Mensural discrimination between Reithrodontomys megalotis and R. montanus using cranial characters

We assessed the utility of cranial measurements to discriminate between the western harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis) and plains harvest mouse (R. montanus). We tested four combinations of measurements using discriminant function analysis to determine if several measurements could be used together to identify individuals of the two species regardless of age. Individual cranial measurements could not be used to correctly identify all individuals of the two species when relative age was disregarded. When age was considered, adults and old adults, but not subadults, could be identified correctly based on univariate statistical data from cranial characters. All specimens of the two species, regardless of age, were identified correctly by discriminant function analysis using three of the four combinations of measurements

Genetic dissection of a model complex trait using the Drosophila Synthetic Population Resource

Genetic dissection of complex, polygenic trait variation is a key goal of medical and evolutionary genetics. Attempts to identify genetic variants underlying complex traits have been plagued by low mapping resolution in traditional linkage studies, and an inability to identify variants that cumulatively explain the bulk of standing genetic variation in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Thus, much of the heritability remains unexplained for most complex traits. Here we describe a novel, freely available resource for the Drosophila community consisting of two sets of recombinant inbred lines (RILs), each derived from an advanced generation cross between a different set of eight highly inbred, completely resequenced founders. The Drosophila Synthetic Population Resource (DSPR) has been designed to combine the high mapping resolution offered by multiple generations of recombination, with the high statistical power afforded by a linkage-based design. Here, we detail the properties of the mapping panel of >1600 genotyped RILs, and provide an empirical demonstration of the utility of the approach by genetically dissecting alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzyme activity. We confirm that a large fraction of the variation in this classic quantitative trait is due to allelic variation at the Adh locus, and additionally identify several previously unknown modest-effect trans-acting QTL (quantitative trait loci). Using a unique property of multiparental linkage mapping designs, for each QTL we highlight a relatively small set of candidate causative variants for follow-up work. The DSPR represents an important step toward the ultimate goal of a complete understanding of the genetics of complex traits in the Drosophila model system.This work was supported by the following NIH R01 grants: RR024862 to S.J.M. and A.D.L., GM085260 to S.J.M., GM085251 to A.D.L., GM078338 to S.S., and GM074244 to K.W.B

Phylogenetics of the fruit-eating bats (Phyllostomidae: Artibeina) inferred from mitochondrial DNA sequences /

no.277 (2008

Mensural Discrimination Between Reithrodontomys Megalotis and R. Montanus

I assessed the utility of cranial measurements to discriminate between the western harvest mouse (Reithrodonlomys megalolis) and plains harvest mouse (R. montanus) where they occur sympatrically in Kansas. I analyzed five different combinations of measurements using discriminant function analysis to determine if several measurements could be used together to Identify Individuals of the two species regardless of the age of the animals. Individual cranial measurements did not correctly identify all individuals of the two species when relative age was disregarded. When age was considered, adults and old adults, but not subadults, were identified correctly based on univariate statistical data from cranial characters. All specimens of the two species regardless of age were identified correctly by discriminant function analysis using three of the five combinations of measurements. I subsequently tested the results using specimens of the two species from other regions of sympatry (i.e., Chihuahua, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Texas). Overall, results of both univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were extremely effective in distinguishing individuals of R. megalolis and R. montanus wherever they occur sympatrically, even with the added variability of size associated with the different subspecies included in the test samples

Neoromicia robertsi Goodman, Taylor, Ratrimomanarivo & Hoofer, 2012, sp. nov.

<i>Neoromicia robertsi</i> sp. nov. <p> <i>Neoromicia melckorum</i> Bates <i>et al</i>., 2006 <i>Neoromicia capensis</i> Goodman, 2011</p> <p> <b>Holotype.</b> UADBA 43677, adult male, body preserved in formalin and subsequently transferred to 70% ethanol; skull removed, cleaned, and previously illustrated (Bates <i>et al.</i> 2006, their Figure 9C; baculum removed and cleared (Bates <i>et al</i>. 2006). The skull and mandible are in fine condition (Figure 4). Original field number Richard B. Jenkins (RBJ) 105. The holotype was used in the morphological and molecular comparisons.</p> <p> <b>Type locality.</b> Madagascar: Province d’Antananarivo, Anjozorobe, Amboasary, 18°24.295'S, 47°56.699'E (Figure 1). Animal was captured on 25 September 2002 in a clearing surrounded by relatively intact montane forest.</p> <p> <b>Referred specimens.</b> UADBA 43678 (RBJ 118) and FMNH 213931 (RBJ 119, formerly UADBA 43679), Madagascar: Province de Toamasina, Parc National de Mantadia, between PK 9 and PK 10, 18°48.941'S, 48°25.633'E (Figure 1). These two individuals were captured in an open agricultural area with some banana trees. The baculum of FMNH 213931 has been previously illustrated (Bates <i>et al</i>. 2006, their Figure 8C). The skull of UADBA 43679 appears to have been lost.</p> <p> <b>Etymology.</b> This species is named after the late Austin Roberts, who conducted systematic research on African mammals at the Transvaal Museum in Pretoria (Brain 1998; Monadjem <i>et al</i>. 2010). A portion of his career was devoted to the study of southern Africa bats, including small vespertilionids, and he provided important insights into sorting out their generic affiliations.</p> <p> <b>Diagnosis.</b> Medium-sized member of the genus <i>Neoromicia</i>, with a single upper premolar and a distinctly long dark chocolate brown dorsal and ventral pelage; the upper ventrum has a bi-colored appearance with certain hairs being more lightly colored. The soft parts, including the patagium, uropatgium, ear, and tragus are blackish-brown. The ears have long hair on the proximal one-half of the dorsal surface. The outer margins of the tragus run largely in parallel, and towards the distal tip curve inwards and terminate with a rounded margin. The tragus has a deep notch at the base along the posterior border. While certain external measurements overlap with populations of <i>N</i>. <i>matroka</i>, <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i> can be distinguished from all Malagasy members of the genus by its larger and non-overlapping cranio-dental measurements. The greatest skull length of the holotype is 14.3 mm and one of the paratypes is 14.6 mm. In <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i>, there is a distinct diastema between the 2nd upper incisor and the prominent upper canine, the upper tooth rows are positioned largely in parallel, and the 2nd upper incisor, which is approximately one-half the height of the 1st upper incisor, has a distinct single cusp on the posterior edge. Based on molecular genetic characters, <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i> forms a distinct clade from other Malagasy members of this genus and is the sister species to <i>N</i>. <i>malagasyensis</i>. Further, bacular characters support this relationship; whilst lateral and dorsal shape is reminiscent of <i>N</i>. <i>capensis</i>, total length (2.8 mm, n = 2) is larger and does not overlap at all with the smaller <i>N</i>. <i>capensis</i> (c. 2.1 mm) (Taylor <i>et al</i>. in prep.).</p> <p> <b>Description.</b> <i>External characters.</i> A moderately large <i>Neoromicia</i> with a tail less than 40% of total length (Table 3). The three specimens of <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i> comprising the type series (UADBA 43677, 43678, FMNH 213931) have notably shaggy dark chocolate drown dorsums and ventrums, longer than, slightly darker, and more saturated than typical <i>N</i>. <i>matroka</i>. The ventrum fur of <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i>, particularly the outer fur of the upper portion of the chest, often has a slightly lighter sheen, which gives the impression of being bi-colored and in <i>N</i>. <i>matroka</i> these accents are not present. The surfaces of the patagium and uropatgium are a distinct blackish-brown, similar to <i>N</i>. <i>matroka</i> and <i>N</i>. <i>malagasyensis</i>.</p> <p> The ear length in the holotype of <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i> is 13 mm, which is the same measurement as in the two paratypes (Table 3), and in general falls within the range of <i>N</i>. <i>matroka</i> and <i>N</i>. <i>malagasyensis</i>. The dorsal surface of the pinna of <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i>, particularly the lower proximal half is furred, which is distinctly less developed in <i>N</i>. <i>malagasyensis</i> and mostly naked in <i>N</i>. <i>matroka</i>. <i>Neoromicia robertsi</i> has notably dark blackish-brown pinna and tragus, the later representing less than 50% of the length of the former. The main body of the tragus in <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i> has the two outer margins running mostly in parallel for approximately two-thirds of the proximal length and then turns medially, curves slightly, and terminates with a rounded margin (Figure 5 A). Further, there is a distinct notch at the base of the tragus along the posterior border. In comparison, <i>N</i>. <i>matroka</i> has a tragus length about 60% that of the ear length, the crescent-shaped tragus terminates as a rounded sickle-shape, and the notch at the posterior base of the structure is less developed than in <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i> (Figure 5 B). In <i>N</i>. <i>malagasyensis</i> the tragus length represents between 50-65% the ear length, the tragus is slightly more crescent-shaped than in <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i>, but not as prominent as in <i>N</i>. <i>matroka</i>, and lacks a distinct notch at the base along the posterior border (Figure 5 C).</p> <p> On the basis of external measurements of the type series of <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i>, this species seems to show sexual dimorphism in size, with the single female specimen being notably larger than the two males in total length, tail length, and forearm length. The two males have an average forearm length of 34.5 mm and the female measures 38 mm, as compared to 31.9 mm and 33.9 mm, respectively, in <i>N</i>. <i>matroka</i> from the Central Highlands (OTU 1, Table 3). On average, based on two specimens, <i>N</i>. <i>malagasyensis</i> is smaller than the other two Malagasy members of this genus.</p> <p> <i>Cranio-dental characters.</i> Dental formula in <i>Neoromicia robertsi</i>, as in other members of the genus, is I 2 /3 C 1/1 P 1/3 M 2/3, comprising the adult dentition of 32 teeth. <i>Neoromicia robertsi</i> is easily distinguished from other Malagasy members of this genus based on its notably larger cranial measurements (Table 4). Of the two skulls available of this taxon (both males), the greatest skull length of UADBA 43677 (holotype) is 14.3 mm and FMNH 213931 is 14.6 mm. These measurements are larger and do not overlap with the average greatest skull length of <i>N</i>. <i>matroka</i> from the Central Highlands (OTU 1) of 12.9 mm and in <i>N</i>. <i>malagasyensis</i> of 12.8 mm. Further, with the exception of postorbital width, the different cranial measurements of <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i> are larger and non-overlapping with those of <i>N</i>. <i>matroka</i> and <i>N</i>. <i>malagasyensis</i>. In <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i>, the supraorbital ridge is notably more inflated than <i>N</i>. <i>matroka</i> and <i>N</i>. <i>malagasyensis</i>.</p> <p> <i>Neoromicia robertsi</i> is easily distinguished from other Malagasy <i>Neoromicia</i> based on its notably larger upper and lower dental measurements (Table 5). Of the two skulls available of this taxon (both males), the length of the complete cranial tooth row of UADBA 43677 (holotype) and FMNH 213931 are both 6.0 mm. These values are notably larger and do not overlap with the average length of the complete cranial tooth row of male <i>N</i>. <i>matroka</i> from the Central Highlands (OTU 1) of 5.1 mm and in <i>N</i>. <i>malagasyensis</i> of 4.7 mm. The upper tooth rows in <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i> are largely in parallel, while in <i>N</i>. <i>matroka</i> and <i>N</i>. <i>malagasyensis</i> are more of an arc shape and converge anteriorly.</p> <p> In <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i>, the 2nd upper incisor, which is approximately one-half the height of the 1st upper incisor, has a distinct single cusp on the posterior margin, as compared to <i>N</i>. <i>matroka</i>, which has a more complicated bicuspid 2nd incisor (Figures 6 A and 6B). The incisors in <i>N</i>. <i>malagasyensis</i> are distinctly different with the 2nd upper incisor without a distinct secondary cusp and the 1st upper incisor being about two-thirds the length of 2nd (Figure 6 C). Further, in <i>N</i>. <i>capensis</i>, including the holotype (BMNH 97.9.1.32), the 2nd upper incisor is a peg-like tooth with no clear secondary structure (Figure 6 D). The diastema between the 2nd upper incisor and the upper canine is most prominent in <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i> as compared to the other Malagasy members of this genus.</p> <p> <i>Male baculum characters.</i> The baculum of <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i> is typical of the genus <i>Neoromicia</i>, with strong ventral deflection of the tip, but diagnostically larger than any described species.</p> <p> <b>Natural history, distribution, and conservation status.</b> <i>Neoromicia robertsi</i> is only known from two localities in central eastern Madagascar, where it occurs in sympatry with <i>N</i>. <i>matroka</i> (Figure 1). The specimens of <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i> from the Parc National de Mantadia were obtained at an elevation between 900 and 1000 m, and the holotype from Anjozorobe, between 1200 and 1300 m. These two sites are both associated with partially degraded habitats, one of which is in close proximity to a forested zone. Hence, <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i> does not appear to be a forest restricted species, but has not been found roosting in a synanthropic context, which is known for <i>N</i>. <i>matroka</i> (Goodman 2011).</p> <p> No precise details are known about the reproductive ecology of <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i>. The pair obtained on 8 November 2002 at Mantadia (UADBA 43678, FMNH 213931) included a male with relatively large testes and, based on the form and shape of the mammae, a female that recently gave birth and lactated. The holotype (UADBA 43677) was an adult male.</p> <p> Bioacoustic information of animals that can be definitively identified as <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i> is not available. Kofoky <i>et al.</i> (2009) made recordings of hand-released individuals of <i>Neoromicia</i> at Mantadia and Anjozorobe, sites <i>N</i>. <i>matroka</i> and <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i> are known to occur, and based on the forearm length of released individuals it is not possible to determine which species was involved. <i>Neoromicia</i> at these sites had an average frequency of maximum energy of 41.5 kHz (range 39.2-44.3 kHz); average maximum frequency of 69.2 kHz (range 60.3-88.2 kHz); average minimum frequency of 37.7 kHz (range 35.5-39.3 kHz); average duration of 5.7 ms (range 3.8-8.0 ms); and average interpulse interval of 109.9 ms (range 65.2-196.7 ms), as compared to <i>N</i>. <i>malagasyensis</i> near Isalo where these values were 45.7 kHz (range 41.4-51.0 kHz), 79.8 kHz (range 60.3-100.0 kHz), 40.5 kHz (range 32.4-45.5 kHz), 4.9 ms (range 3.6-6.3 ms), and 34.2 ms (range 34.2-94.4 ms), respectively. Thus, while it is not apparent if differences exist between <i>N</i>. <i>matroka</i> and <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i> in bioacoustic parameters, <i>N</i>. <i>malagasyensis</i> shows some divergent aspects in their echolocation calls.</p> <p> An older mummified specimen (MNHN 1882.1964) was obtained by Jean Auguste Lantz in the “interieur de Madagascar C. est, mai 1881 ” at a locality that cannot be properly read from the specimen label but appears to be “Ambohiramiane”. The skull still remains in the specimen, but based on the coloration of the notably long pelage, the partially furred proximal portions of the upper surface of the ears, and a forearm length of 34 mm, it may be referable to <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i>.</p> <p> In total, we have examined over 60 specimens of <i>N</i>. <i>matroka</i>, as compared to three specimens of <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i>. The disproportional number of specimens of the former species may be in part associated with its broader distribution and use of buildings for day roost sites, providing easier access to field collectors. However, based on current information, <i>N</i>. <i>robertsi</i> has a limited distribution and appears notably less common than <i>N</i>. <i>matroka</i>. Further, information is needed to assess its distribution and population size, in order to properly evaluate its conservation status.</p>Published as part of <i>Goodman, Steven M., Taylor, Peter J., Ratrimomanarivo, Fanja & Hoofer, Steven R., 2012, The genus Neoromicia (Family Vespertilionidae) in Madagascar, with the description of a new species, pp. 1-25 in Zootaxa 3250</i> on pages 11-20, DOI: <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/280567">10.5281/zenodo.280567</a&gt

Diversification among New World leaf-nosed bats : an evolutionary hypothesis and classification inferred from digenomic congruence of DNA sequence /

no.230 (2003

Intron 2 of the alcohol dehydrogenase gene (ADH1-12): a nuclear DNA marker for mammalian systematics

Volume: 256Start Page: 1End Page: 1

Phylogenetics and Phylogeography of the \u3ci\u3eArtibeus jamaicensis\u3c/i\u3e Complex Based on Cytochrome-\u3ci\u3eb\u3c/i\u3e DNA Sequences

The phylogenetics and phylogeography of the Jamaican fruit-eating bat (Artibeus jamaicensis) were examined based on analysis of DNA sequence variation in the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene for 176 individuals representing all 13 subspecies of A. jamaicensis (sensu Simmons 2005). Results document that A. jamaicensis (sensu Simmons 2005) comprises 3 monophyletic assemblages that are separated phylogenetically by the presence of A. obscurus, A. lituratus, and . amplus. According to the mitochondrial DNA sequence variation, A. jamaicensis, A. schwartzi, and A. planirostris are appropriate species-level names for these lineages. Haplotypes identifiable as A. jamaicensis were absent east of the Andes Mountains in South America; haplotypes of A. schwartzi were documented throughout the Lesser Antilles and from northern Venezuela, and haplotypes of A. planirostris were identified east of the Andes Mountains in South America, north of the Orinoco River in Venezuela, and from the southern Lesser Antilles. Haplotypes of Artibeus jamaicensis, A. schwartzi, and A. planirostris were identified sympatrically on Carriacou, a small island in the southern Lesser Antilles that is ecologically monotypic. The magnitude of genetic divergence separating A. jamaicensis, A. planirostris, and A. schwartzi essentially equals the magnitude of genetic divergence distinguishing A. lituratus, A. obscurus, and A. jamaicensis. Studies of the nuclear genome will be required to understand the biological implications of these patterns in the mitochondrial genome