cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28247875.v1
title: Microendemism can be the rule in the Brazilian Caatinga: evidence from flat lizards of the <i>Tropidurus semitaeniatus</i> group (Squamata: Tropiduridae)

description: Microendemism remains a poorly studied phenomenon within Brazil’s Caatinga biome, yet recent research has revealed a number of species complexes with diverging lineages confined to narrow geographic ranges. These lineages often inhabit remote and undersampled regions lacking conservation efforts. Notable examples include the flat lizards from the <i>Tropidurus semitaeniatus</i> group, which comprises the broadly distributed <i>T. semitaeniatus</i> species complex plus <i>T. helenae</i>, <i>T. jaguaribanus</i>, and <i>T. pinima</i>, all endemic to the Caatinga biome. Incomplete knowledge of their taxonomic boundaries, phylogenetic relationships, and geographic distribution hinders both the formal description of new microendemic taxa and their conservation assessment. To address these gaps, we conducted a phylogenomic analysis of the <i>T. semitaeniatus</i> group employing ultra-conserved elements (UCEs) and investigated its microendemic diversity. Our analysis revealed that <i>T. semitaeniatus</i> is paraphyletic, with <i>T. helenae</i> emerging as sister to a clade formed by microendemic lineages of <i>T. semitaeniatus</i> (<i>sensu lato</i>), within which <i>T. jaguaribanus</i> is embedded. Additionally, the discovery of a new microendemic species, <i>Tropidurus galileii</i> sp. nov., from calcareous formations of Itaguaçu da Bahia, Brazil, exposed <i>T. pinima</i> as paraphyletic, revealing a novel species complex composed of multiple microendemic lineages. This finding led us to produce the first illustrated morphological guide for the <i>T. semitaeniatus</i> group, aimed at facilitating future comparative studies. Most species requiring taxonomic treatment in the <i>T. semitaeniatus</i> group exhibit morphological distinctiveness, and the number of microendemic taxa is significantly higher than previously estimated. Our findings suggest that range expansion followed by allopatric speciation is unlikely to be the sole driver of microendemism in this group. However, the specific biogeographic processes underlying the origin of microendemic lineages remain elusive. This study sheds light on the microendemic lizard diversity of the Caatinga, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced systematic and conservation efforts. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:062DCEAA-67D9-41B9-B155-EC538BFE8182
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.29390329
title: Comparative karyotype analysis of Indian <i>Dipcadi</i> (Asparagaceae): insights on chromosome evolution and biogeography

description: Karyotypes of 23 accessions of Indian <i>Dipcadi</i> Medik. (Asparagaceae) revealed three counts: 2<i>n</i> = 12, 20 and 22. Chromosomes had median (m), submedian (sm), subterminal (st) and terminal (t) region centromeres. It was inferred that bimodality (asymmetric karyotype) has given rise to trimodality (symmetric karyotype). Multivariate analysis based on base number (<i>x</i>), 2<i>n</i>, total chromosome length (TCL), coefficient of variation of chromosome length, coefficient of variation of centromeric index and mean centromeric asymmetry grouped the accessions in four clusters. Cluster I and II included accessions with 2<i>n</i> = 12 chromosomes. Accessions in Cluster III and IV had 2<i>n</i> = 20 and 22 chromosomes, respectively. Reconstruction of ancestral haploid chromosome number using ChromEvol 2.0 revealed <i>n</i> = 6. The main events that led to the evolution of karyotype were base number transitions, chromosome losses, gain and demi-duplication, with base number transition being the most frequent in the internal branches of phylogeny. Molecular dating and biogeographic analysis inferred that <i>Dipcadi</i> originated in Africa and diversified between 18.14 and 34.18 MYA, with a median age of 25.33 MYA. The age of the Indian <i>Dipcadi</i> was between 9.53 and 18.48 MYA, with a median age of 13.59 MYA. From an African origin, there have been two radiations within <i>Dipcadi</i>, one in a region encompassing East Africa and Arabia and another in India. We recommend <i>Dipcadi</i> as a model system for understanding the evolution of highly specialized bimodal karyotypes and differences in the genome of small and large chromosome both at structural and functional level.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.29390329.v1
title: Comparative karyotype analysis of Indian <i>Dipcadi</i> (Asparagaceae): insights on chromosome evolution and biogeography

description: Karyotypes of 23 accessions of Indian <i>Dipcadi</i> Medik. (Asparagaceae) revealed three counts: 2<i>n</i> = 12, 20 and 22. Chromosomes had median (m), submedian (sm), subterminal (st) and terminal (t) region centromeres. It was inferred that bimodality (asymmetric karyotype) has given rise to trimodality (symmetric karyotype). Multivariate analysis based on base number (<i>x</i>), 2<i>n</i>, total chromosome length (TCL), coefficient of variation of chromosome length, coefficient of variation of centromeric index and mean centromeric asymmetry grouped the accessions in four clusters. Cluster I and II included accessions with 2<i>n</i> = 12 chromosomes. Accessions in Cluster III and IV had 2<i>n</i> = 20 and 22 chromosomes, respectively. Reconstruction of ancestral haploid chromosome number using ChromEvol 2.0 revealed <i>n</i> = 6. The main events that led to the evolution of karyotype were base number transitions, chromosome losses, gain and demi-duplication, with base number transition being the most frequent in the internal branches of phylogeny. Molecular dating and biogeographic analysis inferred that <i>Dipcadi</i> originated in Africa and diversified between 18.14 and 34.18 MYA, with a median age of 25.33 MYA. The age of the Indian <i>Dipcadi</i> was between 9.53 and 18.48 MYA, with a median age of 13.59 MYA. From an African origin, there have been two radiations within <i>Dipcadi</i>, one in a region encompassing East Africa and Arabia and another in India. We recommend <i>Dipcadi</i> as a model system for understanding the evolution of highly specialized bimodal karyotypes and differences in the genome of small and large chromosome both at structural and functional level.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.29040430
title: Phylogenetic divergence is associated with biogeographic divergence in sect. <i>Hymenobrychis</i> (<i>Onobrychis</i>, Fabaceae): molecular phylogenetic and morphological evidence

description: Identifying the factors that drive high diversity in global biodiversity hotspots requires sound hypotheses on the phylogenetic relationships of the constituent lineages. For the Irano-Anatolian biodiversity hotspot, molecular phylogenetic hypotheses for many lineages are still lacking. One of these understudied groups is sect. <i>Hymenobrychis</i> (<i>Onobrychis</i>, Fabaceae). This group comprises predominantly perennials jointly ranging from Central Asia to southern Europe and northeastern Africa. Here, we use a nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer and three non-coding plastid sequences to test the monophyly of the section and its subsectional divisions as well as to resolve interspecific relationships. Phylogenetic analyses (maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference) of the combined data set supported the monophyly of sect. <i>Hymenobrychis</i> after the exclusion of the Central Asian <i>O. dushanbensis</i>, which, based on molecular and morphological evidence, is similar to <i>O. grandis</i> of sect. <i>Lipskyanae</i>. Furthermore, <i>O</i>. subsect. <i>Pulcherrimae</i> was found to be paraphyletic due to the nested position of <i>O. ptolemaica</i>, the sole included member of subsect. <i>Modestae</i>. Divergence of the main clades within the sect. <i>Hymenobrychis</i> was associated with geographic divergence via dispersal and/or vicariance from Central Asia, where the section originated, westwards via Transcaucasia, the area with the highest species richness, to southern Europe, Mesopotamia, and northeastern Africa.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.29040430.v1
title: Phylogenetic divergence is associated with biogeographic divergence in sect. <i>Hymenobrychis</i> (<i>Onobrychis</i>, Fabaceae): molecular phylogenetic and morphological evidence

description: Identifying the factors that drive high diversity in global biodiversity hotspots requires sound hypotheses on the phylogenetic relationships of the constituent lineages. For the Irano-Anatolian biodiversity hotspot, molecular phylogenetic hypotheses for many lineages are still lacking. One of these understudied groups is sect. <i>Hymenobrychis</i> (<i>Onobrychis</i>, Fabaceae). This group comprises predominantly perennials jointly ranging from Central Asia to southern Europe and northeastern Africa. Here, we use a nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer and three non-coding plastid sequences to test the monophyly of the section and its subsectional divisions as well as to resolve interspecific relationships. Phylogenetic analyses (maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference) of the combined data set supported the monophyly of sect. <i>Hymenobrychis</i> after the exclusion of the Central Asian <i>O. dushanbensis</i>, which, based on molecular and morphological evidence, is similar to <i>O. grandis</i> of sect. <i>Lipskyanae</i>. Furthermore, <i>O</i>. subsect. <i>Pulcherrimae</i> was found to be paraphyletic due to the nested position of <i>O. ptolemaica</i>, the sole included member of subsect. <i>Modestae</i>. Divergence of the main clades within the sect. <i>Hymenobrychis</i> was associated with geographic divergence via dispersal and/or vicariance from Central Asia, where the section originated, westwards via Transcaucasia, the area with the highest species richness, to southern Europe, Mesopotamia, and northeastern Africa.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.29625795
title: Ecological niche modelling and ordination techniques highlight the high invasive potential of pompom weed (<i>Campuloclinium macrocephalum</i>, Asteraceae) in Africa

description: The assessments of the status of biological invasions and the implementation of mitigation strategies to reduce their detrimental effects on biodiversity represent current challenges for invasion ecology and management. The analysis of niche dynamics provides an effective tool for predicting the invasive potential of alien species, their capacity to thrive and expand and, consequently, for anticipating where they may have detrimental effects. <i>Campuloclinium macrocephalum</i> (Asteraceae) is a perennial herb native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. The species was introduced into South Africa, where it was initially established in disturbed sites such as roadsides. Subsequently, it invaded natural grasslands, open savannahs and wetlands, displacing native species. In this study, we evaluate the consistency between the niche in the native and invaded ranges of <i>C. macrocephalum</i>, considering climatic and edaphic variables, and using two approaches: ordination techniques and ecological niche modelling, including reciprocal niche modelling. The results of the niche equivalency and similarity tests, in conjunction with the high niche stability observed in the invaded range, indicate that <i>C. macrocephalum</i> exhibits niche conservatism. The modelling and the high values of unoccupied niche revealed a significant potential for further expansion in the invaded range, towards new areas especially in the south and southwestern region of South Africa, and the centre of the Republic of Angola. Consequently, it is crucial to focus attention on these areas to anticipate possible future invasions. These findings provide support for the use of ecological niche models to predict the risk of invasion and the responses to climate change of <i>C. macrocephalum</i>.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.29625795.v1
title: Ecological niche modelling and ordination techniques highlight the high invasive potential of pompom weed (<i>Campuloclinium macrocephalum</i>, Asteraceae) in Africa

description: The assessments of the status of biological invasions and the implementation of mitigation strategies to reduce their detrimental effects on biodiversity represent current challenges for invasion ecology and management. The analysis of niche dynamics provides an effective tool for predicting the invasive potential of alien species, their capacity to thrive and expand and, consequently, for anticipating where they may have detrimental effects. <i>Campuloclinium macrocephalum</i> (Asteraceae) is a perennial herb native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. The species was introduced into South Africa, where it was initially established in disturbed sites such as roadsides. Subsequently, it invaded natural grasslands, open savannahs and wetlands, displacing native species. In this study, we evaluate the consistency between the niche in the native and invaded ranges of <i>C. macrocephalum</i>, considering climatic and edaphic variables, and using two approaches: ordination techniques and ecological niche modelling, including reciprocal niche modelling. The results of the niche equivalency and similarity tests, in conjunction with the high niche stability observed in the invaded range, indicate that <i>C. macrocephalum</i> exhibits niche conservatism. The modelling and the high values of unoccupied niche revealed a significant potential for further expansion in the invaded range, towards new areas especially in the south and southwestern region of South Africa, and the centre of the Republic of Angola. Consequently, it is crucial to focus attention on these areas to anticipate possible future invasions. These findings provide support for the use of ecological niche models to predict the risk of invasion and the responses to climate change of <i>C. macrocephalum</i>.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.29941236
title: Historical biogeography of the mistletoe genus <i>Tristerix</i> (Loranthaceae)

description: The Andean uplift is strongly related to organism diversification and this topic has been studied in several plant taxa. <i>Tristerix</i> (Loranthaceae) is a mistletoe genus of 13 species, distributed from northern to southern Andes and adjacent areas. Phylogenetic relationships of the genus have been proposed but the biogeographic history has not been analysed yet. In this study, we performed phylogenetic analyses, divergence time estimation and ancestral area reconstruction, based on chloroplast and nuclear DNA sequences from <i>Tristerix</i> and other taxa from the Tribe Psittacantheae, with the purpose of understanding the historical biogeography of the genus, under the hypothesis that the Andean uplift process was an influential factor for the genus diversification. Results suggest that <i>Tristerix</i> originated in the southern Andes during the Eocene and then it expanded its distribution to Central Andes, where it diversified into two lineages during the Early Oligocene: The Central-South Clade and the Central-North Clade diversified in the Early and Middle Miocene, respectively. Climatic and geological events related to Andean orogeny coincide with diversification events in the genus.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.29941236.v1
title: Historical biogeography of the mistletoe genus <i>Tristerix</i> (Loranthaceae)

description: The Andean uplift is strongly related to organism diversification and this topic has been studied in several plant taxa. <i>Tristerix</i> (Loranthaceae) is a mistletoe genus of 13 species, distributed from northern to southern Andes and adjacent areas. Phylogenetic relationships of the genus have been proposed but the biogeographic history has not been analysed yet. In this study, we performed phylogenetic analyses, divergence time estimation and ancestral area reconstruction, based on chloroplast and nuclear DNA sequences from <i>Tristerix</i> and other taxa from the Tribe Psittacantheae, with the purpose of understanding the historical biogeography of the genus, under the hypothesis that the Andean uplift process was an influential factor for the genus diversification. Results suggest that <i>Tristerix</i> originated in the southern Andes during the Eocene and then it expanded its distribution to Central Andes, where it diversified into two lineages during the Early Oligocene: The Central-South Clade and the Central-North Clade diversified in the Early and Middle Miocene, respectively. Climatic and geological events related to Andean orogeny coincide with diversification events in the genus.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28194912
title: The North American tapeworm <i>Ophiotaenia saphena</i> (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae) in frogs (Ranidae) of Europe: introduction via the American bullfrog (<i>Lithobates catesbeianus</i>)?

description: Frogs (Amphibia: Ranidae) in Europe have been intensively studied for parasites for decades, but no proteocephalid tapeworms (Cestoda) have been found. Recently, tapeworms of the genus <i>Ophiotaenia</i> La Rue, 1911 were found in frogs of the family Ranidae (<i>Pelophylax</i> spp.) in Greece and Romania. These are the first proteocephalids found in anurans of the continental Palaearctic. Despite slight morphological differences between the tapeworms from Greece and Romania, all tapeworms were almost identical in the 28S rRNA and even <i>cox</i>1 gene sequences, suggesting that they belong to a single species. Furthermore, the tapeworms from Europe are genetically indistinguishable from <i>O. saphena</i> Osler, 1931, a parasite of the green frog <i>Lithobates clamitans</i> (Latreille) and the American bullfrog <i>L. catesbeianus</i> (Shaw) (Ranidae) in North America. The striking genetic and morphological similarity of the present specimens to <i>O. saphena</i> in its native range suggests that this may be a recent introduction of this species to Europe and its switch to local hosts (parasite spillover). The documented introductions of bullfrogs into Europe further support the hypothesis of a very recent co-introduction of the non-native host species with its parasite. Although the first introductions of bullfrogs were restricted to western and central Europe, the lack of previous records of proteocephalid tapeworms in European ranids makes it difficult to trace the distribution of this North American species in the Balkan Peninsula.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28194912.v1
title: The North American tapeworm <i>Ophiotaenia saphena</i> (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae) in frogs (Ranidae) of Europe: introduction via the American bullfrog (<i>Lithobates catesbeianus</i>)?

description: Frogs (Amphibia: Ranidae) in Europe have been intensively studied for parasites for decades, but no proteocephalid tapeworms (Cestoda) have been found. Recently, tapeworms of the genus <i>Ophiotaenia</i> La Rue, 1911 were found in frogs of the family Ranidae (<i>Pelophylax</i> spp.) in Greece and Romania. These are the first proteocephalids found in anurans of the continental Palaearctic. Despite slight morphological differences between the tapeworms from Greece and Romania, all tapeworms were almost identical in the 28S rRNA and even <i>cox</i>1 gene sequences, suggesting that they belong to a single species. Furthermore, the tapeworms from Europe are genetically indistinguishable from <i>O. saphena</i> Osler, 1931, a parasite of the green frog <i>Lithobates clamitans</i> (Latreille) and the American bullfrog <i>L. catesbeianus</i> (Shaw) (Ranidae) in North America. The striking genetic and morphological similarity of the present specimens to <i>O. saphena</i> in its native range suggests that this may be a recent introduction of this species to Europe and its switch to local hosts (parasite spillover). The documented introductions of bullfrogs into Europe further support the hypothesis of a very recent co-introduction of the non-native host species with its parasite. Although the first introductions of bullfrogs were restricted to western and central Europe, the lack of previous records of proteocephalid tapeworms in European ranids makes it difficult to trace the distribution of this North American species in the Balkan Peninsula.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.29370594
title: Caddisfly biodiversity in Pernambuco state, Brazil: overcoming the biodiversity knowledge shortfall and insights into the effects of climate change

description: Knowledge of caddisfly diversity in Brazil has been increasing in the last two decades, but some regions have received less attention, particularly some states in the Brazilian Northeastern region. Nine caddisfly families, 24 genera, and 49 species are known in Pernambuco state. This study describes three new species and provides new distribution records for nine species and one genus, updating the total to nine families, 25 genera, and 61 valid species, making Pernambuco the second most species-rich state in northeastern Brazil. However, estimates indicate that around 50% of the state’s fauna remains unknown, an example of the Linnean shortfall. Most recorded species are known from few localities and distribution is concentrated in areas close to roads and conservation units, demonstrating a Wallacean shortfall. Caddisflies in Pernambuco occur across an elevation range of 18–1082 m a.s.l., with precipitation ranging from 507–1948 mm³/year, and temperatures between 13.2 °C and 33.6 °C; 80% of species are recorded in 1st order environments. Climate projections indicate a significant decrease in the temperature range, shifting from the current 13.2–33.6 °C to 17.9–33.6 °C, and precipitation range will decrease from 507 to 1948 mm³/year to 528–1428 mm³/year. These changes could lead to a high rate of local extinction. Climate change poses a serious threat, and additional efforts are needed to mitigate impacts and protect local biodiversity. Thus, priority should be given to efforts to inventory and describe Pernambuco’s caddisfly fauna, as well as research to assess potential climate change impacts, which will inform the formulation of public policies for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection in this important region. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:12DDC12A-E067-4CFB-94C4-DC0A89804EF8
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.29370594.v1
title: Caddisfly biodiversity in Pernambuco state, Brazil: overcoming the biodiversity knowledge shortfall and insights into the effects of climate change

description: Knowledge of caddisfly diversity in Brazil has been increasing in the last two decades, but some regions have received less attention, particularly some states in the Brazilian Northeastern region. Nine caddisfly families, 24 genera, and 49 species are known in Pernambuco state. This study describes three new species and provides new distribution records for nine species and one genus, updating the total to nine families, 25 genera, and 61 valid species, making Pernambuco the second most species-rich state in northeastern Brazil. However, estimates indicate that around 50% of the state’s fauna remains unknown, an example of the Linnean shortfall. Most recorded species are known from few localities and distribution is concentrated in areas close to roads and conservation units, demonstrating a Wallacean shortfall. Caddisflies in Pernambuco occur across an elevation range of 18–1082 m a.s.l., with precipitation ranging from 507–1948 mm³/year, and temperatures between 13.2 °C and 33.6 °C; 80% of species are recorded in 1st order environments. Climate projections indicate a significant decrease in the temperature range, shifting from the current 13.2–33.6 °C to 17.9–33.6 °C, and precipitation range will decrease from 507 to 1948 mm³/year to 528–1428 mm³/year. These changes could lead to a high rate of local extinction. Climate change poses a serious threat, and additional efforts are needed to mitigate impacts and protect local biodiversity. Thus, priority should be given to efforts to inventory and describe Pernambuco’s caddisfly fauna, as well as research to assess potential climate change impacts, which will inform the formulation of public policies for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection in this important region. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:12DDC12A-E067-4CFB-94C4-DC0A89804EF8