Chromosome evolution in Cophomantini (Amphibia, Anura, Hylinae)

Comparative molecular and conventional cytogenetic analyses of three species of Rhinella (Anura; Bufonidae)

The genus Rhinella corresponds to a group of anurans characterized by numerous taxonomic and systemic challenges, leading to their organization into species complexes. Cytogenetic data for this genus thus far are limited to the diploid number and chromosome morphology, which remain highly conserved among the species. In this study, we analyse the karyotypes of three species of the genus Rhinella (Rhinella granulosa, Rhinella margaritifera, and Rhinella marina) using both classical (conventional staining and C-banding) and molecular (FISH-fluorescence in situ hybridization with 18S rDNA, telomeric sequences, and microsatellite probes) cytogenetic approaches. The aim of this study is to provide data that can reveal variations in the distribution of repetitive sequences that can contribute to understanding karyotypic diversification in these species. The results revealed a conserved karyotype across the species, with 2n = 22 and FN = 44, with metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes. C-banding revealed heterochromatic blocks in the pericentromeric region for all species, with a proximal block on the long arms of pairs 3 and 6 in R. marina and on the short arms of pairs 4 and 6 in R. margaritifera. Additionally, 18S rDNA probes hybridized to pair 5 in R. granulosa, to pair 7 in R. marina, and to pair 10 in R. margaritifera. Telomeric sequence probes displayed signals exclusively in the distal region of the chromosomes, while microsatellite DNA probes showed species-specific patterns. These findings indicate that despite a conserved karyotypical macrostructure, chromosomal differences exist among the species due to the accumulation of repetitive sequences. This variation may be attributed to chromosome rearrangements or differential accumulation of these sequences, highlighting the dynamic role of repetitive sequences in the chromosomal evolution of Rhinella species. Ultimately, this study emphasizes the importance of the role of repetitive DNAs in chromosomal rearrangements to elucidate the evolutionary mechanisms leading to independent diversification in the distinct phylogenetic groups of Rhinella.

Repetitive DNA Mapping in Five Genera of Tree Frogs (Amphibia: Anura) from the Atlantic Forest: New Highlights on Genomic Organization in Hylidae

INTRODUCTION

The tribes Cophomantini, Scinaxini, and Dendropsophini are anurans that belong to Hylidae, with wide distribution in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The taxonomy and systematics of this family remain in a state of ongoing revision. Previous cytogenetic analyses of genera Boana, Bokermannohyla, Ololygon, Scinax, and Dendropsophus described some karyotypic characters such as conventional staining, C-banding and NORs, and FISH with specific probes.

METHODS

This study describes for the first time the karyotypes of four species: Bokermannohyla ibitipoca, Ololygon luizotavioi, Dendropsophus bipunctatus, and Dendropsophus ruschii. Furthermore, we map CA(15) and CAT(10) microsatellite sites for the aforementioned species and six more species from the same genera for insight into the chromosomal evolution within the subfamily Hyalinae.

RESULTS

B. ibitipoca and O. luizotavioi had 2n = 24 and karyotypic formulas 18m + 4sm + 2st and 8m + 12sm + 4st, while D. bipunctatus and D. ruschii showed 2n = 30 and karyotypic formulas 12m + 12sm + 4st + 2t and 10m + 10sm + 6st + 4t, respectively. The diploid numbers and karyotypic formulas revealed here follow the previously reported trend for Hylidae, except B. ibitipoca has a particularity of eight metacentric chromosomes, more than what is commonly found in species of this genus. The microsatellites probes CA(15) and CAT(10) had markings accumulated in blocks in the centromeric, pericentromeric, and terminal regions that were more specific for some species, as well as markings scattered along the chromosomes. We present a comprehensive review table of current data on cytogenetics of these genera.

CONCLUSION

Our findings showed that the karyotypes of the hylids studied here majority fit the postulated conserved diploid number (2n = 24) and morphological chromosome patterns, while the mapping of the microsatellites enabled us to detect differences between species that share similar chromosomal morphologies.

Hemoparasites Do Not Affect Life-History Traits and Cellular Immune Response in Treefrog Hosts Boana cordobae

We provide the first evidence for hemoparasites in the endemic Cordoba treefrog Boana cordobae. We collected 37 adult frogs at 1200 m a.s.l. in the Comechingones Mountains in the Córdoba province (Argentina). Each individual was sexed, then snout-vent length and body mass were recorded, a toe was collected for skeletochronological age determination, and a slide with a blood smear was prepared for hemoparasite screening, before releasing the frogs in situ. A total of 81% (n = 30) of the frogs were infected by hemogregarines and trypanosomes with a high intensity of infections. Dactylosoma was found for the first time in Argentina. Hemoparasites had no significant effect on the leukocyte profile, which we assessed from the May-Grünwald-Giemsa-stained blood smears. The neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio, indicative of stress, was insignificantly higher (0.06) in parasitized frogs than in parasite-free individuals (0.04). Infected frogs were larger than the controls, but this effect vanished when correcting size data for age. Young frogs (first-breeders) dominated the age distribution of parasite-free individuals, suggesting that infection of frogs takes usually place after sexual maturation. Vectors transmitting hemoparasites to B. cordobae remain to be identified. We demonstrate that moderate to high intensities of hemoparasites do not significantly affect the cellular immune response of B. cordobae, or any of the life-history traits studied, nor did they show any external sign of disease.

Hybridization despite elaborate courtship behavior and female choice in Neotropical tree frogs

The mechanisms of hybridization can be elucidated by analyzing genotypes as well as phenotypes that could act as premating barriers, as the reproductive interactions among heterospecifics can alter the evolutionary history of species. In frogs, hybrids typically occur among species that reproduce explosively (in dense aggregations) with few opportunities for mate selection but are rare in species with elaborate courtship behaviors that may prevent erroneous mating. Using 21 microsatellite markers, we examined hybridization in the prolonged-breeding tree frogs Bokermannohyla ibitiguara and B. sazimai sampled within a contact zone in the Brazilian savanna (72 tadpoles; 74 adults). We also compared acoustic and morphological data. We confirmed both parental species genetically; STRUCTURE results confirmed 14 hybrids, 11 of which were second-generation according to NEWHYBRIDS, all with intermediate values of genetic dissimilarities compared to the parentals. Morphological and acoustic analyses revealed that hybrids showed variable but not necessarily intermediate phenotypes. Moreover, 2 hybrids exhibited call types different from parentals. The reproduction of B. ibitiguara involves territorial and aggressive males, elaborate courtships with acoustic and tactile stimuli, choosy females, and opportunistic strategies. Our study uncovers a rare case of viable hybridization among closely related frogs with such a combination of complex courtship behaviors and mate choice. We discuss the likely directionality and mechanisms behind this phenomenon, and highlight the importance of investigating hybridization even in species that show elaborate reproduction and female choice to advance our understanding of animal diversification.

Performance of intron 7 of the β-fibrinogen gene for phylogenetic analysis: An example using gladiator frogs, Boana Gray, 1825 (Anura, Hylidae, Cophomantinae)

Boana, the third largest genus of Hylinae, has cryptic morphological species. The potential applicability of b-fibrinogen intron 7 – FGBI7 is explored to propose a robust phylogeny of Boana. The phylogenetic potential of FGBI7 was evaluated using maximum parsimony, MrBayes, and maximum likelihood analysis. Comparison of polymorphic sites and topologies obtained with concatenated analysis of FGBI7 and other nuclear genes (CXCR4, CXCR4, RHO, SIAH1, TYR, and 28S) allowed evaluation of the phylogenetic signal of FGBI7. Mean evolutionary rates were calculated using the sequences of the mitochondrial genes ND1 and CYTB available for Boana in GenBank. Dating of Boana and some of its groups was performed using the RelTime method with secondary calibration. FGBI7 analysis revealed high values at informative sites for parsimony. The absolute values of the mean evolutionary rate were higher for mitochondrial genes than for FGBI7. Dating of congruent Boana groups for ND1, CYTB, and FGBI7 revealed closer values between mitochondrial genes and slightly different values from those of FGBI7. Divergence times of basal groups tended to be overestimated when mtDNA was used and were more accurate when nDNA was used. Although there is evidence of phylogenetic potential arising from concatenation of specific genes, FGBI7 provides well-resolved independent gene trees. These results lead to a paradigm for linking data in phylogenomics that focuses on the uniqueness of species histories and ignores the multiplicities of individual gene histories.

Comparative cytogenetics among Boana species (Anura, Hylidae): focus on evolutionary variability of repetitive DNA

Boana comprises a diverse genus of Neotropical treefrogs, currently rearranged into seven taxonomic species groups. Although cytogenetic studies have demonstrated diversity in its representatives, the chromosomal mapping of repetitive DNA sequences is still scarce. In this study, Boana albopunctata, Boana faber, and Boana prasina were subjected to in situ localization of different repetitive DNA units to evaluate trends of chromosomal evolution in this genus. Boana faber and B. prasina had 2n=24 chromosomes, while B. albopunctata has 2n=22 and an intra-individual variation related to the presence/absence of one B chromosome. The location of 45S rDNA sites was different in the analyzed karyotypes, corroborating with what was found in the distinct phylogenetic groups of Boana. We presented the first description of 5S rDNA in a Boana species, which showed markings resulting from transposition/translocation mechanisms. In situ localization of microsatellite loci proved to be a helpful marker for karyotype comparison in Boana, commonly with cis accumulation in the heterochromatin. On the other hand, genomic dispersion of microsatellites may be associated with hitchhiking effects during the spreading of transposable elements. The obtained results corroborated the independent diversification of these lineages of species from three distinct phylogenetic groups of Boana.

Body size, age and growth in males populations of Boana pulchella (Anura, Hylidae)

Age determination in amphibians is crucial to the investigation of life-history traits. In this context, we studied, for the first time, the life-history traits of Boana pulchella from a sample (63 adult males) of three populations (Las Acequias, Río Cuarto, Alejandro Roca) in central Argentina using the skeletochronological method. All adults of B. pulchella studied showed recognizable bone structures that allowed age determination. The average snout-vent length of sexually mature males was 43.39 mm. The maximum observed longevity was 5 years (5 Las Acequias, 4 Río Cuarto, 3 Alejandro Roca) and minimum age at sexual maturity was 2 years (same in the three populations), with mean of 2.96 years. Body size and age were positively correlated (except in Alejandro Roca populations). The growth patterns, estimated by the von Bertalanffy growth equation, do not show differences between populations, and the growth rate decrease after the attainment of sexual maturity. In conclusion, the determination of the individual age of the different populations of B. pulchella allowed us for the first time to establish the characteristics of the life history of the species, important for future comparisons whit others populations and future conservation biology studies.

Prepollex diversity and evolution in Cophomantini (Anura: Hylidae: Hylinae)

Several species of Cophomantini are known to have an enlarged prepollex, commonly modified as an osseous spine. We surveyed the osteology and myology of the prepollex and associated elements of 94 of the 190 species of Cophomantini, sampling all genera, except Nesorohyla. Two distinct prepollex morphologies were found: a blade-shaped and a spine-shaped morphology. We described the observed variation in 17 discrete characters to study their evolution in the most inclusive phylogenetic hypothesis for Cophomantini. Both morphologies evolved multiple times during the evolutionary history of this clade, but the origin of the spine-shaped distal prepollex in Boana and Bokermannohyla is ambiguous. The articulation of metacarpal II with the prepollex through a medial expansion of the metacarpal proximal epiphysis is a synapomorphy for Boana. The shape of the curve of the spine, and a large post-articular process of the distal prepollex, are synapomorphies for the Boana pulchella group, the latter being homoplastic in the Bokermannohyla martinsi group. Muscle character states associated with the spine-shaped prepollex are plesiomorphic for Cophomantini. We discuss evolution, function, behaviour and sexual dimorphism related to the prepollical elements. A bony spine is associated with fights between males, but forearm hypertrophy could be more related with habitat than with territorial combat.

Cytogenetics of Four Species of the Green Clade Aplastodiscus Lutz, 1950 (Anura: Cophomantinae): New Insights into the Chromosomal Evolution of the Genus

The tree frog Aplastodiscus is a Neotropical taxon that encompasses 15 species in the Atlantic forest biome, with one isolated species in the Central Brazilian Cerrado. To date, only 8 species have been karyotyped, showing high levels of diploid number variation, which allowed clustering species in chromosome number groups: 2n = 24 (Aplastodiscus perviridis group), 2n = 22 (Aplastodiscus albofrenatus group), 2n = 20, and 2n = 18 (both within Aplastodiscus albosignatus group). This study aims to report karyotypic information on 4 species from the last 2 groups using classical and molecular cytogenetic techniques and hypothesize chromosomal evolutionary trends within the species groups. Aplastodiscus weygoldti showed 2n = 22; Ag-NOR and FISH 18S rDNA signals were located in the interstitial region of the short arms of chromosome pair 6. Aplastodiscus cavicola, Aplastodiscus sp. 4, and Aplastodiscus sp. 6 showed 2n = 18; Ag-NOR and FISH 18S rDNA bands were located in the terminal region of the long arm of chromosome pair 9. Our results support multiple and independent chromosome fusion events within Aplastodiscus, including a new chromosome fission event. Ag-NOR and FISH 18S rDNA patterns were restricted to the small chromosome pairs, similar to the other species within this genus, and confirm overall chromosome morphology conservation among the genera of Cophomantinae.

Phylogenetic relationships of the Boana pulchella Group (Anura: Hylidae)

In this paper we present a phylogenetic analysis of the treefrogs of the Boana pulchella Group with the goals of (1) providing a rigorous test of its monophyly; (2) providing a test of relationships supported in previous studies; and (3) exploring the relationships of the several species not included in previous analyses. The analyses included>300 specimens of 37 of the 38 species currently included in the group, plus 36 outgroups, exemplars of the diversity of Boana and the other genera of the hylid tribe Cophomantini. The dataset included eight mitochondrial genes (12S, 16S, CytB, COI, ND1, tRNA^Ile, tRNA^Leu, and tRNA^Val) and five nuclear genes (RHO, TYR, RAG-1, CXCR4, SIAH1). The phylogenetic analyses recover the monophyly of the B. pulchella Group with lower support than previous studies, as a result of the inclusion of the B. claresignata Group, which is recovered as its sister taxon. Within the B. pulchella Group, the inclusion of almost all species of the group had little impact on previous notions of its phylogeny, except for the rejection of the hypothesized B. polytaenia Clade (B. goiana and B. phaeopleura are nested in the clade here called the B. prasina Clade), which is redefined. Phylogenetic support is strong for five major clades, which collectively include all but three of the species sampled: the B. balzani Clade (B. aguilari, B. balzani, B. gladiator, B. melanopleura, B. palaestes), the redefined B. polytaenia Clade (B. botumirim, B. buriti, B. cipoensis, B. jaguariaivensis, B. leptolineata, B. polytaenia, B. stenocephala, and two undescribed species), the B. prasina Clade (B. bischoffi, B. caingua, B. cordobae, B. goiana, B. guentheri, B. marginata, B. phaeopleura, B. prasina, B. pulchella, and one undescribed species), the B. riojana Clade (B. callipleura, B. marianitae, B. riojana), and the B. semiguttata Clade (B. caipora, B. curupi, B. joaquini, B. poaju, B. semiguttata, B. stellae, and two undescribed species). The monophyly of the B. prasina + B. riojana Clades, and that of the B. polytaenia + B. semiguttata Clades are well-supported. The relationships among these two clades, the B. balzani Clade, B. ericae + B. freicanecae, and B. cambui (representing the deepest phylogenetic splits within the B. pulchella Group) are recovered with weak support. We discuss the phenotypic evidence supporting the monophyly of the B. pulchella Group, and the taxonomy of several species, identifying three new synonyms of Boana polytaenia, one new synonym of Boana goiana, and one new synonym of B. riojana.

Chromosome evolution in Lophyohylini (Amphibia, Anura, Hylinae)

The hyline tribe Lophyohylini includes 87 species of treefrogs, of which cytogenetics aspects have been studied in less than 20% of them. In order to evaluate the evolution of some of its chromosome characters (NOR position, C-bands, and DAPI/CMA₃ bands), we studied the karyotypes of 21 lophyohylines, 16 of them for the first time, and analyzed them in a phylogenetic context. Most species showed similar karyotypes regarding chromosome number (2n = 24) and morphology (FN = 48), excepting Phyllodytes edelmoi and Osteocephalus buckleyi with 2n = 22 (FN = 44) and 2n = 28 (FN = 50), respectively. The NOR location was variable among species and provided valuable phylogenetic information. This marker was located in pair 11 in all species of Trachycephalus, Itapotihyla langsdorffii, and Nyctimantis arapapa, representing the plesiomorphic condition of Lophyohylini. Besides, other apomorphic states were recovered for the clades comprising N. rugiceps and N. siemersi (NOR in pair 5), and Dryaderces pearsoni, Osteocephalus, and Osteopilus (NOR in pair 9). Phyllodytes presented variation for NORs position; they were in pair 2 in P. edelmoi, pair 7 in P. melanomystax, and pair 8 in P. gyrinaethes and P. praeceptor. Polymorphisms in size, number, and activity of this marker were observed for N. siemersi, Osteocephalus fuscifacies, and some species of Trachycephalus. Remarkably, in N. siemersi NORs were detected on a single chromosome in the two specimens studied by this technique, raising the question of how this complex polymorphism is maintained. Interstitial telomeric sequences were found in P. edelmoi, P. melanomystax, and Osteocephalus buckleyi, and their presence seems to be not related to the chromosome reorganization events. Finally, some species showed spontaneous rearrangements, possibly as a consequence of an uncommon phenomenon in anuran cytogenetics: the presence of fragile sites or secondary constrictions not associated with NORs. We propose that this rare feature would have played an important role in the evolution of this group of frogs. From the evidence obtained in this and previous studies, we conclude that Lophyohylini presents a complex chromosome evolution.

Recurrent variation in the active NOR sites in the monkey frogs of the genus Pithecopus Cope, 1866 (Phyllomedusidae, Anura)

Treefrogs of the genus Pithecopus Cope, 1866 exhibit expressive chromosomal homogeneity which contrasts with a high variation frequency of the nucleolus organizer region (NOR) related to the group. Currently, the genus contains eleven species and no chromosomal data are available on P. palliatus Peters, 1873, P. ayeaye Lutz, 1966 and P. megacephalus Miranda-Ribeiro, 1926. Here, we describe the karyotypes of these three species based on Giemsa staining, C-banding, silver impregnation and in situ hybridization (FISH). We were also analyze the evolutionary dynamic of the NOR-bearing chromosome in species of genus under a phylogenetic view. The results indicate that P. palliatus, P. ayeaye, and P. megacephalus have similar karyotypes, which are typical of the genus Pithecopus. In P. palliatus the NOR was detected in the pericentromeric region of pair 9p whereas in P. ayeaye and P. megacephalus we report cases of the multiple NOR sites in karyotypes. In P. ayeaye the NOR was detected in the pericentromeric region of pair 9p in both homologues and additional sites was detected in pairs 3q, 4p, and 8q, all confirmed by FISH experiments. Already in P. megacephalus the NOR sites were detected in pericentromeric region homologues of pair 8q and additionally in one chromosome of pair 13q. A comparative overview of all the Pithecopus karyotypes analyzed up to now indicates the recurrence of the NOR-bearing chromosome pairs and the position of the NORs sites on these chromosomes. We hypothesized that this feature is a result of a polymorphic condition present in the common ancestor of Pithecopus. In such case, the lineages derived from polymorphic ancestor have reached fixation independently after divergence of lineages, resulting in a high level of homoplasy observed in this marker. Our findings help to fill the gaps in the understanding of the karyotype of the genus Pithecopus and reinforce the role of the evolutionary dynamics of the rDNA genes in karyotype diversification in this group.

A review of the elusive bicolored iris Snouted Treefrogs (Anura: Hylidae:Scinax uruguayus group)

The genus Scinax currently includes more than 120 species, recovered in two major clades, the S. catharinae and the S. ruber clades. The latter comprises 75 species, most of which remain unassigned to any species groups, while 12 are included in the S. rostratus and S. uruguayus groups. In this paper we present a taxonomic review of the two species currently included in the S. uruguayus group, discussing some putative phenotypic synapomorphies of this group. Although S. pinima and S. uruguayus have been considered as distinct species, this has been based on scant evidence, and several authors doubted of their distinctiveness. Our study of available specimens of S. pinima and S. uruguayus corroborates that both are valid and diagnosable species based on phenotypic evidence. Furthermore, our results show that S. pinima previously known only from its type locality, has a much widespread distribution than previously thought (including the Brazilian states of Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul), which, added to the biological information presented here allows to suggest the removal of this species from the "Data Deficient" IUCN Red List category to "Least Concern". Also, we describe a new species formerly reported as S. aff. pinima and S. uruguayus from NE Argentina and some localities from the Brazilian State of Rio Grande do Sul. All species are diagnosed and characterized using adult and larval morphology, osteology, vocalizations, cytogenetics, and natural history.

Comparative cytogenetics of nine populations of the Rhinella genus (Anura, Bufonidae) with a highlight on their conservative karyotype

The genus Rhinella is one of the most diverse groups of bufonid toads, currently composed by 93 valid species and naturally distributed throughout different Neotropical ecoregions. Here, we analyze nine Brazilian populations of toads representing species of the Rhinella margaritifera and Rhinella marina groups. These new data include the first description of the R. hoogmoedi and R. proboscidae karyotypes, as well as other taxonomically unresolved forms. Chromosomal analysis of the populations revealed pronounced chromosomal uniformity (2n=22), including the diploid number and chromosomal morphology. Three different NOR-bearing chromosomes were identified: in the subterminal region of pair 10q in R. hoogmoedi, Rhinella sp. 1 and Rhinella sp. 2, in subterminal region of 7p in R. proboscidae and Rhinella cf. margaritifera while in R. henseli and R. icterica was detected in interstitial region of 7p. Karyotypic uniformity of the genus permits the inference of interspecific chromosome homologies and evolutionary changes in the NOR-bearing chromosome may represent an informative character in species group level. The review of the cytogenetic data of the Rhinella species together with the new karyotypes reported here contributes to the understanding of the chromosomal evolution of these toads, which karyotypes are highly conserved despite the ample distribution of many forms.

Satellite DNA Mapping in Pseudis fusca (Hylidae, Pseudinae) Provides New Insights into Sex Chromosome Evolution in Paradoxical Frogs

In the frog genus Pseudis, previous works found a sex-linked heteromorphism of the PcP190 satellite DNA in the nucleolus organizer region (NOR)-bearing chromosome pairs of Pseudis bolbodactyla and Pseudis tocantins, which possess a ZZ/ZW sex determination system. A pericentromeric inversion was inferred to have occurred during W chromosome evolution, moving a chromosomal cluster enriched by the PcP190 from the short arm (as observed in P. bolbodactyla) to the NOR-bearing long arm (as observed in P. tocantins). However, whether such an inversion happened in P. tocantins or in the common ancestor of Pseudis fusca and P. tocantins remained unclear. To assess this question, we mapped PcP190 in the karyotype of P. fusca from three distinct localities. Southern blotting was used to compare males and females. The mitochondrial H1 fragment (which contains the 12S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), tRNAval, and 16S rRNA genes) and cytochrome b gene were partially sequenced, and a species tree was inferred to guide our analysis. Pseudis fusca specimens were placed together as the sister group of P. tocantins, but based on genetic distance, one of the analyzed populations is probably an undescribed species. A cluster of PcP190, located in the long arm of chromosome 7, is sex linked in this putative new species but not in the remaining P. fusca. We could infer that the pericentromeric inversion that moved the PcP190 site to the NOR-bearing chromosome arm (long arm) occurred in the common ancestor of P. fusca, the putative undescribed species, and P. tocantins.

Diverse and variable sex determination mechanisms in vertebrates

Sex is prevalent in nature and sex determination is one of the most fundamental biological processes, while the way of initiating female and male development exhibits remarkable diversity and variability across vertebrates. The knowledge on why and how sex determination mechanisms evolve unusual plasticity remains limited. Here, we summarize sex determination systems, master sex-determining genes and gene-regulatory networks among vertebrates. Recent research advancements on sex determination system transition are also introduced and discussed in some non-model animals with multiple sex determination mechanisms. This review will provide insights into the origin, transition and evolutionary adaption of different sex determination strategies in vertebrates, as well as clues for future perspectives in this field.