E.borneensis.We also revised and reconstructed the phylogeny within Engelhardia using morphological,molecular(plastid and ribosomal),and distribution data.We sampled 787 individuals in 80 populations,and all the samples were genotyped using plastid regions,trnS-trnG,rps16,trnL-trnF,psbA-trnH,and rpl32-trnL;one ribosomal region,nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer(nrITS).The all datasets were used to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships.Then,the molecular analyses were combined for 738 sheets of specimens with 15 morphological characteristics to further explore the morphological clusters of Engelhardia.Cluster analysis using morphological data confirmed the delimitation of nine Engelhardia species.Also,phylogenetic analysis based on molecular data(i.e.,plastid and ribosomal)supported the monophyly of Engelhardia and generated phylogenetic trees that included E.fenzelii,E.roxburghiana,E.borneensis,E.hainanensis,E.anminiana,E.serrata,E.villosa,E.apoensis and the varieties of E.spicata(i.e.,E.spicata var.spicata,E.spicata var.rigida,E.spicata var.aceriflora,and E.spicata var.colebrookeana).Our comprehensive taxonomic revision of Engelhardia will provide an insight into understanding the plant diversity in tropical and subtropical Asia.

Research on Extraction Method for Taxonomic Relation among Conceptions of Tea-science Field Ontology

[Objective] Taking the knowledge of tea-science field as research object,an extraction method for the taxonomic relation of ontology conception was proposed in the paper.[Method] Through improving the rule based on language mode,generalized suffix tree was constructed for the concept set of tea-science field,forming hierarchical structure and taxonomic relation among conceptions.[Result and Conclusion] Moreover,corresponding prototype system was developed based on above method,and test result indicating that the method was effective.

The Taxonomic Status of Spermophilus in the Plague Area of Dingbian County,Shaanxi Province,China

This study was conducted to define the taxonomic status of Spermophilus in the plague area of Dingbian County in Shaanxi Province,China,through the two-factor variance analysis of morphological characteristics,DNA barcoding,and chromosome karyotype analysis.

Taxonomic Status of Daduhe Loquat （Eriobotrya prinoides var. dadunensis）

The taxonomic status of Daduhe loquat （E. prinoides var. dadunensis） was studied through analyzing genetic relationships among Oakleaf loquat （E. prinoides）, Daduhe loquat and Common loquat （E. japonica） using inter simple sequence repeats （ISSR） molecular marker and morphologic marker in this paper. Based on ISSR marker research, the similarity coefficient between Oakleaf loquat and Common loquat was lower than the similarity coefficient between Oakleaf loquat and Daduhe loquat while the similarity coefficient between Daduhe loquat and Common loquat was intermediate. The highest additivity was obtained when Daduhe loquat was regarded as the undetermined hybrid （45.8%）. The specific bands of Oakleaf loquat and Common loquat were present in Daduhe loquat. Based on morphologic traits research, Daduhe loquat was also between Oakleaf loquat and Common loquat but a little leaning to Oakleaf loquat. All the results support that Daduhe loquat was hybrid of Oakleaf loquat and Common loquat.

Complete Sequence of Yak Mitochondrial D-loop Region and Its Taxonomic Status in Bovinae

Primers based upon the mitochondrial genome sequences of Bos taurus were used to amplify and sequence the complete mitochondrial D-loop region of Jiulong yak(Poephagus grunniens).The results showed that the length of D-loop was 893 bp,with 87.4%homology to the Bos taurus D-loop sequence;there were 17 bp deletion.Using Ovis aries as an outgroup,the phylogeny of representative species of Bovinae(P.grunniens,P.mutus,Bos taurus,Bos indicus,Bison bison,Bison bonasus,and Bubalus bubalis)was analyzed.Among Bovinae,the sequence divergence between P.grunniens,P.mutus and American bison(Bison bison)was 6.2%-6.8%,which was less than that of Bos taurus and Bos indicus within Bos(10.0%-11.3%).Phylogenetic analysis found that P.grunniens,P.mutus and Bison bison clustered first of all,indicating there was higher genetic comparability among them than to that of Bos.Combining data from paleontology,morphology,and molecular biology,the present analysis supports the argument that Poephagus grunniens and Poephagus mutus should be classified as a distinct genus in Bovinae,that is Poephagus.

The Chronological History and Taxonomic Variation of the Genus Cupressus (Cupressaceae) in India

Recent embryological evidence of studies of seedlings of Cupressus L.along with chemotaxonomic studies of heartwood components has demonstrated that Cupressus lusitanica Mill.did indeed originate from the country of India.In the mid-sixteenth century,Portuguese merchants established early trade routes between India and Portugal.The trade developed from the spice industry confirms Miller’s (1768) original description that Cupressus lusitanica did indeed originate from India.Later authors suggested that Cupressus lusitanica cultivated in Portugal was introduced from wild populations of Cupressus in Mexico.However,this latter theory was never accepted by native botanist in the country of Mexico,including noted botanist M.martinez (1948).In fact,all Cupressus species in India seem to have a different embryology than that of all Cupressus species in Nepal, Bhutan, China and Vietnam (Silba,1994).

Taxonomic, Traditional and Medicinal Uses Study Belonged to the Plant Genus Lawsonia inermis L. [Henna]

This work is a Taxonomic study based on genus Lawsonia L. in Tehama area, Albaha region—Saudi Arabia. It includes scientific description of the family Lythraceae and scientific classification of the species Lawsonia inermis L. The study aims to: 1) Identify Lawsonia inermis L. species in Tihama—Albaha region. 2) Determine the distribution and habits of the species Lawsonia inermis L. 3) Provide medicinal properties and local uses of Lawsonia inermis L. Botanical names and synonyms were updated. Vernacular names have been presented. Botanical description is determined depending on the vegetative of the plant. Flowers and fruits were characterized. The method was recorded due to Dr. Jacob Thomas, Herbarium Dept., College of Science, King Saud University [1]. Information about habitats and distribution was provided. The plant species has been illustrated by photos in its habitat. Chemical components, medicinal properties and local uses were included. The study revealed that Lawsonia inermis L. is widely spread throughout the study area and it has great medicinal importance, so it requires more comprehensive studies for identification. Therefore, more Biochemical studies on the effective chemical compounds are required for the medicinal importance of the plant. The results revealed that there were many medicinal properties and local uses of Lawsonia inermis L.