The role of plants in the formation of species-specific features in grass flies (Diptera, Chloropidae, Meromyza).

In the current manuscript, we present the results of comparative analysis of seven species of flies in the "" cluster and of the evolutionary close species , based the following criteria: 1) 14 external key features; 2) shape and area of the anterior processes of postgonites; 3) mtDNA CO1 region and 4) host plant diversity data. We could demonstrate the primary role of host plants in species formation inside genus and calculated the timing of the divergence of and the species of "" cluster. Based on our estimates of evolution rate for mtDNA CO1 gene, we could conclude that that divergence of herbs happened before the speciation of grass flies .

Aggregated occurrence records of the invasive alien striped field mouse ( Pall.) in the former USSR.

Background: Open access to occurrence records of the most dangerous invasive species in a standardised format have important potential applications for ecological research and management, including the assessment of invasion risks, formulation of preventative and management plans in the context of global climate and land use changes in the short and long perspective. The striped field mouse ( Pallas, 1771) is a common species in the temperate latitudes of the Palaearctic. Due to land use and global climate changes, several waves of expansion of the range of this species have been observed or inferred.

New records and geographic distribution of the sympatric zones of unisexual and bisexual rock lizards of the genus in Armenia and adjacent territories.

Background: Caucasian rock lizards of the genus are unique taxa, including both bisexual and parthenogenetic species. The parthenogenetic species have originated as a result of natural hybridisation between females and males of different bisexual species. The species involved in interspecific hybridisation are called parental.

The Ecology and Evolutionary Dynamics of Meiotic Drive.

Meiotic drivers are genetic variants that selfishly manipulate the production of gametes to increase their own rate of transmission, often to the detriment of the rest of the genome and the individual that carries them. This genomic conflict potentially occurs whenever a diploid organism produces a haploid stage, and can have profound evolutionary impacts on gametogenesis, fertility, individual behaviour, mating system, population survival, and reproductive isolation. Multiple research teams are developing artificial drive systems for pest control, utilising the transmission advantage of drive to alter or exterminate target species.

Clonal diversity and clone formation in the parthenogenetic Caucasian rock Lizard Darevskia dahli [corrected].

The all-female Caucasian rock lizard species Darevskia dahli and other parthenogenetic species of this genus reproduce normally via true parthenogenesis. Previously, the genetic diversity of this species was analyzed using allozymes, mitochondrial DNA, and DNA fingerprint markers. In the present study, variation at three microsatellite loci was studied in 111 specimens of D.

Clonal diversity and clone formation in the parthenogenetic Caucasian rock lizard Darevskia dahlia.

The all-female Caucasian rock lizard species Darevskia dahli and other parthenogenetic species of this genus reproduce normally via true parthenogenesis. Previously, the genetic diversity of this species was analyzed using allozymes, mitochondrial DNA, and DNA fingerprint markers. In the present study, variation at three microsatellite loci was studied in 111 specimens of D.

Genomic variation in parthenogenetic lizard Darevskia armeniaca: evidence from DNA fingerprinting data.

Microsatellites, or short tandem repeats, are abundant across genomes of most organisms. It is evident that the most straightforward and conclusive way of studying mutations in microsatellite-containing loci is to use clonally transmitted genomes or DNA sequences inherited in multigeneration pedigrees. At present, little is known about the origin of genetic variation in species that lack effective genetic recombination.