Shape variation in the mole dentary (Talpidae: Mammalia)

Creating diversity in mammalian facial morphology: a review of potential developmental mechanisms

Mammals (class Mammalia) have evolved diverse craniofacial morphology to adapt to a wide range of ecological niches. However, the genetic and developmental mechanisms underlying the diversification of mammalian craniofacial morphology remain largely unknown. In this paper, we focus on the facial length and orofacial clefts of mammals and deduce potential mechanisms that produced diversity in mammalian facial morphology. Small-scale changes in facial morphology from the common ancestor, such as slight changes in facial length and the evolution of the midline cleft in some lineages of bats, could be attributed to heterochrony in facial bone ossification. In contrast, large-scale changes of facial morphology from the common ancestor, such as a truncated, widened face as well as the evolution of the bilateral cleft possessed by some bat species, could be brought about by changes in growth and patterning of the facial primordium (the facial processes) at the early stages of embryogenesis.

Genetic and morphological variability of the European mudminnow Umbra krameri (Teleostei, Umbridae) in Serbia and in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a basis for future conservation activities

As a basis for future conservation activities, the genetic and external body morphology variability of the European mudminnow Umbra krameri, a highly endangered fish species in Serbia and in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was determined for existing populations with the use of molecular markers (mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA) and geometric morphometric methods. Mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene analysis revealed two previously undescribed haplotypes: Da1 (the Lugomir population from the Danube River basin) and Sa1 (the Bakreni Batar and the Gromiželj populations from the Sava River system), with a corresponding genetic distance of 0·7%. Paired values of FST and DAS distances for microsatellite marker data show that the difference between the Danube and the Sava populations is seven to nine times higher than the difference between the populations within the Sava River system. Geometric morphometric analyses also support a clear separation of the Lugomir population from the Bakreni Batar and the Gromiželj populations. The analysis of the body shape variation, however, indicates a significant difference between the two genetically indistinguishable Sava populations. The observed genetic and phenetic relationships of the analysed mudminnow populations most probably represent a consequence of historical, geographical and ecological factors. These results will offer guidelines for future protection, conservation and sustainable management of this species in the region.

Morphological diversity in tenrecs (Afrosoricida, Tenrecidae): comparing tenrec skull diversity to their closest relatives

It is important to quantify patterns of morphological diversity to enhance our understanding of variation in ecological and evolutionary traits. Here, we present a quantitative analysis of morphological diversity in a family of small mammals, the tenrecs (Afrosoricida, Tenrecidae). Tenrecs are often cited as an example of an exceptionally morphologically diverse group. However, this assumption has not been tested quantitatively. We use geometric morphometric analyses of skull shape to test whether tenrecs are more morphologically diverse than their closest relatives, the golden moles (Afrosoricida, Chrysochloridae). Tenrecs occupy a wider range of ecological niches than golden moles so we predict that they will be more morphologically diverse. Contrary to our expectations, we find that tenrec skulls are only more morphologically diverse than golden moles when measured in lateral view. Furthermore, similarities among the species-rich Microgale tenrec genus appear to mask higher morphological diversity in the rest of the family. These results reveal new insights into the morphological diversity of tenrecs and highlight the importance of using quantitative methods to test qualitative assumptions about patterns of morphological diversity.

Detecting hybridization between Iranian wild wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) and free-ranging domestic dog (Canis familiaris) by analysis of microsatellite markers

The genetic threat due to hybridization with free-ranging dogs is one major concern in wolf conservation. The identification of hybrids and extent of hybridization is important in the conservation and management of wolf populations. Genetic variation was analyzed at 15 unlinked loci in 28 dogs, 28 wolves, four known hybrids, two black wolves, and one dog with abnormal traits in Iran. Pritchard's model, multivariate ordination by principal component analysis and neighbor joining clustering were used for population clustering and individual assignment. Analysis of genetic variation showed that genetic variability is high in both wolf and dog populations in Iran. Values of H(E) in dog and wolf samples ranged from 0.75-0.92 and 0.77-0.92, respectively. The results of AMOVA showed that the two groups of dog and wolf were significantly different (F(ST) = 0.05 and R(ST) = 0.36; P < 0.001). In each of the three methods, wolf and dog samples were separated into two distinct clusters. Two dark wolves were assigned to the wolf cluster. Also these models detected D32 (dog with abnormal traits) and some other samples, which were assigned to more than one cluster and could be a hybrid. This study is the beginning of a genetic study in wolf populations in Iran, and our results reveal that as in other countries, hybridization between wolves and dogs is sporadic in Iran and can be a threat to wolf populations if human perturbations increase.