In the interest of understanding the genetic basis of adaption to environment, we developed F2 lines from an F1 interspecific cross between the rare serpentine endemic, Caulanthus amplexicaulis var. barbarae and the non-serpentine Caulanthus amplexicaulis var. amplexicaulis. Using genomic DNA from Caulanthus amplexicaulis var. barbarae, we developed a suite of microsatellite markers. In addition, we developed gene specific markers for genes known in Arabidopsis to be ecologically important. Our suite of markers was used to genotype 186 F2 plants, the basis for our F2 linkage map. In order to further resolve evolutionary relationships among related taxa, we constructed a molecular phylogeny for 52 taxa within the related genera Caulanthus, Guillenia, Sibaropsis, Streptanthella, and Streptanthus, using the sequences from the ribosomal ITS region and two chloroplast regions. To create a useful system to enable comparative genomics within the related taxa of the ecologically and morphologically diverse Streptanthoid Complex, we demonstrated that our molecular tools are portable across a large group of ecologically significant taxa. To use the significant genomic resources available in Arabidopsis, we constructed a collinear comparative map of Caulanthus and the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana based on ancestral linkage blocks with the Brassicaceae family. This comparative map acted as a guide for candidate gene selection in the mapping of sepal color. We identified a region of MYB transcription factors in an orthologous region of Arabidopsis. Sequence data from Caulanthus amplexicaulis var. barbarae and Caulanthus amplexicaulis var. amplexicaulis in this MYB region showed significant sequence divergence between the two taxa. To determine the genetic basis for the tolerance of high concentrations of magnesium in Caulanthus amplexicaulis var. barbarae, we phenotyped multiple individuals from 88 F2:3 families under two nutrient treatments, differing in the ratio of calcium to magnesium. Through QTL analysis, using our F2 linkage map as a framework for the analysis, we identified one major effect QTL on Caulanthus Linkage Group 8 and another QTL on Caulanthus Linkage Group 3. We identified candidate genes for the QTLs using our collinear comparative map to Arabidopsis.

Mire pools – shallow water-bodies in peat-forming wetlands – are a characteristic feature of New Zealand’s subalpine and alpine landscapes (>1000 m a.s.l.), yet have been the subject of few biological studies to date, particularly of their algal communities. This research focuses on these subalpine systems, and on their diatom communities. Despite the established paradigm of ubiquitous dispersal in micro-organisms, recent taxonomic studies have confirmed a distinctive endemic component in the freshwater diatom flora of the New Zealand / Tasmania / East Australian region. In this study, I examined benthic diatom communities from >320 freshwater sites throughout New Zealand and showed that over 20% of species may be confined to this region. The endemic diatom species had highest densities in stable, unproductive environments, particularly in high-altitude mire pools and tarns. In most cases, non-endemic taxa coexisted with endemic species. This raised questions about (1) the special characteristics of mire pools and tarns (since endemism might be expected in areas that have unique environmental characteristics), and (2) the mechanisms that have allowed existing endemic taxa to withstand displacement by common cosmopolitan taxa, which, by definition, are successful colonisers. I addressed these questions using two years of data from four subalpine mire pools (Bealey Spur wetland, near Arthur’s Pass, South Island). Physico-chemical data showed that water chemistry of these pools may differ from that of many Northern Hemisphere mire systems with respect to the relationship between pH and dissolved ions (especially calcium). This may be due to a combination of high pH rainfall, high rainfall quantities that limit the acidification effects of humic substances, and possibly vegetation differences. Therefore, some endemic taxa may be confined to these habitats because of the characteristic properties of the pools. I investigated the effects of disturbances in these stable environments. In the largest pool endemic species were shown to decline as wind-induced substrate disturbance increased. Endemic species also declined in two pools following small-scale experimental substrate disturbances. In all cases, non-endemic species remained unchanged. The distinctive species Eunophora cf. oberonica was responsible for much of the observed decline in endemic species abundances, which was evidently due to destruction of their specialised habitat within the cyanobacterial mats that made up the pool substrates. I explained pool-specific responses of diatom communities to disturbances by drawing on recent theory of invasibility as an intrinsic environmental property. I further investigated species coexistence by examining several general patterns of interspecific coexistence described for macroscopic organisms (e.g., abundance – occupancy, abundance – persistence). Patterns in mire-pool diatom communities were generally similar to those in larger organisms, and did not differ with respect to geographical range size (endemics vs. non-endemics), except at the scale of single pools. At this scale, endemic taxa, in particular E. cf. oberonica, can persist as dominant species. All the community analyses were underpinned by detailed taxonomic studies, from which I assessed over 40% of the more common species in the pools to be either endemic or likely to be endemic. Two species occurring in the study area are formally described as new species. Overall, this work highlights the vulnerability of this hidden component of New Zealand’s biodiversity to disturbances and environmental changes.

Mire pools – shallow water-bodies in peat-forming wetlands – are a characteristic feature of New Zealand’s subalpine and alpine landscapes (>1000 m a.s.l.), yet have been the subject of few biological studies to date, particularly of their algal communities. This research focuses on these subalpine systems, and on their diatom communities. Despite the established paradigm of ubiquitous dispersal in micro-organisms, recent taxonomic studies have confirmed a distinctive endemic component in the freshwater diatom flora of the New Zealand / Tasmania / East Australian region. In this study, I examined benthic diatom communities from >320 freshwater sites throughout New Zealand and showed that over 20% of species may be confined to this region. The endemic diatom species had highest densities in stable, unproductive environments, particularly in high-altitude mire pools and tarns. In most cases, non-endemic taxa coexisted with endemic species. This raised questions about (1) the special characteristics of mire pools and tarns (since endemism might be expected in areas that have unique environmental characteristics), and (2) the mechanisms that have allowed existing endemic taxa to withstand displacement by common cosmopolitan taxa, which, by definition, are successful colonisers. I addressed these questions using two years of data from four subalpine mire pools (Bealey Spur wetland, near Arthur’s Pass, South Island). Physico-chemical data showed that water chemistry of these pools may differ from that of many Northern Hemisphere mire systems with respect to the relationship between pH and dissolved ions (especially calcium). This may be due to a combination of high pH rainfall, high rainfall quantities that limit the acidification effects of humic substances, and possibly vegetation differences. Therefore, some endemic taxa may be confined to these habitats because of the characteristic properties of the pools. I investigated the effects of disturbances in these stable environments. In the largest pool endemic species were shown to decline as wind-induced substrate disturbance increased. Endemic species also declined in two pools following small-scale experimental substrate disturbances. In all cases, non-endemic species remained unchanged. The distinctive species Eunophora cf. oberonica was responsible for much of the observed decline in endemic species abundances, which was evidently due to destruction of their specialised habitat within the cyanobacterial mats that made up the pool substrates. I explained pool-specific responses of diatom communities to disturbances by drawing on recent theory of invasibility as an intrinsic environmental property. I further investigated species coexistence by examining several general patterns of interspecific coexistence described for macroscopic organisms (e.g., abundance – occupancy, abundance – persistence). Patterns in mire-pool diatom communities were generally similar to those in larger organisms, and did not differ with respect to geographical range size (endemics vs. non-endemics), except at the scale of single pools. At this scale, endemic taxa, in particular E. cf. oberonica, can persist as dominant species. All the community analyses were underpinned by detailed taxonomic studies, from which I assessed over 40% of the more common species in the pools to be either endemic or likely to be endemic. Two species occurring in the study area are formally described as new species. Overall, this work highlights the vulnerability of this hidden component of New Zealand’s biodiversity to disturbances and environmental changes.

This thesis is focused on the biosystematic study of the Central-European endemic Spergularia echinosperma. With the combined use of morphometric analyses, genome size measurements and molecular tools, the taxonomic issues associated with this species have been clarified. The existence of S. kurkae, a stable allotetraploid hybrid between diploid S. echinosperma and tetraploid S. rubra, has been proven. Based on several lines of evidence, including distinct morphological separation and frequent occurrence in the absence of the parental species, treating S. kurkae as a separate species is proposed. In addition, two infraspecific taxa within S. echinospermaS. echinosperma subsp. echinosperma and S. echinosperma subsp. albensisdiffering in distributions and ecology have been described. A complete revision of the localities of S. echinosperma, S. kurkae and S. rubra in the Czech Republic is also presented. Furthermore, the development of 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci for S. echinosperma is reported.

As populações de Heptapterus mustelinus do rio Uruguai, sistema da Laguna dos Patos e os rios dos sistemas costeiros do sul do Brasil e Uruguai foram revisados com dados morfológicos e moleculares. Duas novas espécies de Heptapterus foram reconhecidas. Heptapterus sp.n.A com distribuição restrita para o rio Pelotas na bacia do alto rio Uruguai. Heptapterus sp.n.B endêmica de tributários do rio Ibicuí na bacia do baixo rio Uruguai. As novas espécies distinguem-se do seu congênere mais próximo H. mustelinus pelo menor número de vértebras. Dados morfométricos e moleculares são congruentes no reconhecimento das duas espécies novas. / The populations of Heptapterus mustelinus from the Uruguay River, laguna dos Patos system and the coastal streams of southern Brazil were reviewed with morphological and molecular data. Two new species of Heptapterus were recognized. Heptapterus sp.n.A with a restricted distribution to rio Pelotas, in the upper Uruguay River basin. Heptapterus sp.n.B endemic to tributaries of rio Ibicuí, in the lower Uruguay River basin. The new species are distinguished from its closest congener H. mustelinus by the lower number of vertebrae. Morphometric and molecular data are congruent to recognize the two new species.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Alona genus was, for a long time, considered the main group of species within the family Chydoridae, presenting high diversity when compared to other genera. The reason behind this statement emerges from the polyphyletic nature of Alona, which has been the subject of intensive taxonomic changes in order to establish natural groups. Thus, the aim of this thesis was to review Neotropical species related to the genus Alona, occurring in Brazil. Different populations of the two main lineages of Alona, the Hexalona-branch and Coronatella-branch were analyzed. Three species groups of Hexalona-branch were evaluated and the results pointed to the description of: Alona margipluma Sousa, Elmoor-Loureiro & Santos, 2015 representing the costata-group; Alona cf. intermedia and Alona sp. nov. 1 representing the intermedia-group; Alona cf. guttata representing the guttata-group. The gen. nov. 1 and sp. nov. 2 also belongs to Hexalona-branch, but could not be fitted in any group of known species due to the distinct set of morphological characteristics observed in the main head pores, postabodme, limbs I, III and IV. The results related to Coronatella-branch led to the description of three new species of the genus Coronatella: C. paulinae Sousa, Elmoor-Loureiro & Santos, 2015, C. serratalhadensis Sousa, Elmoor-Loureiro & Santos, 2015 and C. undata Sousa, Elmoor-Loureiro & Santos, 2015. At the same time, the morphology of C. poppei (Richard, 1897) has been fully reviewed and the absence of C. rectangula (Sars, 1861) in tropical regions was confirmed. Furthermore, the pulchella-group of Alona sensu lato has a new species with geographical distribution in the southern portion of South America: this species was named Alona kaingang Sousa, Elmoor-Loureiro & Santos, 2015 (now considered to belong to the genus Ovalona). In addition, this thesis proposes a new genus, which includes Alona dentifera and Alona siamensis. / O gênero Alona foi, durante muito tempo, considerado o principal agrupamento morfológico dentro da família Chydoridae, apresentando elevada diversidade quando comparado a outros gêneros. A razão por trás desta afirmação emerge da natureza polifilética de Alona, que tem sido alvo de intensas modificações taxonômicas com o propósito de estabelecer grupos naturais. Desta maneira, o objetivo desta tese foi revisar espécies Neotropicais relacionadas ao gênero Alona, com ocorrência no Brasil. Diferentes populações das duas principais linhagens de Alona, os ramos Hexalona e Coronatella, foram analisadas. Três grupos de espécies do ramo Hexalona foram avaliados e os resultados apontaram para a descrição de: Alona margipluma Sousa, Elmoor-Loureiro & Santos, 2015 representando o grupo costata; Alona cf. intermedia e Alona sp. nov. 1 representando o grupo intermedia; Alona cf. guttata representando o grupo guttata. O gen. nov. 1 e sp. nov. 2 também pertence ao ramo Hexalona, contudo não pôde ser encaixado em nenhum grupo de espécies conhecido por conta do distinto conjunto de características morfológicas observadas nos poros cefálicos principais, pós-abodme, apêndices torácicos I, III e IV. Os resultados relacionados ao ramo Coronatella conduziram à descrição de três novas espécies do gênero Coronatella: C. paulinae Sousa, Elmoor-Loureiro & Santos, 2015, C. serratalhadensis Sousa, Elmoor-Loureiro & Santos, 2015 e C. undata Sousa, Elmoor-Loureiro & Santos, 2015. Ao mesmo tempo, a morfologia de C. poppei (Richard, 1897) foi inteiramente revisada e a ausência de C. rectangula (Sars, 1861) na região tropical foi confirmada. Ainda, o grupo pulchella de Alona sensu lato ganhou uma nova espécie com distribuição geográfica na porção meridional da América do Sul: esta espécie foi nomeada de Alona kaingang Sousa, Elmoor-Loureiro & Santos, 2015 (agora considerada pertencente ao gênero Ovalona). Além disto, nesta tese é proposto um novo gênero para abrigar Alona dentifera e Alona siamensis.

The present study aims to identify and evaluate the areas of ecological refuges with xerophytic species, present in the locality of Campestre do Divino, Santo Antão district, Santa Maria municipality, central region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, through an environmental analysis of botanical, climatic, geological and geomorphological aspects. The research was developed through field data collection. Atmospheric variables were obtained through reading instruments. Geomorphological observations were performed together with the survey of the xerophytic species considered relictual, relating their presence with the climate, geomorphology and geology of the study area. It was also sought to analyze the anthropic impacts when it was identified. With the data collected in the field, the areas of these xerophytic refuges were georeferenced and later thematic maps were elaborated for a better understanding of the geographic distribution. Based on the Pleistocene Refugia Theory and with data obtained in the field, an environmental analysis was carried out where it was possible to verify that the presence of these xerophytic elements present an intrinsic pedological relation, guaranteeing that the study area always contained an open phytophysiognomy. These islands of endemism are represented by relictual species belonging to the families Bromeliaceae, Cactaceae and Orchidaceae, bioindicators of paleoclimatic events of intense aridity established in the Quaternary. Sheltered in rocky outcrops and litholic neosols, these endemic and endangered floristic elements, have maintained their survival processes, lingering in our landscape in adverse climatic conditions. / O presente estudo busca identificar e avaliar as áreas de refúgios ecológicos com espécies xerófitas, presentes na localidade de Campestre do Divino, distrito de Santo Antão, Município de Santa Maria, região central do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, sul do Brasil, através de uma análise ambiental dos aspectos botânicos, climáticos, geológicos e geomorfológicos. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida por meio de coletas de dados a campo. Variáveis atmosféricas foram obtidas através de instrumentos de leitura. Observações geomorfológicas foram realizadas conjuntamente com o levantamento das espécies xerófitas consideradas relictuais, relacionando a sua presença com o clima geomorfologia e geologia da área de estudo. Também se buscou analisar os impactos antrópicos quando este foi identificado. Com os dados coletados a campo, as áreas desses refúgios xerófitos foram georreferenciadas e posteriormente foram elaborados mapas temáticos para um melhor entendimento da distribuição geográfica. Embasado pela Teoria dos Refúgios Pleistocênicos e com dados obtidos em campo, realizou-se uma análise ambiental onde pôde-se constatar que a presença desses elementos xerófitos apresentam uma relação intrínseca pedológica, garantindo que a área de estudo sempre conteve uma fitofisionomia aberta. Essas ilhas de endemismo são representadas por espécies relictuais pertencentes às famílias Bromeliaceae, Cactaceae e Orchidaceae, bioindicadoras de eventos paleoclimáticos de intensa aridez firmados no Quaternário. Refugiados em afloramentos rochosos e neossolos litólicos, esses elementos florísticos endêmicos e ameaçados de extinção, mantiveram seus processos de sobrevivência, perdurando em nossa paisagem em condições climáticas adversas.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:03:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 2550325 bytes, checksum: a7f4dcc6ec3620cb259f4622a5504d84 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-04-27 / The Rio Doce Basin is a coastal drainage isolated from the São Francisco Basin by the Serra do Espinhaço Mountains. Of this basin s 77 known native species, 37 are considered endangered with one of them, Oligosarcus solitarius Menezes 1978, being the only species endemic to the Quaternary lakes. Its sister species, Oligosarcus argenteus Günther, 1864, occurs in the same basin but is restricted to the main channel and tributaries headwaters. The present work aims to determine the specific status of Oligosarcus in the Doce River Basin and included 21 populations from the Doce River Basin and one from the upper Das Velhas River in the São Francisco Basin. This study used morphological, cytogenetic and molecular techniques. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated three groups of populations: one restricted to the headwaters of the Das Velhas River, a second that occurs in the main channel of the headwaters of the Doce River, and a third occurring in the Quaternary lakes. Cytogenetic data (conventional stain, Ag-NOR and C-banding, fluorochromes, FISH, and microsatellite markings) partially corroborated the hypothesis of two groups geographically corresponding to the locals of occurrence of O. solitarius and O. argenteus in the Rio Doce Basin, but also indicated high levels of chromosomal differentiation within each group. The chromosomal variation was similar to that observed in other species of this genus. Molecular data confirmed that the speciation of the two species was recent. Considered together, the data confirmed the occurrence of differentiated but closely related populations in the Quaternary lake system and the existence of two more species in the headwaters of the Das Velhas and Doce Rivers, suggesting the need to re-evaluate the material type collected by Günther in 1861. Considering that the highest degree of chromosomal variation in O. solitarius occurred in the last 14,000 - 3,365 years, we concluded that these sister species present the highest rate of chromosomal evolution in Neotropical fish. / A bacia do rio Doce é uma drenagem costeira e está isolada da bacia do São Francisco pela Serra do Espinhaço. Das 77 espécies nativas conhecidas para a bacia, 37 são consideradas ameaçadas de extinção, sendo Oligosarcus solitarius Menezes 1978 a única espécie endêmica neste sistema de lagoas quaternárias. Sua espécie-irmã, O. argenteus Günther, 1864, ocorre na mesma bacia, mas é restrita à calha e às cabeceiras de tributários. O presente trabalho visa a determinação do status específico das populações de Oligosarcus, a partir da análise de 21 populações da bacia do rio Doce e uma população de Oligosarcus da cabeceira do rio Das Velhas, na bacia do rio São Francisco. A abordagem incluiu o uso de técnicas morfológicas, citogenéticas e moleculares. A análise de componente principal (PCA) indicou a existência de três grupos de populações: a restrita à cabeceira do rio Das Velhas, a que ocorre na calha e cabeceiras do rio Doce e as populações das lagoas quaternárias. Os dados citogenéticos (coloração convencional, Ag-NOR, bandamento C, fluorocromos e FISH e marcador de microssatélite) corroboraram parcialmente a hipótese da existência de dois grandes grupos que correspondem geograficamente aos locais de ocorrência de O. solitarius e O. argenteus na bacia do rio Doce, mas indicaram também altos níveis de diferenciação cromossômica dentro de cada grupo. Os padrões de variação cromossômica assemelharam-se aos indicados para outras espécies do mesmo gênero. Os dados moleculares confirmaram que a especiação das duas espécies foi recente. Considerados em conjunto, os dados confirmam a ocorrência de populações diferenciadas e estreitamente aparentadas no sistema de lagoas quaternárias e a existência de mais duas espécies na cabeceira do rio Das Velhas e do rio Doce e sugerem a necessidade de reavaliação do material tipo coletado por Günther em 1861. Considerando que o alto grau de variação cromossômica de O. solitarius ocorreu nos últimos 14.000 - 3.365 anos, conclui-se que estas espécies-irmãs apresentam a mais alta taxa de evolução cromossômica dos peixes neotropicais.

As populações de Heptapterus mustelinus do rio Uruguai, sistema da Laguna dos Patos e os rios dos sistemas costeiros do sul do Brasil e Uruguai foram revisados com dados morfológicos e moleculares. Duas novas espécies de Heptapterus foram reconhecidas. Heptapterus sp.n.A com distribuição restrita para o rio Pelotas na bacia do alto rio Uruguai. Heptapterus sp.n.B endêmica de tributários do rio Ibicuí na bacia do baixo rio Uruguai. As novas espécies distinguem-se do seu congênere mais próximo H. mustelinus pelo menor número de vértebras. Dados morfométricos e moleculares são congruentes no reconhecimento das duas espécies novas. / The populations of Heptapterus mustelinus from the Uruguay River, laguna dos Patos system and the coastal streams of southern Brazil were reviewed with morphological and molecular data. Two new species of Heptapterus were recognized. Heptapterus sp.n.A with a restricted distribution to rio Pelotas, in the upper Uruguay River basin. Heptapterus sp.n.B endemic to tributaries of rio Ibicuí, in the lower Uruguay River basin. The new species are distinguished from its closest congener H. mustelinus by the lower number of vertebrae. Morphometric and molecular data are congruent to recognize the two new species.

Submitted by Fabio Sobreira Campos da Costa (fabio.sobreira@ufpe.br) on 2016-06-15T14:32:36Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Yuri Dissertação - FINAL(BC)!.pdf: 1147711 bytes, checksum: e5917687135f73da59de59dc191c1f04 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-15T14:32:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Yuri Dissertação - FINAL(BC)!.pdf: 1147711 bytes, checksum: e5917687135f73da59de59dc191c1f04 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-09-25 / CAPEs / Estudos populacionais em ambientes tropicais são escassos e necessários para compreensão da ecologia desses ecossistemas. A caatinga é um exemplo típico desta necessidade. O presente trabalho visa descrever aspectos da biologia e ecologia de Gyalophylax hellmayri e Sakesphorus cristatus e sendo estas duas espécies endêmicas da caatinga. Foram utilizados os métodos de captura com rede de neblina, e censos por pontos fixo. Quanto à abundância estas podem ser consideradas duas espécies abundantes, pois foi possível estimar o tamanho populacional dessas espécies através do índice pontual de abundância (IPA). Nos quais como F.O. foi visto que S. cristatus como abundante e G. hellmayri uma espécie comum na área estudada. Já no IPA foi registrada ocorrência freqüente para as duas espécies, porém o S. cristatus foi mais ocorrente nas amostras. Através da freqüência de captura foi possível estimar a população no raio das redes de neblina que foi de 14 indivíduos para G. hellmayri e S. cristatus foi de 17 para um raio de 72 metros. E com os padrões de reprodução e com isso averiguar que o período reprodutivo se limita ao período de chuvas da região. Os dados obtidos nos mostram duas populações fixas e abundantes na área de estudo e, que mesmo com o fator clima, não tiveram suas atividades de muda e reprodução de acordo com o relatado para outras espécies em outros biomas. / Population studies in tropical environments are scarce and needed for understanding the ecology of these ecosystems. The savanna is a typical example of this need . This paper aims to describe aspects of the biology and ecology of Gyalophylax hellmayri and Sakesphorus cristatus and being the two endemic species of the caatinga. Methods were used to capture mist net, and census by fixed points. The abundance of these two species can be considered abundant, it was possible to estimate the population size of these species through the Abundance Index (API). Where as F.O. was seen that S. cristatus as abundant and G. hellmayri a common species in the study area. In the IPA was recorded frequent occurrence for both species, but S. cristatus was most observed in the samples. Through the capture frequency was possible to estimate the population within the mist nets that were 14 individuals for G. hellmayri and S. cristatus was 17 to a radius of 72 meters. And with breeding patterns and thus determine the reproductive period is limited to the rainy season in the region. Data obtained show two stationary populations and abundant in the study area , and that even with the climate factor, did not have their molting and reproduction activities in accordance with that reported for other species in other biomes.