Annie Machordom

Mitochondrial haplotype variation and phylogeography of Iberian brown trout populations

The biogeographical distribution of brown trout mitochondrial DNA haplotypes throughout the Iberian Peninsula was established by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment polymorphism analysis. The study of 507 specimens from 58 localities representing eight widely separated Atlantic‐slope (north and west Iberian coasts) and six Mediterranean drainage systems served to identify five main groups of mitochondrial haplotypes: (i) haplotypes corresponding to non‐native, hatchery‐reared brown trout that were widely distributed but also found in wild populations of northern Spain (Cantabrian slope); (ii) a widespread Atlantic haplotype group; (iii) a haplotype restricted to the Duero Basin; (iv) a haplotype shown by southern Iberian populations; and (v) a Mediterranean haplotype. The Iberian distribution of these haplotypes reflects both the current fishery management policy of introducing non‐native brown trout, and Messinian palaeobiogeography. Our findings complement and extend previous allozyme studies on Iberian brown trout and improve present knowledge of glacial refugia and postglacial movement of brown trout lineages.

Evolutionary history and speciation modes in the cyprinid genus Barbus

Phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary patterns in the genus Barbus were examined through the analysis of the complete sequences of three mitochondrial genes: ATPases 8 and 6, which overlap slightly, and cytochrome b. This complex genus includes diploid as well as tetraploid and hexaploid species that are distributed throughout the Palaearctic, Ethiopian and Asiatic biogeographical regions. Given that genome duplication is an important evolutionary mechanism in eukaryotes, in the present report we attempt to describe its role in the evolution of the genus Barbus, as well as drawing systematic and phylogenetic conclusions. The phylogenetic results indicated the splitting of the current Barbus genus into five main mitochondrial lineages corresponding to (i) the genus Barbus sensu stricto (tetraploid, which is subdivided into the subgenera Barbus and Luciobarbus), (ii) the hexaploid species, (iii) the Ethiopian tetraploid species, (iv) the African diploid species, and (v) the Asian diploid species. The branching of ‘foreign’ genera as sister groups of some of these monophyletic assemblages (such as Aulopyge is to Barbus sensu stricto or Varicorhinus is to the hexaploid barbels) demonstrates the polyphyly of the group. Moreover, the relationships between the proposed lineages also show that genome duplication may be considered as a homoplasic character since it must have occurred over at least three independent periods and/or in three independent areas. In relation to the possible saltational evolutionary model for the polyploid species examined here, it was found that, although feasible at the nuclear level, the mitochondrial markers looked at do not appear to have undergone this type of evolution. Rather, they seem to have experienced more or less constant change through time.

Evolution of the mitochondrial control region in Palaearctic brown trout (Salmo trutta) populations: the biogeographical role of the Iberian Peninsula

In order to extend present knowledge of brown trout phylogeography in the Palaearctic, we analysed the complete mitochondrial D-loop sequence (1025–1027 bp) of all mitochondrial haplotypes of Salmo trutta found in the Iberian Peninsula and one North African haplotype. Sequence variation in the mitochondrial control region serves to identify four major haplotype groups within the Iberian Peninsula, i.e. Atlantic, Duero, Mediterranean and Andalusian. Including the Iberian haplotypes, the five main European groups previously established were increased to six: (i) an Atlantic group including two different clusters, South European and North Atlantic; (ii) a group representing an endemism restricted to the Duero basin in the Iberian Peninsula; (iii) an Adriatic–Andalusian group found in two vicariant areas including Adriatic–Ionian populations in the Mediterranean and the Andalusian basins of the southern Iberian Peninsula; (iv) a Mediterranean group with a distribution range that extends from the southwestern basins of the Iberian Peninsula to the Ionian basins of the Greek Peninsula; (v) a Danube group of wide distribution in the Black, Aral and Caspian basins; and (vi) a group comprising the S. t. marmoratus subspecies confined to the Adriatic Sea. The Iberian Peninsula appears to have acted as a physical boundary between haplotypes corresponding to Atlantic- and Mediterranean-draining rivers. Owing to its geographical position, this area has played a major role in present Palaearctic species distribution, as illustrated by its haplotype diversity.

Allozymic variation of the endangered killifishAphanius iberus and its application to conservation

SynopsisGenetic differentiation and patterns of variability in the endangered Iberian endemic,Aphanius iberus, were analyzed by allozyme electrophoresis as a valuable database for conservation purposes. Genetic variability values expressed as heterozygosity (H = 0.015–0.097) were close to the values found in other members of Cyprinodontidae (H = 0.012–0.123). Polymorphism values (P = 0.125–0.542) were higher than reported in the literature (P = 0.036–0.150) for Cyprinodontidae. Significant correlation existed between salinity values and genetic variability expressed as heterozygosity (r = − 0.76, p < 0.01) and polymorphism (r = − 0.60, p = 0.04). Low genetic variability values (H = 0.024–0.055, P = 0.125–0.292) were exhibited by populations which inhabit salty lagoons. The highest values were found in populations occurring in marshes and irrigation channels (H = 0.051–0.097, P = 0.250–0.542). Associations among genetic, geographic and ecological parameters were tested using a Mantel test indicated that most of the genetic distances were explained by geographic distances but not by ecological factors, suggesting that isolation by distance could be the main factor explaining the differentiation between sites. According to the genetic distances obtained, two mainA. iberus groups were discernible: the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Genetic distances between both groups (DRogers = 0.179–0.261) were higher than values between recognized species of other cyprinodontids (DRogers = 0.11–0.27). On the basis of genetic distances we have dated the fragmentation of both populations to the Upper Miocene-Pliocene when most of the Mediterranean sea dried up. Subsequently, gene flow between Mediterranean and Atlantic populations was interrupted. The results of our genetic analyses suggested the existence of five operational conservation units (OCUs) forA. iberus. These units are defined as a continuous area limited by geographical boundaries, and inhabited by one or more populations sharing the same genetic pattern.

Phylogenetic relationships of Barbus peloponnesius valenciennes, 1842 (Osteichthyes: Cyprinidae) from Greece and other species of Barbus as revealed by allozyme electrophoresis

Abstract The phylogenetic relationships among populations belonging to the species Barbus peloponnesius , a species from Greece with ambiguous taxonomic status and to other populations belonging to the species Barbus ( B. petenyi and B. meridionalis ) were investigated. A high degree of genetic similarity between B. peloponnesius and B. petenyi was revealed. In contrast, the former species seems to be genetically distinct from B. meridionalis . The possible influence of paleogeographic events on the phylogenetic relationships of these species is considered.

Genetic assessment of population structure and connectivity in the threatened Mediterranean coral Astroides calycularis (Scleractinia, Dendrophylliidae) at different spatial scales

Understanding dispersal patterns, population structure and connectivity among populations is helpful in the management and conservation of threatened species. Molecular markers are useful tools as indirect estimators of these characteristics. In this study, we assess the population genetic structure of the orange coral Astroides calycularis in the Alboran Sea at local and regional scale, and at three localities outside of this basin. Bayesian clustering methods, traditional F‐statistics and Dest statistics were used to determine the patterns of genetic structure. Likelihood and coalescence approaches were used to infer migration patterns and effective population sizes. The results obtained reveal a high level of connectivity among localities separated by as much as 1 km and moderate levels of genetic differentiation among more distant localities, somewhat corresponding with a stepping‐stone model of gene flow and connectivity. These data suggest that connectivity among populations of this coral is mainly driven by the biology of the species, with low dispersal abilities; in addition, hydrodynamic processes, oceanographic fronts and the distribution of rocky substrate along the coastline may influence larval dispersal.

RAYMUNIDA, NEW GENUS (DECAPODA: ANOMURA: GALATHEIDAE) FROM THE INDIAN AND PACIFIC OCEANS

A new galatheid genus, Raymunida, is established for two known species, Munida elegantissima de Man, 1902, and M. bellior Miyake and Baba, 1967, and one new species, R. cagnetei from the Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia, Pacific Ocean). This new genus is easily distinguished from the genus Munida Leach, 1820, and other galatheid genera by the following combination of characters: (1) the presence of epipods on first, second, and third pereiopods; (2) one spine on the frontal margin between supraocular and anterolateral spines; (3) one distal spine on the flexor margin of the carpus of the third maxilliped; (4) the merus of the second pereiopod clearly more slender than those of third and fourth pereiopods; and (5) the presence of several long marginal spines on the endopod of the uropods. Raymunida cagnetei, new species and type species of the genus, is clearly distinguishable from the other species of the genus by the colour pattern, the presence of long setae on the carapace and abdomen, the length of the propodus of the walking legs, and the number of striae on the abdominal somites.

Redescription of Unio gibbus Spengler, 1793, A West Palaearctic Freshwater Mussel with Hookless Glochidia

ABSTRACT As part on an ongoing effort to unravel the taxonomy and phylogeny of Palaearctic freshwater mussels, this paper describes an overlooked Unio species that inhabits the Atlantic rivers of South Iberia and Morocco, based on morphological, reproductive, and molecular characters. Live specimens of Unio gibbus were recently found in the Barbate River in southwest Spain and in the Beth River in the Sebou basin, northwest Morocco. Phylogenetic relationships inferred from partial COI and 16S rRNA gene sequences point to the recognition of U. gibbus as an evolutionary unit. Genetic divergences with respect to other Unio species ranged from 10.24% and 6.18% (compared to U. tumidus) to 12.91% and 8.89% (compared to U. tumidiformis) for COI and 16S rRNA respectively. In the Spanish specimens, the entire internal cavity of the external demibranchs (homogeneity) acts as a marsupium (ectobranchy), yet in the Moroccan population, the four gills are occasionally filled with glochidia (occasional tetrageny). Glochidia are rounded triangular, intermediate between the shapes of those in other species of Unio and Potomida. The border of the larval shell bears numerous small lumps, but these fail to form the ventral styliform hook typical of the genus Unio. These two characters, tetrageny and hookless glochidia, both of major significance in phylogenetic studies of the group, are reported here for the first time in the genus Unio. The Spanish populations of U. gibbus should be a main priority for European invertebrate conservation measures.

Use of morphological and molecular data to identify three new sibling species of the genus Munida Leach, 1820 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Galatheidae) from New Caledonia

Three cryptic species of the genus Munida from New Caledonia, previously identified as M. tuberculata Henderson, 1885, M. notata Macpherson, 1994 and M. clinata Macpherson, 1994, are described and illustrated. The three species are identified by subtle and constant morphological characters, which match clear differences in molecular sequences (16S rDNA and COI genes). The results also confirm the importance of several of these characters (e.g. length of the antennular and antennal spines) in the taxonomy of the genus Munida.

Biogeographic origin and radiation of Cuban Eleutherodactylus frogs of the auriculatus species group, inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences.

We studied phylogenetic relationships of the Eleutherodactylus auriculatus species group to infer colonization and diversification patterns in this endemic radiation of terrestrial frogs of the genus Eleutherodactylus in the largest of the Greater Antilles, Cuba. An initial screening of genetic diversity based on partial sequences of the 16S rRNA gene in almost 100 individuals of all species of the group and covering the complete known geographic range of their occurrence found most species endemic to small ranges in the eastern Cuban mountains while a single species was widespread over most of Cuba. Our molecular phylogeny, based on 3731 bp of four mitochondrial and one nuclear gene, suggests that most cladogenetic events within the group occurred among clades restricted to the eastern mountains, which acted as refugia and facilitated the diversification in this group. Our results reveal two separate colonization events of Central and Western Cuba and allow inferring the timing of the subsequent diversification events that occurred between 11 and 2 Mya. Because populations previously assigned to E. auriculatus represent four genetically strongly divergent lineages that also differ in their advertisement calls, we propose that E. auriculatus as currently recognized comprises four species. The difficulties in assigning the name auriculatus to any of these four species, and the fact that E. principalis is nested within one of them, stress the need for a thorough taxonomic revision of this group.