Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The evolutionary history of the African tribe Tragelaphini (spiral-horn antelope) is controversial. Past phylogenetic relationships among species were based on morphology or limited fossil evidence and are in conflict with mitochondrial DNA sequencing studies that have been conducted more recently. Although the group is distinguished from other African ungulates by the presence of spirally-twisted horns, the nine recognized extant species differ considerably in morphology, feeding habits and their habitat preference. The present study aims to resolve the phylogenetic uncertainties of the Tragelaphini using nuclear DNA sequence data derived from four independent DNA loci (MGF, PRKCl, SPTBN and THY). These data were combined with all previously published DNA sequences to produce a molecular supermatrix comprising approximately 6000 characters. Both parsimony and model based phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear DNA support the associations resulting from the analysis of mitochondrial genes. These findings suggest that the morphological characters previously used to delimit species within the group are subject to convergent evolution. The molecular phylogeny presented herein suggests that early members of Tragelaphini diverged from the other bovids during the mid-Miocene approximately 15.7 million years before present (MYBP). The common nyala (Tragelaphus enqest; and lesser kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis) representing the most basal species, separated from the other tragelaphids approximately 7.1 MYBP. This was subsequently followed by the radiation of those species adapted to a more tropical environment and they include the mountain nyala (Tragelaphus buxtom), bongo (Tragelaphus euryceros), sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekel) and bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), and the arid adapted clade comprising the giant eland (Taurotragus derbianus), common eland (Taurotragus oryx) and greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros). It is thought that this split occurred at the Miocene-Pliocene boundary approximately 5.4 MYBP. The timing of evolutionary events within the tribe suggests climatic oscillations and subsequent biotic shifts as the major driving forces underpinning speciation in the tribe Tragalaphini. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING; Die evolusionêre geskiedenis van die ras Tragelaphini (spiraalhoringwildsbokke) is kontroversieël. Vorige filogenetiese verwantskappe tussen die spesies is gebaseer op morfologie of beperkte fossiel bewyse. Meer onlangse studies, gebaseer op mitochondriale ONS nukleotieddata, is in teenstryding met baie van die evolusionêre hypotese afkomstig van morfologiese studies. Alhoewel die groep van die ander hoefdiere uitgeken kan word deur die aanwesigheid van spiraalvormige horings, verskil die nege hedendaagse spesies grootliks ten opsigte van morfologie, voedingswyse en habitat. Die hoof doelwit van hierdie studie was om die filogenetise verwantskappe tussen die Tragelaphini spesies te ontleed deur gebruik te maak van nukluêre ONS nukleotieddata afkomstig van vier onafhanklike ONS merkers (MGF, PRKCl, SPTBN en THY). Die data verkry is saamgevoeg by vorige gepubliseerde ONS nukleotidedata om 'n "supermatris" van sowat 6000 karakters te produseer. Parsimonie en modelgebaseerde filogenetise analise van die nukluêre ONS nukleotieddata het ooreengestem met die resultate van vorige mitochondriale studies. Hierdie bevindings dui daarop dat die morfologiese karakters wat voorheen gebruik is om die evolusionêre verwantskappe tussen die Tragelaphini spesies te ontleed onderhewig is aan konvergente evolusie. Die molekulêre filogenie wat hierin beskryf word stel voor dat die ras Tragelaphini gedurende die mid- Miocene, omtrent 15.7 miljoen jaar (MJ) gelede van die ander lede van die subfamilie Bovinae geskei het. Tragelaphus angasi en Tragelaphus imberbis, die mees basale spesies in die filogenie, het omtrent 7.1 MJ gelede van die ander lede van die Tragelaphini geskei. Hierdie skeiding is gevolg deur 'n split tussen die spesies aangepas vir 'n meer tropiese habitat (Tragelaphus buxtoni, Tragelaphus euryceros, Tragelaphus spekei en Tragelaphus scriptus) en die spesies aangepas vir 'n droë habitat (Taurotragus derbianus, Taurotragus oryx en Tragelaphus strepsiceros) Hierdie finale skeiding het gedurende die Miocene-Pliocene oorgang plaasgevind. Die tydsberekening van die evolusionêre gebeurtenisse wat binne die Tragelaphini ras plaasgevind het, gekoppel aan paleoklimaatdata, dui aan dat veranderinge in klimaat en die geassosieerde habitatveranderinge verantwoordelik was vir die spesiasie patroon wat ons vandag in die Tragelaphini ras waarneem.

Este estudo consta da análise filogenética de Anthurium seção Urospadix e grupos correlatos. O gênero tem sido considerado complexo taxonomicamente e tem sido considerado com pouca resolução interna. Nós realizamos análises de parcimônia com os dados morfológicos e moleculares e com os conjuntos de dados combinados. Caracteres anatômicos têm sido empregados em clássicos tratamentos para Araceae e a anatomia foliar pode prover vários caracteres para esclarecer as relações filogenéticas dentro de Anthurium. Com o intuito de averiguar os caracteres já descritos em um número maior de espécies de Anthurium, além de buscar novos caracteres, nós realizamos estudos anatômicos da folha de 77 espécies de Anthurium, sendo 35 da seção Urospadix. Especificamente, os dados foram obtidos de dissociações epidérmicas e secções transversais da porção mediana da nervura principal, limbo e pecíolo. Nós observamos 17 caracteres, nove dos quais são potencialmente informativos para a filogenia de Anthurium. Estudos palinológicos de 34 espécies de Anthurium também foram realizados e revelaram pólen 3-4-porado em todas as espécies. Grãos de pólen de todas as espécies examinadas são altamente similares quanto à forma e dimensões. Entretanto, o tipo de abertura e a ornamentação da exina exibem variações e podem ser úteis em estudos sistemáticos do grupo. Os três caracteres apresentados aqui aparecem como sinapomorfias para o gênero ou grupos dentro de Anthurium. Os resultados de 64 caracteres morfológicos (anatomia, morfologia externa e palinologia) e 177 caracteres moleculares (regiões trnC-ycf6, trnG e trnH-psbA do cloroplasto), ofereceram um arcabouço filogenético para avaliar os caracteres utilizados na sistemática destes grupos, bem como discutir questões da sistemática do grupo e os padrões evolutivos e biogeográficos envolvidos. Baseado nos conceitos tradicionais, a seção Urospadix contém 74 espécies e apresenta uma distribuição disjunta, com dois centros de diversidade: a América Central e Oeste da América do Sul e o leste do Brasil. Entretanto, baseado na nova circunscrição que aceitamos aqui, Anthurium seção Urospadix Engl., contém um menor número de espécies e, como tratado aqui, o grupo é restrito à Costa Atlântica Brasileira. / We present a phylogenetic analysis of Anthurium sect. Urospadix and related groups (Araceae). The genus has traditionally been considered taxonomically difficult and there has been little resolution of relationship within it. We performed parsimony analyses on morphological and molecular, and combined data sets. Anatomical characters have been used in classic taxonomic treatments of Araceae and it appears that leaf anatomy may provide several characters for addressing phylogenetic relationships within Anthurium. To verify these characters in a larger number of species and to examine new ones, we investigated the leaf anatomy of 77 Anthurium species, including 35 of section Urospadix. Specifically, we investigated the anatomy of the epidermis and traverse sections of the mid rib, leaf lamina, and petiole. We identified 17 characters, nine of which are potentially informative with respect to the Anthurium phylogeny. The palynological studies of 34 Anthurium species indicate that pollen is 3-4 porate in all species. Pollen grains from all examined species are highly similar in form and dimensions. However, the aperture type and the exine sculpturing are variable and may be useful for systematic studies of the group. The three characters presented here appear to provide synapomorphies for the genera or groups within Anthurium. The results of analyses on morphological (external morphology, palynology, and leaf anatomy; 64 characters), molecular (trnCycf6, trnG, and trnH-psbA regions of the chloroplast; 177 varied characters), and combined data sets, provide a phylogenetic framework for evaluating the characters used in systematic studies of the group, as well as for discussing evolutionary and biogeographic patterns. Based on the traditional concept sect. Urospadix contains 74 species and it had a disjunct distribution, with centers of diversity in Central America–western South America and in eastern Brazil. However, based on the new circumscription that we consider here, Anthurium sect. Urospadix Engl. contains a smaller number of species and, as treated here, the group is restricted to Atlantic Coast of Brazil.

Ma, Ka Yan. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 88-103). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / ABSTRACT --- p.i / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.vii / CONTENTS --- p.ix / LIST OF TABLES --- p.xi / LIST OF FIGURES --- p.xii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Molecular phylogenetics --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Phylogeny of the penaeoid shrimps --- p.2 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Interfamilial relationships of Penaeoidea --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Ingergeneric relationships of Penaeidae --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Interspecific relationships of Penaeus s.l --- p.11 / Chapter 1.3 --- Molecular markers for decapods phylogenetics studies --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Mitochondrial markers --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Nuclear markers --- p.16 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Molecular phylogeny of superfamily Penaeoidea / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.19 / Chapter 2.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.21 / Chapter 2.3 --- Results --- p.28 / Chapter 2.4 --- Discussion --- p.40 / Chapter 2.5 --- Conclusions --- p.48 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Molecular phylogeny of genus Penaeus sensu lato / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.50 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.50 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.56 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion --- p.74 / Chapter 3.5 --- Conclusions --- p.84 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- General conclusions --- p.85 / References --- p.88

M.Sc. / The tribe Podalyrieae is a group of Papilionoid legumes that are largely endemic to the Cape Floristic Region of southern Africa. A phylogenetic study of the tribe was undertaken using gene sequences obtained from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) as well as the plastid gene rbcL. Although the resolution was poor in the resulting trees, several groupings were noted within the tribe. The subtribe Xiphothecinae remains relatively unchanged and consists of the genera Amphithalea and Xiphotheca. The subtribe Podalyriinae was found to be paraphyletic. A close relationship was observed between the genera Liparia and Podalyria with Stirtonanthus as sister. Additional chloroplast genes (trnL-F and trnS-trnG) were sequenced to obtain better resolution within this group. While Podalyria and Stirtonanthus are monophyletic, the monophyly of Liparia is still uncertain. Virgilia and Calpurnia are closely related and Cyclopia retains its isolated, monophyletic position sister to the tribe. The species of Cadia included in the phylogenetic analysis formed a sister grouping to the tribe Podalyrieae and the inclusion of this genus in Podalyrieae is discussed. A date for the root node of the tribe was estimated at 28.55 MYA, using non-parametric rate smoothing (NPRS), indicating a major radiation to have taken place during the Pliocene. By means of independent contrasts it was determined that the rate of molecular evolution is higher in reseeders than resprouters, perhaps due to more reproductive cycles in these individuals, that would in turn affect the rate of DNA substitution.

M.Sc. / Alooideae (Asparagales–Asphodelaceae) currently comprises five genera, four of which are endemic to southern Africa. Despite their importance in commercial horticulture, evolutionary relationships among the genera are still incompletely understood, and the generic taxonomy remains unresolved. This study addresses generic delimitation in subfamily Alooideae using an expanded molecular dataset from three plastid regions (rbcLa, matK and trnH-psbA) and the first subunit of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS1). Sequence data were analysed using maximum parsimony and bayesian statistics, and selected morphological traits were mapped onto the molecular phylogeny. Among the polytypic genera, only Astroloba and Gasteria were retrieved as monophyletic. Haworthia is shown to be polyphyletic and to comprise three main clades largely correllated with current subgeneric circumscriptions. The taxonomic implications of these findings are discussed.

Ph.D. / Genetic variation estimates and phylogenetic studies (based on genetic differentiation) of the Podalyrieae and related tribes (family Fabaceae) are presented. The tribe is endemic to the Cape fynbos region of South Africa, except for Calpurnia. Although Podalyrieae have been the focus of many taxonomic studies no genetic variation studies have been done on this group of plants. Genetic variation in selected populations, species and genera was studied to evaluate the use of enzyme electrophoresis in systematic studies on these three levels. Eight case studies are presented. Allelic data proved to be extremely useful at the population and congeneric species level. However, at a higher level, it showed some potential when treated with caution. It is not possible to predict beforehand if meaningful results can be obtained at this higher (i.e. confamilial genus) level of divergence. A large number of plant genetic data sets from the literature was analysed to determine typical levels and ranges of genetic differentiation within families, genera and species. A graph of probability against taxonomic rank was constructed and compared with results published by Thorpe (1982, 1983). The results indicate that plant taxa have a reduced biochemical evolution (less diverse than animals at comparable taxonomic ranks) in contrast to Thorpe's (1982, 1983) reports (which were based on less data for plant taxa). Genetic identity values between 3041 pairs of taxa were used in the present study. The phylogenetic relationships among genera of the tribe Podalyrieae were estimated from sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA as well as morphological and chemical data. Morphological and. ITS sequence data produced cladograms with similar topologies, both supporting the exclusion of Hypocalyptus from Podalyrieae. A broadening of Podalyrieae, which includes Xiphothecinae, Podalyriinae and Cyclopia, is suggested. The multidisciplinary approach followed in this study provided a better understanding of taxonomic and evolutionary relationships in the Podalyrieae and some other Cape legumes.

Please read the summary in the section 00front of this document. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Genetics / Unrestricted

Este estudo consta da análise filogenética de Anthurium seção Urospadix e grupos correlatos. O gênero tem sido considerado complexo taxonomicamente e tem sido considerado com pouca resolução interna. Nós realizamos análises de parcimônia com os dados morfológicos e moleculares e com os conjuntos de dados combinados. Caracteres anatômicos têm sido empregados em clássicos tratamentos para Araceae e a anatomia foliar pode prover vários caracteres para esclarecer as relações filogenéticas dentro de Anthurium. Com o intuito de averiguar os caracteres já descritos em um número maior de espécies de Anthurium, além de buscar novos caracteres, nós realizamos estudos anatômicos da folha de 77 espécies de Anthurium, sendo 35 da seção Urospadix. Especificamente, os dados foram obtidos de dissociações epidérmicas e secções transversais da porção mediana da nervura principal, limbo e pecíolo. Nós observamos 17 caracteres, nove dos quais são potencialmente informativos para a filogenia de Anthurium. Estudos palinológicos de 34 espécies de Anthurium também foram realizados e revelaram pólen 3-4-porado em todas as espécies. Grãos de pólen de todas as espécies examinadas são altamente similares quanto à forma e dimensões. Entretanto, o tipo de abertura e a ornamentação da exina exibem variações e podem ser úteis em estudos sistemáticos do grupo. Os três caracteres apresentados aqui aparecem como sinapomorfias para o gênero ou grupos dentro de Anthurium. Os resultados de 64 caracteres morfológicos (anatomia, morfologia externa e palinologia) e 177 caracteres moleculares (regiões trnC-ycf6, trnG e trnH-psbA do cloroplasto), ofereceram um arcabouço filogenético para avaliar os caracteres utilizados na sistemática destes grupos, bem como discutir questões da sistemática do grupo e os padrões evolutivos e biogeográficos envolvidos. Baseado nos conceitos tradicionais, a seção Urospadix contém 74 espécies e apresenta uma distribuição disjunta, com dois centros de diversidade: a América Central e Oeste da América do Sul e o leste do Brasil. Entretanto, baseado na nova circunscrição que aceitamos aqui, Anthurium seção Urospadix Engl., contém um menor número de espécies e, como tratado aqui, o grupo é restrito à Costa Atlântica Brasileira. / We present a phylogenetic analysis of Anthurium sect. Urospadix and related groups (Araceae). The genus has traditionally been considered taxonomically difficult and there has been little resolution of relationship within it. We performed parsimony analyses on morphological and molecular, and combined data sets. Anatomical characters have been used in classic taxonomic treatments of Araceae and it appears that leaf anatomy may provide several characters for addressing phylogenetic relationships within Anthurium. To verify these characters in a larger number of species and to examine new ones, we investigated the leaf anatomy of 77 Anthurium species, including 35 of section Urospadix. Specifically, we investigated the anatomy of the epidermis and traverse sections of the mid rib, leaf lamina, and petiole. We identified 17 characters, nine of which are potentially informative with respect to the Anthurium phylogeny. The palynological studies of 34 Anthurium species indicate that pollen is 3-4 porate in all species. Pollen grains from all examined species are highly similar in form and dimensions. However, the aperture type and the exine sculpturing are variable and may be useful for systematic studies of the group. The three characters presented here appear to provide synapomorphies for the genera or groups within Anthurium. The results of analyses on morphological (external morphology, palynology, and leaf anatomy; 64 characters), molecular (trnCycf6, trnG, and trnH-psbA regions of the chloroplast; 177 varied characters), and combined data sets, provide a phylogenetic framework for evaluating the characters used in systematic studies of the group, as well as for discussing evolutionary and biogeographic patterns. Based on the traditional concept sect. Urospadix contains 74 species and it had a disjunct distribution, with centers of diversity in Central America–western South America and in eastern Brazil. However, based on the new circumscription that we consider here, Anthurium sect. Urospadix Engl. contains a smaller number of species and, as treated here, the group is restricted to Atlantic Coast of Brazil.

The diverse visual specialisations of stomatopods are an important consideration in studies of their radiation and evolution. Most stomatopods in the Superfamilies Gonodactyloidea and Lysiosquilloidea have regionally specialised eyes. A central band composed of six rows of ommatidia contains an array of photoreceptive pigments and filters that allow for finely tuned colour and polarisation vision. In other stomatopods the mid-band is reduced and unspecialised, or is absent. Previously, this has been considered to be the plesiomorphic condition. Phylogenetic analyses of the Stomatopoda show that the extant stomatopod lineages evolved from a gonodactyloid-type ancestor. Characters for phylogenetic analyses have been derived from external morphology, details of eye daslqn and mitochondrial DNA sequences. Although not wholly congruent, the results from these separate analyses indicate that species with a simpler eye design are not more primitive but have lost parts of the mid-band arrangement. This regressive evolutionary event has occurred independently on a number of occasions. Observations on the neuroanatomy of the eyes in the stomatopod Neogonodactylus oerstedii have revealed the existence of an accessory lobe located distally on the medulla externa and connecting with the six mid-band rows. The lobe is involved in processing colour and polarisation information. The discovery of the lobe in species that lack the retinal specialisations for colour vision provides further evidence that they are descended from a more advanced ancestor. Similarities in the arrangement of eye muscles between species with a two or six row mid-band also give support for this conjecture. The ancestors of the modern stomatopods are likely to have evolved in shallow water and coral reef habitats. The development of colour vision was advantageous for prey location and in interspecific encounters. Stomatopods subsequently radiated into a diverse range of habitats. For those in more spectrally limited surroundings the colour vision system has largely been lost but vestiges are still present today in the form of a reduced mid-band and medulla lobe.

published_or_final_version / abstract / Ecology and Biodiversity / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy