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Systematics and the Conservation of Biological Diversity
Abstract
This paper concerns the role of systematics in efforts to conserve biological diversity. Biodiversity is seen both as an interdisciplinary science (involving ecology and population biology as well as systematics), and as a socio-political activity (because of the strongly anthropocentric focus of the Convention on Biological Diversity). Systematics has a number of key roles to play, especially with respect to maximizing our limited and fragmentary knowledge of biology through the predictive power of natural classification, and in helping to set priorities for conservation when, as is inevitably the case, resources are limited. After examining ways in which systematists must support the growing needs of society to know more about the Earth's biota, it is concluded that, because of their unique insights into the subject, systematists have an equally strong responsibility to take an active lead in many of the issues relating to the study, use, and conservation of biological diversity.
... The current biodiversity crisis entails numerous consequences and unprecedented challenges [1,2], emphasizing the urgent need to enhance our systematic understanding of biodiversity, as it serves as a crucial tool for its conservation [3]. Despite hosting multiple biodiversity hotspots, the least studied areas of the world, from an evolutionary perspective, are located in the tropics [4,5]. ...
The floras on the highest mountains in tropical eastern Africa are among the most unique floras in the world. Despite the exceptionally high concentration of endemic species, these floras remain understudied from an evolutionary point of view. In this study, we focus on the Carduus-Cirsium group (subtribe Carduinae) to unravel the evolutionary relationships of the species endemic to the tropical Afromontane and Afroalpine floras, aiming to improve the systematics of the group. We applied the Hyb-Seq approach using the Compositae1061 probe set on 190 samples (159 species), encompassing representatives of all genera of Carduinae. We used two recently developed pipelines that enabled the processing of raw sequence reads, identification of paralogous sequences and segregation into orthologous alignments. After the implementation of a missing data filter, we retained sequences from 986 nuclear loci and 177 plastid regions. Phylogenomic analyses were conducted using both concatenated and summary-coalescence methods. The resulting phylogenies were highly resolved and revealed three distinct evolutionary lineages consisting of the African species traditionally referred to as Carduus and Cirsium. Consequently, we propose the three new genera Afrocarduus, Afrocirsium and Nuriaea; the latter did notably not belong to the Carduus-Cirsium group. We detected some incongruences between the phylogenies based on concatenation vs. coalescence and on nuclear vs. plastid datasets, likely attributable to incomplete lineage sorting and/or hybridization.
... Phylogenies and classifications can sometimes significantly change when challenged by the addition of substantial numbers of species with unique and highly modified morphologies, and we expect that this will happen with the Tischeriidae upon future discoveries in tropical countries. The inventory of Earth's species, as well as mapping their distribution and uncovering their relationships, is very important, and are among the main tasks of biological systematics (Vane-Wright 1992, 1996Wheeler et al. 2012aWheeler et al. , 2012b. ...
For the first time, genera of leaf mining Tischeriidae of the global fauna are reviewed and four new genera are described: Coptotrichoides Diškus & Stonis, gen. nov., trophically associated with Sapindaceae from Central and South America; Rytietia Diškus, Xu & Dai, gen. nov., trophically associated with Annonaceae from East and South East Asia; Pafazaria Diškus & Stonis, gen. nov., trophically associated with Fabaceae and Malvaceae from East and South East Asia; and Gnathitischeria Diškus, gen. nov., trophically associated with Malvaceae and Asteraceae from Central America. In addition to the descriptions of new genera, all previously described genera (Coptotriche Walsingham, 1890; Dishkeya Stonis, 2020; Tischeria Zeller, 1839; Manitischeria Diškus & Stonis, 2021; Neotischeria Diškus & Stonis, 2021; Paratischeria Diškus & Stonis, 2017; and Astrotischeria Puplesis & Diškus, 2003) are characterized and a pictorial identification key for all 11 genera is provided. Morphological and biological characteristics of all genera are supplemented with some molecular data. We described 12 new species: South East Asian Coptotriche sapaensis Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov.; Central American Coptotrichoides sapindoidum Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov. and Tischeria neokristenseni Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov.; South East Asian Rytietia uncinata Diškus, Xu & Dai, sp. nov., East Asian R. chongyiensis Xu & Dai, sp. nov.; South East Asian Pafazaria capitata Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov. and P. faboidica Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov.; Central American Neotischeria antigua Diškus & Remeikis, sp. nov. and N. subantigua Diškus & Remeikis, sp. nov.; South American Astrotischeria incae Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov.; and Central American Gnathitischeria atitlani Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov. and G. arcana Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov. The taxonomic rank of the East Asian subspecies Tischeria decidua siorkionla Kozlov, 1986 is elevated to species rank: T. siorkionla Kozlov (stat. nov.). The male genitalia of holotypes, paratypes, lectotypes or paralectotypes, or non-type specimens of some little-known species are examined for the first time. We provide the first morphological documentation for the following: Tischeria ceanothi lectotype and paralectotype; T. immaculata (stat. restored) paratype; Coptotrichoides deliquescens (Meyrick) lectotype and paralectotype; lectotypes of Coptotriche aenea (Frey & Boll), Astrotischeria plagifera (Meyrick), A. helianthi (Frey & Boll), and A. ephaptis (Meyrick); Coptotriche berberella (De Prins) paratype; and the first photographic documentation of Tischeria lvoskyi Kozlov holotype. Some non-type specimens deposited at NHMUK, including a few previously neglected species, are also examined and documented, including the American Astrotischeria solidagonifoliella (Clemens) and A. omissa (Braun). Nine new combinations are provided: Coptotrichoides deliquescens (Meyrick, 1915), comb. nov.; C. singularis (Stonis & Diškus) comb. nov.; C. suprafasciata (Diškus & Stonis) comb. nov., C. serjaniphaga (Remeikis & Stonis) comb. nov.; C. braziliensis (Diškus & Stonis) comb. nov.; Pafazaria jingdongensis (Xu & Dai), comb. nov.; Neotischeria explosa (Braun) comb. nov.; N. pallidipennella (Braun) comb. nov.; and Astrotischeria heteroterae (Frey & Boll) comb. nov. The synonymization of Tischeria longeciliata Frey & Boll, 1878 with Astrotischeria helianthi (Frey & Boll, 1878) is confirmed. One new species group, the Tischeria ceanothi group, is established. We also report a new distribution record of T. dodonaea Stainton from the Caucasus, Armenia. Three tables and 569 figures of adult external morphology, male and female genitalia, leaf mines, and cladograms based on molecular characters are provided.
... The inventorying of the Earth's species and mapping of their distribution in the biosphere is important (Vane-Wright 1992, 1996Wheeler et al. 2012aWheeler et al. , 2012b; the exploration of the biosphere is much like exploring the Universe (Wheeler et al. 2012b). ...
This paper describes two new species of Brachinepticula Stonis & Diškus: B. melania Remeikis, Mey & Stonis, sp. nov. and B. colombica Remeikis, Mey & Stonis, sp. nov. Both the new species were collected in the Northern Andean Páramo (Cundinamarca, Colombia). Since the specimens were caught at night-time with a light trap, the host plants remain unknown. The examination of the morphology of the male genitalia of B. melania and female genitalia of B. colombica revealed a highly distinctive new taxa of pygmy moths and broadened our knowledge of the morphology and distribution of the recently described endemic genus Brachinepticula Diškus & Stonis. The examination of the new findings also allowed us updating the diagnosis of Brachinepticula. The new species were illustrated with photographs of the genitalia, adults, and habitats.
... • Biodiversidad: permiten cuantificar la abundancia de individuos y la riqueza de especies del grupo bioindicador estudiado, así como, los endemismos y especies raras de los lugares de muestreo, evaluando qué factores afectan a las comunidades y de qué forma lo hacen (Vane-Wright 1996;McGeoch 1998). Kremen (1994) también había propuesto una categoría, a la que denominaba indicadores de impacto, y que se centra en los recursos y en los procesos ecológicos que están directamente afectados por las acciones humanas (Niemelä 2000). ...
Bioindicators have proven to be very useful tools for evaluating the state of disturbance or maturity of ecosystems, as well as for monitoring and detecting changes in the environment. Considering a series of criteria that justify the quality of the bioindicator groups, various arthropod taxa could be considered optimal. There are several studies that use arthropods as bioindicators, especially in urban areas. We present some monitoring experiences carried out in the last ten years by the UCM Biodiversity Monitoring Group at the Moncloa Campus, a peri-urban area located in the northwest of the city of Madrid, related to the monitoring of populations of arthropods (butterflies, ants, and dragonflies). Finally, some recommendations and future perspectives for the use of arthropods as bioindicators in urban areas are summarized
... Documenting biological diversity. The ultimate task of biological systematics or taxonomy is to document and understand the extent and significance of biological diversity (Vane-Wright 1992, 1996. Description of new taxa is among the most critical of tasks in biodiversity studies. ...
Four new species of trumpet leaf-miner moths (Tischeriidae) are described from the Neotropics: Coptotriche serjaniphaga Remeikis & Stonis, sp. nov., feeding on Serjania Mill. (Sapindaceae), Astrotischeria mystica Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov., feeding on Verbesina L. (Asteraceae), A. yungasi Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov., feeding on Oyedaea DC. (Asteraceae), and A. parapallens Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov., feeding on Baccharis L. (Asteraceae). Records on Sapindaceae-feeding Tischeriidae are very rare and Serjania is a novel host-plant genus for Tischeriidae. It is hypothesized that Serjania, a diverse genus in the tropical and subtropical Americas, may be a host for many undiscovered species of specialized stenophagous Tischeriidae. The new species are illustrated with photographs of the adults, male and, if available, female genitalia, and the leaf mines. We briefly discuss the importance of new species descriptions as a part of biodiversity assessment.
... The term 'biodiversity inventory' is interpreted as studies that cover the diversity of all organisms, including their genetic diversity, interspecific and intraspecific diversity, identification of relationships between species and ecosystems, the diversity of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and their evolutionary and ecological processes (Vermeulen, Koziell, 2002;Morton, Hill, 2014). In fact, it is within the field of biological systematics or taxonomy with the ultimate task to document and understand the extent and significance of biological diversity (Vane-Wright, 1992, 1996. Such studies are also needed in order to obtain detailed information on grouping of endangered species (Mckinney, 2002) and, more importantly, to identify and protect critical habitats. ...
This study is uniquely based on the Research Interest Score (RGRI) and not on other existing bibliometric criteria for evaluation of published biological inventory products (articles and monographs). RGRI is a ResearchGate.net score that measures scientists’ interest in the publication and is based on its citations, recommendations, and reads. Our data revealed that high RGRI scores of publications were generally not determined by the journal’s Impact Factor (IF) or high quartiles (Q). However, open access to publications undoubtedly creates the strongest preconditions for the rise of RGRI. The importance and popularity of a publications can also be affected by its various other characteristics, for example, international collaboration of authors, ecological issues such as plant-insect interactions, and even the wording of the publication title.
... In the last 12 years, 6 large mammal species have been discovered in this region: the Large-antlered Muntjac, the Annamite Muntjac, the Grey-shanked Douc, the Annamite Striped Rabbit, the Leaf Deer and the Saola. This hotspot is also known for the endemic freshwater turtle species, most of which are threatened with extinction, due to over-harvesting and extensive habitat loss (Vane et al. 1996, Whittaker 1972, William et al. 1991. There are also 1,300 different bird species, including the threatened White-eared Night-heron, the Greycrowned Crocias, and the Orange-necked Partridge. ...
The term Biodiversity wasnamed by Walter Rosen, 1985. Approximately 50 million species of plants, animals & microbes are existing in the world. Among this only 2 million are identified so far. Biodiversity also includes: Variability of genus, Variability of varieties, Variability of species, Variability of populations in different ecosystems, Variability in relative abundance of species. Knowledge of biodiversity is essential for sustainable utilization of resources. Biological resources provide us: Nourishment, Clothing, House, Fuel, Medicine and Revenue. Biodiversity play a critical role in sustaining human populations across the globe. We depend on it for sustained food growth, for clean air and water and for medicine and shelter. It is no surprise then that ecosystem degradation threatens our most basic necessity – a healthy environment to live and thrive in. This is especially true of biodiversity hotspots, which house some of the largest diversity of species in the world and provide important life-support services to the people who live in and around them.
... Determining conservation priorities requires balanced considerations of both human interests and environmental sustainability (Brooks, 2010;Eigenbrod et al., 2009). This has prompted the search for traits or features that reflect the intrinsic value of areas, as a less arbitrary rule for determining conservation priorities (Crozier, 1997;Vane-Wright, 1996;Vane-Wright, Humphries, & Williams, 1991). ...
Aim
Phylogenetic endemism (PE), which combines phylogenetic diversity (PD) and range size distributions of co‐occurring taxa, has become a useful approach for the identification of geographical hotspots using evolutionary history in conservation. However, potential limitations could preclude a general assessment of PE, especially in the presence of incongruent phylogenetic signals and the use of different estimates of species distribution at fine spatial scales. Here, we assess the utility of using PE in a recently diversified plant tribe.
Location
Atacama Desert, Argentina, Chile, and Peru.
Taxon
Schizopetalae tribe from the mustard plant family of Brassicaceae.
Methods
We assessed PD and PE to determine whether incongruent phylogenetic trees derived from nuclear and chloroplast DNA and different estimates of species distribution based on species distribution modelling (SDM) and minimum convex polygons (MCP) impact the location of PE hotspots.
Results
Results show negligible influence from discordant phylogenetic signal between gene trees on PE estimates. Instead, the choice of the summary of species' range (i.e. SDM or MCP) has greater influence on the location of PE hotspots.
Main conclusions
Despite the observed discrepancies, results of PE are sufficiently congruent to support the use of this index in conservation‐related analyses for the Atacama Desert flora. Nonetheless, further analyses are recommended to determine and contextualize the impacts of phylogenetic incongruence and species distributional estimates on PE, especially when other scenarios involving larger spatial and taxonomic sampling scales remain unexplored.
Bumblebees (Bombus Latreille, 1802), because of their large body size, bright colours and activity at times and places that coincide with biologists, are an example of a group of insects that is particularly well represented in museum collections. This is important if taxonomic revisions are to achieve greater comparability among species. Bumblebees have also attracted particular attention because they are especially ecologically and economically valuable for pollination in north temperate regions, where they are now becoming increasingly threatened. I argue that the what, the where, and the how of effective conservation management may be informed by understanding the divergent characteristics that have affected their biogeographical past: by helping us to see ‘the woods’, not just ‘the trees’, of their habitat needs. Identifying suitable habitat should be part of reconstructing historical biogeography within taxonomic revisions. For bumblebees, for example, biogeographical analysis associates major taxonomic groups either with flower-rich lowland grasslands or with flower-rich montane grasslands, highlighting their contrasting requirements for: nest sites, flowers of different depths, pollen-plant families, and especially the differing importance of early spring and late summer flowers for breeding success. This broad view of species groups helps filter the less important idiosyncrasies from local case studies in order to focus conservation actions.
This study identifies the number of named and described species of three monotrysian, plant-mining lepidopteran families worldwide: Nepticulidae and Opostegidae (Nepticuloidea), and Tischeriidae (Tischerioidea). At the end of 2021, we estimated that a total of 1000 Nepticulidae species, 197 Opostegidae species, and 170 Tischeriidae species have been described since the taxonomic practice of describing species began in the 18th century. We examine and discuss the history of descriptions and authorship of species worldwide for each of the three families. We found that the total (accumulative) number of species described increased with each time period delineated. About five new species were described per year on average, or about 22 new species were described per year in the 21st century. We recognize researchers with the most number of described species in these three taxa.
Biodiversity is represented differently in Systematics (Taxonomy) and in Ecology (functional interaction). This paper uses hierarchy theory to relate the two approaches. Taxonomic uniqueness measures are scale independent whereas measurement tools are proposed for functional evaluation at local, regional and global scales. The quanitity of life in contrast to the number of types of life is seen as important at the global scale. The measurement of human interaction strength with the existing biological environment is necessary for conservation evaluation.
Discusses cassava mealybug Phenacoccus manihoti and cassava green mite Mononychellus tanajoa, both of which - following introduction to Africa in the early 1970s - have spread at a rapid pace to threaten crops. The spread of both pest species in Africa is outlined, and the subsequent search for organisms with potential for biological control is reported. Among cassava mealybug predators, the coccinellids Diomus in Kinshasa and Malawi and Hyperaspis notata in Burundi and Kivu Province, Zaire show long-term establishment. -P.J.Jarvis
This special volume is based on papers presented during a symposium, with the same title, held in London, 17-20 June 1992.
http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/9780198577713.do
In the past decade a great deal of attention has been focused on the problem of protecting endangered species. Indeed, for historical reasons, biodiversity has largely been discussed by biologists in terms of the diversity of species, leading economists and others to reasonably conclude that conserving Earth's species diversity is the crucial task before us. But the loss of species is only one aspect of the extinction crisis, and in many parts of the world may not be the most important facet of the decay of biological diversity (biodiversity). This paper examines the complementary issue of the extinction of populations, offers a preliminary assessment of its importance relative to the extinction of species, and examines relevant policy implications. -Authors
A definition of biodiversity is adopted that takes account not only of numbers of species, but also of the degrees of difference among them. The most appropriate measure of species differences is likely to be made in terms of genealogical relationships, as embodied in taxonomic classifications. Five new measures of taxonomic diversity are compared with existing measures of species richness and taxonomic root weighting for prioritising areas for the conservation of biodiversity, using as an example some data for 43 bumble bee species of the sibiricus-group. Although certain of the new measures can be shown to perform better than any existing methods, more extensive trials are needed, and further refinements can be anticipated. We conclude that combining species richness with taxonomic diversity to give a single measure inevitably involves compromise, as either component could be maximised in its own right. Nonetheless, the new prioritisation methods are already capable of giving practical results.
Map of wholesale species richness (numbers) are urgently required to
guide the conservation of biodiversity. The problem is that complete
counts of organisms are impractical at present. Indirect solutions are
needed that will be both cheap and quick. One approach is to re-deploy
sampling effort higher up the taxonomic scale, to measure richness among
genera, tribes or families. Data for numbers of higher taxa have the
advantage over data for species that they are usually not only more
complete, but also cheaper to acquire. So for the same cost, surveys
could be broadened to encompass more of wholesale biodiversity. Data for
seed-plant families were used to map worldwide the regional distribution
of richness and a measure of endemism. Differences among areas in plant
family lists were then used to rank the top ten complementary areas for
maximizing cumulative family richness at each step.
Numerical relations of species express the importance of competition in community function and evolution.
The literature on the history and biology of the cassava mealybug in Africa Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero is reviewed, and reports on the search for natural enemies of this species in the Neotropics for biological control purposes are summarised. Further records of the distribution of P manihoti in Africa are presented. A new closely-related species of Phenacoccus, P. herreni sp. n., which causes distortion to cassava in the Neotropical Region is described, and a key is provided to separate it from P. manihoti and from a similar species from the Neotropical Region, P. surinamensis Green, which apparently does not occur on cassava. P. surinamensis is redescribed and illustrated.