Peripheral isolation and demographic stability are reflected in the genetic diversity of the populations of the Helmeted Manakin: a bird endemic to the gallery forests.

The Cerrado encompasses a complex network of hydrographic basins, which is responsible for the formation and maintenance of the riparian and gallery forests. Alterations in the vegetation resulting from the paleoclimatic changes that occurred during the Pleistocene influenced the current distribution of these humid forests. To understand of the evolutionary dynamics of this landscape on the population structure of the associated organisms, we studied the population genetics of the Antilophia galeata (Pipridae), a bird endemic to the gallery forests of the Cerrado. For this, we evaluated the variability of the mitochondrial control region of 71 A. galeata specimens from 18 localities distributed throughout the Cerrado. The results indicated the existence of significant substructure among the populations located in the peripheral areas of the Cerrado, in comparison with the populations found in the central portion, reflecting historical changes in the environment. We also found high levels of diversity in all the populations, while the analysis of the demographic history revealed a scenario of stability. Overall, then, these findings indicate that the historical modifications of the gallery forest distribution may have been most accentuated in the peripheral zones, with a greater stability and connectivity persisting in the central portion of the biome.

Genetic diversity and structuring in the arapaima (Osteoglossiformes, Osteoglossidae) population reveal differences between the Amazon and the Tocantins-Araguaia basins.

Arapaima is a widely-distributed fish of enormous economic importance in the Amazon region. In the present study, a total of 232 specimens were sampled, 121 from five sites in the Amazon basin and 111 from five sites in the Tocantins-Araguaia basin. The analyses investigated fragments of the Cytochrome b, Control Region, Cytochrome Oxidase I, NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 and seven loci microsatellites. The analyses revealed the existence of two mitochondrial lineages within the general area, with no haplotypes shared between basins, and genetic variability significantly higher in the Amazon than in the Tocantins-Araguaia basin. Two divergent, but sympatric mitochondrial lineages were found in the Amazon basin, but only a single lineage in the Tocantins-Araguaia basin. The existence of these two mitochondrial lineages indicates that past events, probably occurring during the Pleistocene, resulted in the separation of the populations of this species and molded its evolutionary history, which is reflected directly in its mitochondrial DNA. The analysis of the arapaima population structure identified distinct levels of diversity within the distribution of the species, indicating specific geographic regions that will require special attention for the development of conservation and management strategies.

Mutations in the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene have no influence on the distinct patterns of melanic plumage found in the manakins of the genus Antilophia (Aves: Pipridae).

The melanocortin-1 receptor gene is the most widely-used marker for the investigation of the genetic determination of melanic plumage patterns. Studies of a number of wild bird species have shown an association between non-synonymous mutations of the MC1R gene and the presence of melanic variants. The genus Antilophia (Pipridae) includes only two manakin species (A. galeata and A. bokermanni), which are distinguished primarily by the differences in the pattern of melanic coloration of the plumage of the mantle in the adult males. In A. galeata, this plumage is black, while in A. bokermanni, it is predominantly white. This study investigates the possible association between mutations of the MC1R marker and the variation in plumage coloration observed in the two species. The MC1R sequences of the two species was analyzed, and the observed nucleotide variation was compared. Six polymorphic sites were identified, representing seven distinct genotypes. Five of these polymorphic mutations were non-synonymous, but were not related to the different phenotypes. Neutral evolution and the absence of any systematic association between the variants of the MC1R and plumage coloration in the Antilophia species indicate that alternative mechanisms regulate the expression of the coloration of the plumage in the adult males.

Molecular analyses reveal the occurrence of three new sympatric lineages of velvet worms (Onychophora: Peripatidae) in the eastern Amazon basin.

In the present study, we investigated the possible existence of new lineages of peripatids through comparisons between known Neotropical species and specimens obtained from two locations in Pará, a state in eastern Brazilian Amazonia using a molecular approach based on sequences of the mtDNA genes COI, 16Sr RNA, and 18S RNA. The analyses included also sequences of Asian and African taxa for a more systematic understanding of the phylogenetic relationships within the group. The analysis of the COI, 16S rRNA and 18S RNA sequences permitted the identification of three distinct lineages (A, B and C) based on two different phylogenetic approaches (Bayesian methods and ML). The three lineages presented here are completely distinct from all other peripatid taxa so far defined by molecular data. The presence of specimens of three independent onychophoran lineages occurring in sympatry in the Amazon basin was confirmed in all the analyses, providing consistent support for the phylogenies presented in this study. These findings reinforce the importance of the Amazon region in the diversification of Neotropical peripatids, and indicate that onychophoran diversity is much greater than previously thought, given that the number of taxa found at a single site was equivalent to the total number of allopatric species described for the entire region.

Molecular analyses reveal the occurrence of three new sympatric lineages of velvet worms (Onychophora: Peripatidae) in the eastern Amazon basin

Abstract In the present study, we investigated the possible existence of new lineages of peripatids through comparisons between known Neotropical species and specimens obtained from two locations in Pará, a state in eastern Brazilian Amazonia using a molecular approach based on sequences of the mtDNA genes COI, 16Sr RNA, and 18S RNA. The analyses included also sequences of Asian and African taxa for a more systematic understanding of the phylogenetic relationships within the group. The analysis of the COI, 16S rRNA and 18S RNA sequences permitted the identification of three distinct lineages (A, B and C) based on two different phylogenetic approaches (Bayesian methods and ML). The three lineages presented here are completely distinct from all other peripatid taxa so far defined by molecular data. The presence of specimens of three independent onychophoran lineages occurring in sympatry in the Amazon basin was confirmed in all the analyses, providing consistent support for the phylogenies presented in this study. These findings reinforce the importance of the Amazon region in the diversification of Neotropical peripatids, and indicate that onychophoran diversity is much greater than previously thought, given that the number of taxa found at a single site was equivalent to the total number of allopatric species described for the entire region.

Molecular phylogeny and diversification of a widespread Neotropical rainforest bird group: The Buff-throated Woodcreeper complex, Xiphorhynchus guttatus/susurrans (Aves: Dendrocolaptidae).

The genus Xiphorhynchus is a species rich avian group widely distributed in Neotropical forests of Central and South America. Although recent molecular studies have improved our understanding of the spatial patterns of genetic diversity in some species of this genus, most are still poorly known, including their taxonomy. Here, we address the historical diversification and phylogenetic relationships of the X. guttatus/susurrans complex, using data from two mitochondrial (cyt b and ND2) and one nuclear (ß-fibint7) genes. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred with both gene trees and a Bayesian-based species tree under a coalescent framework (∗BEAST). With exception of the nuclear ß-fibint7 gene that produced an unresolved tree, both mtDNA and the species tree showed a similar topology and were congruent in recovering five main clades with high statistical support. These clades, however, are not fully concordant with traditional delimitation of some X. guttatus subspecies, since X. g. polystictus, X. g. guttatus, and X. g. connectens are not supported as distinct clades. Interestingly, these three taxa are more closely related to the mostly trans-Andean X. susurrans than the other southern and western Amazonian subspecies of X. guttatus, which constitutes a paraphyletic species. Timing estimates based on the species tree indicated that diversification in X. guttatus occurred between the end of the Pliocene and early Pleistocene, likely associated with the formation of the modern Amazon River and its main southern tributaries (Xingu, Tocantins, and Madeira), in addition to climate-induced changes in the distribution of rainforest biomes. Our study supports with an enlarged dataset a previous proposal for recognizing at least three species level taxa in the X. guttatus/susurrans complex: X. susurrans, X. guttatus, and X. guttatoides.

Inclusion of South American samples reveals new population structuring of the blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) in the western Atlantic.

Carcharhinus limbatus has a cosmopolitan distribution and marked genetic structuring, mainly because of its philopatric behavior. However, analysis of this structuring has not previously included South American populations. In the present study, we analyzed a sample of adult individuals collected on the northern coast of Brazil and compared the sequences of the mitochondrial control region with those of populations already genotyped. Relatively high haplotype diversity (12 haplotypes, genetic diversity of 0.796) was observed, similar to that in other populations but with a much larger number of private alleles. In contrast to populations studied previously, which were represented by neonates, the pronounced allelic variability found in the South American individuals may have resulted from migrations from other populations in the region that have yet to be genotyped. This population was also genetically distinct from the other Atlantic populations (F(st) > 0.8), probably because of female philopatry, and apparently separated from the northwestern Atlantic group 1.39 million years ago. These findings indicate that the C. limbatus population from northern Brazil is genetically distinct from all other populations and should be considered as a different management unit for the protection of stocks.

Genetic characterisation of populations of the critically endangered Goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara, Serranidae) from the Northern Brazilian coast through analyses of mtDNA

The Goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) is one of the most endangered species of fish of the subfamily Epinephelinae. Slow to develop and mature, and dependent on mangrove habitats for breeding, the species also suffers intense harvesting, which has reduced drastically in numbers in many areas. To contribute to the understanding of the characteristics of E. itajara populations, we conducted a molecular genetics study of the species, focusing on populations from the Northern Brazilian coast. The mtDNA control region (D-loop) of 116 individuals from five localities (Bragança, Ajuruteua, Parnaíba, Fortaleza and Natal) was analysed, and a sequence of 499 base pairs identified. Analyses of the sequences indicated that genetic variability was generally lower in E. itajara than in other endangered species of the genus. AMOVA found no significant grouping structure among the populations. Nested Clade Analysis revealed a significant association between genetic variability and geographic distribution among only three populations (Ajuruteua, Parnaíba and Natal). Genetic diversity was higher in populations from the Amazon region, which may be related to the better conservation of mangrove habitats in this area. Therefore, the present study could be used for the implementation of conservation and management measures in order to protect and consolidate these populations.

Tocantins river as an effective barrier to gene flow in Saguinus niger populations

The Saguinus represent the basal genus of the Callitrichinae subfamily. Traditionally this genus is divided into three groups: Hairy, Mottled and Bare-face, however, molecular data failed to validate these groups as monophyletic units, as well as raised some subspecies to the species status. This is the case of the former subspecies Saguinus midas midas and S. midas niger, which are now considered as different species. In the present study, we sequenced a portion of the D-loop mtDNA region in populations from the East bank of the Xingu and from both banks of the Tocantins river, in order to test the effectiveness of large rivers as barriers to the gene flow in Saguinus. According to our results, the populations from the East and West banks of the Tocantins river are more divergent than true species like S. mystax and S. imperator. The Tocantins river may be acting as a barrier to gene flow, and consequently these very divergent populations may represent distinct taxonomic entities (species?).