Biodiversity

Invertebrates: Revealing a hidden world in the year of biodiversity

by Dawn Sanders

Published in Primary Science 113 May/June 2010 p.5-8
Not final copy so some small glitches such as explore rather than exploring on last page and photograph captions and attributions are not finalised. Journal only available to Association of Science Education members.

Biodiversity means the variety of life, in all its forms. It includes the variety of species and ecosystems in the... more Biodiversity means the variety of life, in all its forms. It includes the variety of species and ecosystems in the world, and genetic variation. Invertebrates are one of the largest, and most accessible groups of animals for primary children to study. Darwin tells us that the action of earthworms in his garden at Down House caused his worm stone to sink at a rate of 2.2mm a year. He estimated that earthworm activities on every acre of his land brought some 18 tons of soil to the surface annually. Therefore the study of invertebrates, such as earthworms and ants, offers an important window on biodiversity in a significant habitat-soil. As one of the most well-known ant scientists in the world today recently wrote, ‘Immediately close at hand, around and beneath our feet, lies the least explored part of the planet’s surface. It is also the most vital place on Earth for human existence’ (Wilson, 2010). Invertebrates provide food for many animal groups, pollinate flowers, aid the formation of soil, distribute seeds and are key actors in the decomposition cycle.
Revealing the biological diversity of these animals and their myriad roles in the web of life engages children with a concept that is crucial to life on Earth. Invertebrates are numerous and diverse communities of species widely distributed throughout our planet. They also live on a scale that offers a secret world in the undergrowth for curious children.

The taxonomic significance of species that have only been observed once: the genus Gymnodinium (Dinoflagellata) as an example

by Anne Thessen

Taxonomists have been tasked with cataloguing and quantifying the Earth’s biodiversity. Their progress is measured in... more Taxonomists have been tasked with cataloguing and quantifying the Earth’s biodiversity. Their progress is measured in code-compliant species descriptions that include text, images, type material and molecular sequences.  It is from this material that other researchers are to identify individuals of the same species in future observations.  Approximately 13% to 22% (depending on taxonomic group) of described species have only ever been observed once.  Species that have only been observed at the time and place of their original description are referred to as oncers. Oncers are important to our current understanding of biodiversity.  They may be validly described species that are members of a rare biosphere, or they may indicate endemism, or that these species are limited to very constrained niches.  Alternatively, they may reflect that taxonomic practices are too poor to allow the organism to be re-identified or descriptions are unknown to other taxonomists.  If true, our current tally of species will not be an accurate indication of what we know. In order to investigate this phenomenon and its potential causes, we examined the microbial eukaryote genus Gymnodinium. This genus contains 268 extant species, 103 (38%) of which have not been observed since their original description.  We report traits of the original descriptions and interpret them in respect to the status of the species.  We conclude that the majority of oncers were poorly described and their identity is ambiguous. As a result, we limit the the genus Gymnodinium to 234 species.  Species that have been observed multiple times tend to have longer descriptions, written in English.  The styles of individual authors have a major effect, with a few authors describing a disproportionate number of oncers.  We note that the information available via the internet is incomplete, and reliance on it will not give access to all necessary information.  Three new names are presented – Gymnodinium campbelli for the homonymous name Gymnodinium translucens Campbell 1973, Gymnodinium antarcticum for the homonymous name Gymnodinium frigidum Balech 1965 and Gymnodinium chinensis for the homonymous name Gymnodinium frigidum Skvortzov 1968. 

CONSIDERACIONES BIOLÓGICAS YFÍSICO-HIDROLÓGICAS PARA FACILITARLA CONSERVACIÓN DE LA ZONA DEMANANTIALES DE SAN DIEGO DEALCALÁ, MPIO. DE ALDAMA, CHIH.

by Mauricio De la Maza Benignos

Mauricio De la Maza Benignos1, Pablo A. Lavín Murcio2, Antonio De la MoraCovarrubias2, Miroslava Quiñónes Martínez2, José Alfredo Rodríguez-Pineda1, LiliaVela-Valladares, Jenny Zapata Lopez1

1Fondo Mundial Para la Naturaleza 2UACJ

REVISIÓN Y CORRECCIÓN DE ESTILO: MARIA LAURA MUÑOZ BARRERA

FONDO MUNDIAL PARA LA NATURALEZAPROGRAMA DESIERTO CHIHUAHUENSE

El Desierto Chihuahuense, compartido por dos naciones, es una de las ecorregiones desérticas de mayor riqueza... more El Desierto Chihuahuense, compartido por dos naciones, es una de las ecorregiones desérticas de mayor riqueza biológica en el mundo, hábitat de grandes mamíferos, aves, reptiles y una diversidad única de especies de cactáceas. Más aún, en el Desierto Chihuahuense se presentan manantiales, arroyos y ríos de agua dulce que tienen importancia global, ya que albergan especies acuáticas que no se pueden encontrar en ninguna otra parte del mundo.

El sistema de manantiales de San Diego de Alcalá es hábitat de varias especies endémicas entre las que destacan el cachorrito cabezón (Cyprinidon pachycephalus) así como el recientemente descrito (2010) guayacón de San Diego (Gambusia zarskei), que habitan aguas con temperaturas que alcanzan los 43 C a 44 C, la mayor temperatura conocida habitada por peces dulceacuícolas, solo superada por el cachorrito de Julimes (Cyprinodon julimes). De igual forma, sus aguas hospedan cianofitas, un isópodo shpaeromatido, así como dos especies de caracol cochliópido, anfibios y al menos una especie de tortuga. A pesar de la evidente importancia del sitio debido a la presencia de adaptaciones únicas de las especies dulceacuícolas a altas temperaturas, presencia de endemismos y de microhábitats especializados relativamente intactos, muy poco se conoce y se ha investigado acerca de este sitio único de importancia científica global.

Ecosystem restoration with teeth: what role for predators?

by Euan Ritchie

Recent advances highlight the potential for predators to restore ecosystems and confer resilience against globally... more Recent advances highlight the potential for predators to restore ecosystems and confer resilience against globally threatening processes, including climate change and biological invasions. However, releasing the ecological benefits of predators entails significant challenges. Here, we discuss the economic, environmental and social considerations affecting predator-driven ecological restoration programmes, and suggest approaches for reducing the undesirable impacts of predators. Because the roles of predators are context dependent, we argue for increased emphasis on predator functionality in ecosystems and less on the identities and origins of species and genotypes. We emphasise that insufficient attention is currently given to the importance of variation in the social structures and behaviours of predators in influencing the dynamics of trophic interactions. Lastly, we outline experiments specifically designed to clarify the ecological roles of predators and their potential utility in ecosystem restoration.

The use of mean instead of smallest interspecific distances exaggerates the size of the “barcoding gap” and leads to misidentification [Systematic Biology]

by Guanyang Zhang

Published in 'Systematic Biology'

Matching dimorphic sexes and immature stages with adults: resolving the systematics of the Bekilya group of Malagasy assassin bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Peiratinae) [Systematic Entomology]

by Guanyang Zhang

Published in 'Systematic Entomology'

The Madagascar endemic assassin bugs Bekilya Villiers and Hovacoris Villiers were described from macropterous male... more The Madagascar endemic assassin bugs Bekilya Villiers and Hovacoris Villiers were described from macropterous male specimens with striking colour patterns, and are currently monotypic. Mutillocoris Villiers, with two species from Madagascar, was based on brachypterous female specimens that resemble female mutillid wasps. To investigate the validity of the three genera, recently collected specimens from Madagascar were studied with both morphological and molecular techniques. Morphology alone appeared to be of limited value for associating males with females, and immature stages with adults, because of drastic differences between the sexes and the life stages. However, the use of morphology in conjunction with molecular data resolved these associations and showed that species of Mutillocoris represent females of Bekilya and Hovacoris, which we transfer accordingly to these two genera and refer to them as the Bekilya group. The type species of Mutillocoris belongs in Bekilya, resulting in the synonymy of these two genera (Mutillocorissyn.n.). The Bekilya group is diagnosed and several new species are described: Bekilya mahafalyasp.n., Bekilya tenebrasp.n., Bekilya tulearasp.n., Hovacoris bicolornotumsp.n., Hovacoris melanocepssp.n. and Hovacoris rufiventrissp.n. A total of ten species are recognized within the Bekilya group. The monophyly of Bekilya, Hovacoris and the Bekilya group is confirmed by morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses.

Sustainable Private Native Forestry - Timber production, biodiversity and soil and water indicators and their applicability to northeast New South Wales

by Jerome Vanclay

Jay, A., D. Sharpe, D. Nichols and J. Vanclay, 2009. Sustainable Private Native Forestry - Timber production, biodiversity and soil and water indicators and their applicability to northeast New South Wales. RIRDC Publication 09/022. 89 pp.

Defending Diversity: Staking Out a Common, Global Interest.

by Shaylih Ryan Muehlmann

From: Heller, Monica and Duchêne, Alexandre.  2007. Discourses of
Endangerment: Interest and Ideology in the Defence of Language.
New York: Continuum. Pp. 14-34.

Biodiversity assessment of Niah National Park. 2008

by M.T. Abdullah, PhD

A transect survey was conducted from 2  6 December 2004 in Niah National Park to estimate species diversity and... more A transect survey was conducted from 2  6 December 2004 in Niah National Park to estimate species diversity and relative abundance of birds and mammals. This study was conducted in four forest line transects: Madu Trail (TR1), Sungai Tangap (TR2), Niah Great Cave (TR3), Bukit Kasut (TR4), and one river transect along the Niah River (RT). A total of 521 birds representing 59 species from 23 families were recorded. The Black-Nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus maximus) and the Mossy-Nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus salanganus) were the most common species in the park. The family Timaliidae (babblers), with nine species, was recorded as the most diverse family, whereas Strigidae (owls) and Hirundinidae (swallows) were the least diverse families with one species in each. A total of 29 mammalian individuals representing seven species from four families were recorded. The family Sciuridae (squirrels) with three species was recorded as the most diverse family, whereas Cynocephalidae (flying lemurs) and Muridae (rodents) were the least diverse families with one species and one individual each. TR1 was recorded with the highest Shannon-Weiner index (diversity index) of H = 4.75 and H = 2.20 for birds and mammals respectively. The lowest bird H = 3.73 was recorded for TR2, whereas the lowest mammal H = 0 was recorded for TR2 and RT. Although this study does not identify factors that contribute to different species diversity at each transect line, field observations suggest that vegetation and human activities were the major elements that contributed to the observations found at each transect in this study. Studies on the vegetation types and potential disturbances that influence the faunal diversity will provide useful insights in conservation and management planning of this park.

Diversity of bats in two protected limestone areas, Sarawak, Borneo. 2010b. Ridwan_et_al_SMJ

by M.T. Abdullah, PhD

This paper updates that of Hall et al 2004. Found new records. This paper updates that of Hall et al 2004. Found new records.

Bat Survey of Mount Penrisen and Notes on the Rare Kerivoula minuta, Kerivoula intermedia and Hipposideros coxi in Sarawak, Borneo

by M.T. Abdullah, PhD

Mammals of Bau Limestone. 2004

by M.T. Abdullah, PhD

Mammalian Diversity, Evolution and Potential Reservoir of Diseases. 2011

by M.T. Abdullah, PhD

SOCIAL AND ECOLOGICAL DIMENSION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES BANGKOK, 6-7 OCTOBER 2011.

Key words: Biodiversity, Diseases, Zoonosis, Climate Change, Evolution Key words: Biodiversity, Diseases, Zoonosis, Climate Change, Evolution

Morphometrical Variations of Malaysian Hipposideros Species. 2012

by M.T. Abdullah, PhD

Read Vijaya et al (2012)

A study on the morphometrical variations among four Malaysian Hipposideros species was conducted using voucher... more A study on the morphometrical variations among four Malaysian Hipposideros species was conducted using voucher specimens deposited in Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Zoological Museum and the Department of Widlife and National Park (DWNP) Kuala Lumpur. Twenty two individuals from four species of Hipposideros ater, H. bicolor, H. cineraceus and H. dyacorum were morphologically measured, in which a total of 27 linear parameters of body, skull and dentals of each were appropriately recorded. The statistical data were later subjected to discriminant function analysis (DFA) and canonical variate analysis (CVA) using SPSS version 15.0 and unweighted pair-group method average (UPGMA) cluster analysis using Minitab version 14.4. The highest character loadings observed in Function l, Function 2 and Function 3 were the forearm length (FA), the third digit second phalanx length (D3P2L) and the palatal length (PL) with standardised canonical discriminant function coefficient values of 21.910, 5.770 and 5.095, respectively. These three characters were identified as the best diagnostic features for discriminating these closely related species of Hipposideros. Hence, this morphometric approach could be a promising tool as an alternative to the molecular
DNA analysis for identification of Chiroptera species.

Understanding Biodiversity with Socio-Cultural & Environmental Aspects. 30 April 2011

by M.T. Abdullah, PhD

This paper discusses on some concepts and new ideas related to the high biological diversity in Malaysia. This may be... more This paper discusses on some concepts and new ideas related to the high biological diversity in Malaysia. This may be known as integrative biological diversity.

Climate Change and Biodiversity in Malaysia. 2010

by M.T. Abdullah, PhD

Impact, gaps and future of biodiversity in the face of climate change in Malaysia. Impact, gaps and future of biodiversity in the face of climate change in Malaysia.

Molecular phylogenetics and systematics of five genera of Malaysian murine rodents (Maxomys, Sundamys, Leopoldamys, Niviventer and Rattus) inferred from partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene.

by M.T. Abdullah, PhD

Nur Aida Md Tamrin and M. T. Abdullah. 2011. Journal of Science and Technology in the Tropics 7: 75-86. (SCOPUS-indexed).

We genetically analysed 50 specimens of Murinae from Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, assigned to 12 species.... more We genetically analysed 50 specimens of Murinae from Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, assigned to 12 species. Phylogenetic analyses of partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (476 base pairs) using four methods, namely, neighbour-joining (NJ), maximum parsimony (MP), maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian method resulted in similar statistically supported clades with minimal change in branching order. The analyses discovered that there were intermediate form of Maxomys species within M. whiteheadi and M. ochraceiventer populations. They display same external morphology as M. whiteheadi but genetically closer to M. ochraceiventer. Craniodental measurements showed significant differences between the three populations. Rattus and Sundamys appeared not fully resolved while Leopoldamys and Niviventer were steadily clustered. The intraspecific geographic variation in some species agrees with previous studies on the vicariance scenario and diversification of flora and fauna in Malaysia and Borneo.

Nur Aida Md Tamrin and M. T. Abdullah. 2011. Journal of Science and Technology in the Tropics 7: 75-86. (SCOPUS-indexed).

Malaysian fruit bats phylogeny inferred using ribosomal RNA. Ryan, J.R., K.H.G. Andy, V.K. Jayaraj, Y. Esa, A.A. Sallehin and Abdullah, M.T. 2008. Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science 31(1):107-117. (SCOPUS-Cited Publication).

by M.T. Abdullah, PhD

Fourteen species of the Malaysian fruit bats (Pteropodidae) were used in this DNA taxonomy using 1,334bp of the 12S... more Fourteen species of the Malaysian fruit bats (Pteropodidae) were used in this DNA taxonomy using 1,334bp of the 12S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA) valine and 16S rRNA gene segments. Previous studies using DNA found contradictions between morphology and molecular data in inferring the phylogeny of the fruit bats proposed by Andersen (1912). Our phylogenetic analysis using the neighbor-joining and the maximum parsimony methods did not support the monophyly of the subfamily Macroglossinae and the cynopterine group of the subfamily Pteropodinae as proposed by classical taxonomists. This is congruent with previous molecular studies. Here, we provide the first registered 12S rRNA, tRNA valine and 16S rRNA sequence records for Dyacopterus spadiceus in the GenBank database. This study represents the first attempt to infer the phylogenetic relationship of fruit bats from Malaysia using molecular methods.

Biogeography and variation of the Malaysian fruit bat, Cynopterus brachyotis, in Sunda Shelf 2003

by M.T. Abdullah, PhD

Five more studies by BU, UKM & UNIMAS had tested and confirmed similar findings in this 2003 PhD study.

There are more then one species in the Malayan fruit bat, Cynopterus brachyotis, species complex based on the... more There are more then one species in the Malayan fruit bat, Cynopterus brachyotis, species complex based on the mophological and MtDNA cytochorome b analyses. The small form is found in the closed canopy forest while the larger form utilised the open habitat. There is a new species within the C. brachyotis populations yet to be described.

Ectoparasites of small mammals in Malaysia. 2010

by M.T. Abdullah, PhD

Ixodes granulatus and Leptotrombidium deliense are of known medical importance.

http://www.tm.mahidol.ac.th/seameo/2011-42-4/06-4984.pdf

A total of 16 animals comprising 5 species of hosts were caught and examined for ectoparasites. The hosts examined... more A total of 16 animals comprising 5 species of hosts were caught and examined for ectoparasites. The hosts examined were Maxomys rajah, Maxomys whiteheadi, Leopoldamys sabanus, Lariscus insignis and Tupaia glis. Of these hosts, 9 genera, consisting of 14 species of ectoparasites were extracted. Three species of ticks (Ixodidae), 7 species of mesostigmatid mites (Laelaptidae), 3 species of chiggers (Trombiculidae) and 1 species of listrophorid mites (Listrophoriidae) were identified. The infestation rate of ectoparasites observed ranged from 12.5% to 62.5%. Among the ectoparasites found, Ixodes granulatus and Leptotrombidium deliense are of known medical importance.

Keywords: ectoparasites, small mammals, wildlife reserves, Peninsular Malaysia.

A Madinah, A Fatimah, A Mariana and MT Abdullah