Identifying cryptic species and juveniles in the Ophiuroidea has always been a challenge. However, post-larval developmental studies have the potential to uncover the identity of these cryptic species and juveniles, as they offer valuable information that is not often found in adults. Although the importance of studying growth series is well-known in ophiuroids, it is difficult to obtain and identify the juvenile stages. For this reason, most studies are restricted to brooding species and information is lacking for many species, including those of the genus Ophiocoma. In this study, a growth series was developed to show the main differences during the development of two similar species of Ophiocoma: Ophiocoma echinata and Ophiocoma trindadensis. Using morphometry and scanning electron microscopy, we describe in detail the juveniles, intermediate stage, and adults of O. echinata and O. trindadensis. Differences in the shape of the ventral arm plate and dorsalmost arm spines, the number of tentacle scales, and the presence of granules ventrally were highlighted in the separation and identification of juveniles of both species.

A new Iranian population of Lindseyus costatus is characterized, including morphometrics, microphotographs, and molecular (18S, 28S rDNA) studies. It is compared with previously known populations. The results derived from molecular analyses failed to find close evolutionary relationships with other traditional genera of Belondiridae and Swangeriinae, adding more uncertainties about the internal phylogeny of the family. The taxonomy of Lindseyus is revised, with a new diagnosis, list of species, key to their identification, and a compilation of their main morphometrics.

Invasive species threaten biodiversity on a global scale. The success of invasions depends on the species' adaptation to the different environmental conditions of new territories. Studies show that invasive insects present evolutionary changes in wing morphology in areas they are introduced to in response to abiotic conditions. In the last decade, the Asian Drosophila nasuta fly invaded and spread widely throughout Brazil. This insect has preferences for conserved environments and is related to the likely reduction in the abundance of native drosophilids in the Atlantic Forest. Ecological niche modelling analyses showed that rainfall and temperature are the main factors which delimit the geographic distribution of this species. Herein, we verified the existence of significant differences in the wing sizes of D. nasuta in Brazil and evaluated the influence of abiotic factors (rainfall and temperature) on the observed patterns. We conducted 11 measurements on the right-side wings of 240 D. nasuta males collected in the Amazon Forest, Caatinga, Cerrado and Atlantic Forest. Statistical analyses revealed the existence of two groups: one with larger wings, which brought together samples from locations with the lowest temperatures; and one with smaller wings, which corresponded to places with a hotter climate. One explanation for this result is the fact that large wings favour greater heat capture by flies in colder climates, increasing their survival chances in these environments. These rapid evolutionary changes in D. nasuta in this first decade of invasion in Brazil reveal the enormous adaptive potential of this species in this megadiverse country.

Hexamermis zirabi sp. n., recovered from a natural habitat of Mazandaran province, north of Iran, is described based on morphological and molecular data. The new species is characterized by its six cephalic papillae; cuticle with distinct cross fibers; conoid or sharply tapered head; mouth terminal; six hypodermal cords; J-shaped vagina oriented to the anterior end of body; uterus with Z-organs or sclerotized bodies; tail similar in both sexes and bluntly rounded; spicules paired, separate, slightly curved, shorter than body width at cloaca, with rounded tip; and male genital papillae arranged in five rows. In addition to the morphological study, molecular phylogenetic analyses using a partial large subunit (28S D2-D3) were also performed, and the new species formed a highly supported (1.00% Bayesian posterior probability (BPP)) clade with Hexamermis popilliae.

The unsolved systematics of the genus Cardiomya has led to a sequence of astonishing identification mistakes. This scenario is a result of the rarity of specimens and, more importantly, the lack of knowledge about which characters are relevant to the genus taxonomy. In this study, we developed a method based on standard linear discriminant analysis to identify the smallest number of morphological characters that efficiently distinguish individuals at the species level of Brazilian Cardiomya. Starting from 29 morphometric measurements obtained from photographed Cardiomya shells, we were able to identify only five characters: the dorsal inflection of the rostrum, the distance from the posterior most rib end to the umbonal posterior margin and the distance from the central point of the valve to the anterior margin at 45°, 15° and −30° angles. Surprisingly, all these characters are related to the shell outline and not the ornamentation, which is a remarkable character in Cardiomya. We performed a one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey HSD test specifically using the total number of ribs to verify its discriminant power in species identification. Our analysis demonstrated that the number of ribs does not show a significant difference between the analysed species.

The shape of the flower can vary based on the type of pollinator or the environment in which the plant develops. In Vanilla insignis, there are no studies that analyse the shape of the labellum of the flower as has been done in V. planifolia. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the variation in the shape of the labellum of V. insignis through a morphometric analysis in different environmental conditions in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. The results showed that there were significant differences in the variables analysed. Principal component analysis and dendrogram analysis reveal that four V. insignis morphotypes were possibly associated with soil water availability conditions because there were significant differences between the variables that define the apical region. In addition, the distribution of the morphotypes corresponded with the presence of humidity regardless of geographical distances such as in the populations of Tenampulco, Puebla and Caobas, Quintana Roo. The presence of these morphotypes allows the development of conservation programmes and genetic improvement of the species of V. insignis and related commercial species.

The brittle stars of the family Ophiocomidae inhabit shallow waters and coral reefs of tropical regions. The species of Ophiocoma are difficult to identify due to high morphological variation, especially when different stages of development are observed. Here, based on morphological analyses, two Brazilian morphotypes of Ophiocoma were studied and characterized, Ophiocoma sp. NB (Northeastern Brazil) and Ophiocoma sp. TMV (Trindade and Martin Vaz Archipelago), and subsequently thoroughly analysed to confirm whether they were the same species or not. After the morphological studies, including external morphology, morphometry and microstructural characters, and analysis of molecular data, involving the 16S gene, it was concluded that Ophiocoma sp. NB and Ophiocoma sp. TMV do not correspond to the same species, the first being identified as Ophiocoma echinata (Lamarck, 1816) and the latter being a new species. This new species is characterized by two tentacle scales on the first arm segment and then one on all following segments, and the dorsalmost arm spines are robust and rounded, as wide as long or almost as wide as long.

Structural and functional brain adaptations in bilingual speakers are well documented in the neurolinguistic literature. However, far less is known about neural changes evidenced in multilingual speakers. This study investigates brain plasticity in a group of highly proficient multilinguals, fluent in four or more languages, compared to a group of monolinguals. An ROI analysis used to evaluate differences in core linguistic regions and regions associated with language control revealed robust decreases for multilinguals in grey matter thickness of two brain regions within the parietal lobe (i.e., precuneus and angular gyrus), involved in lexico-semantic processing, memory retrieval, and control maintenance. We discuss our findings in the context of emerging models characterizing trajectorial changes in brain structures associated with language experience. We consider how the demands of optimal functioning within multi-linguistic environments may foster cortical changes that manifest as decreased GM thickness in highly proficient multilingual compared to monolinguals.

The present study evaluated the reproductive compatibility of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, 1879, through an integrative approach using biological data and morphometry of three isofemale lines (isolines) collected from two geographical areas. These isolines differed in sequences of mitochondrial DNA and reproductive performance in the laboratory. The wasps used to initiate the isolines were collected in different environments: two lines from a Mediterranean climate in Irvine, California, USA, and one line from a tropical climate in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. Reproductive compatibility was studied by evaluating the sex ratio and number of adult offspring produced of all mating combinations between adults from these isolines. Morphometry was studied by measuring 26 taxonomically useful characters, followed by a multivariate analysis. For the allopatric matings among Brazilian and North American isolines, a low level of crossing incompatibility was recorded, in only one direction of the crosses; whereas the sympatric North American isolines were incompatible in both directions. Multivariate analysis of the morphometric data indicated no distinct groups, suggesting that despite the genetic and biological differences, the isofemale lines are morphologically similar.

The body condition of animals is an important indicator of their habitats and the effects of anthropogenic activities and pollution. Body condition indices calculated from morphometric measurements have been widely employed as they are easy to use and inexpensive. In sea turtles, Fulton's condition index, calculated as the bodyweight divided by the cube of straight carapace length (SCL), has been commonly used and it has been proposed that an index of ≥1.2 indicates a good body condition. However, comparing Fulton's condition index between different species and size classes is problematic as it does not consider the mass-length relationship. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the differences between sea turtles. A literature review indicated that most studies reported the SCL-based Fulton's condition index for green turtles (Chelonia mydas), followed by loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata). Therefore, we compared the values reported for healthy turtles of these three species. Meta-analysis supported the adequacy of 1.2 as a threshold in juvenile and adult green turtles and large juvenile and adult loggerhead turtles. High Fulton's condition index values were found for hatchlings and post-hatchlings of all three species and small loggerhead turtle juveniles. Low Fulton's condition index values were found for hawksbill turtles, particularly small juveniles. The differences in the Fulton's condition index between species and size classes indicated that it should be used carefully as a threshold for health condition evaluation.

A new species of the genus Aporcella collected from a watermelon field in Nigeria is described, including its morphological and molecular (small subunit (SSU) and large subunit (LSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA)) characterization. Aporcella femina sp. n. is distinguished by its 3.21–3.64 mm-long body, inner cuticle layer with fine but distinct transverse striation, lip region offset by deep constriction, 22–25 μm broad, odontostyle 20–26 μm, neck 661–811 μm long, pharyngeal expansion occupying 52–56% of the total neck length, female genital system didelphic–amphidelphic, uterus 191–350 μm or 1.9–3.3 mid-body diameters long, V = 52–57, tail short and convex conoid (35–48 μm, c = 72–98, c′ = 0.7–0.9) and males absent. Phylogenetic analyses based on the partial sequence of SSU and LSU (D2–D3) rDNA revealed a close relationship of A. femina sp. n. with other Aporcella species, confirming the monophyly of the genus as well as its association to a clade made of several taxa characterized by the absence of pars refringens vaginae.

The amphinomid fireworm Hermodice carunculata is a potentially invasive species reported throughout the subtropical Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, which is known as a generalist predator and opportunistic feeder. The ongoing climate changes and seawater warming may favour fireworm poleward range expansions and density increases. Our results provide the first investigation into a population which has purportedly been spreading widely in the Salento Peninsula (Apulia, Italy). The specimens were analysed using allometric variables and molecular markers. The best morphometric parameters to estimate individual size were determined as key information for future studies on fireworm population dynamics. To phylogeographically characterize the Apulian population, sequences of the mitochondrial COI and 16S rDNA regions were obtained from a pool of individuals and treated together with those of Atlantic specimens retrieved from GenBank. The estimates of genetic variability for Apulian population were consistent with those recently reported in the literature. Inferences on demographic history analysis confirmed a recent expansion event in Apulia, as has been recounted by fishermen and scuba divers during recent years. Overall, these results constitute a crucial step in the characterization of present-day H. carunculata populations, and provide greater insight into fireworm population ecology.

An increasing number of farm machines nowadays implement precision agriculture technologies. Most of these operate through proximal sensing using optical sensors (i.e. NIR or Vis-NIR). Imaging techniques in this context have received minor consideration due to the complex analysis of the data but on the other side offer great flexibility. This study reports a preliminary pilot imaging multi-sensor retrofit system to be applied independently on a wide range of agricultural machines and able to test different monitoring or control image-based applications for precision agriculture. The process, based on RGB image, was tested for in-field discrimination of weeds in lettuce and broccoli crops. It works by discriminating and extracting single plants from the soil and weeds. However, to be truly implementable, the experimental code should be optimized in order to shorten the time needed for acquisition and processing.

We describe morphological and morphometrical characteristics of preantral ovarian follicles from three recently recognized Saimiri species: S. macrodon, S. cassiquiarensis and S. vanzolinii; the last one a threatened species. Ovaries from four adult monkeys were evaluated: one pair from a pregnant S. macrodon, two ovarian pairs from S. cassiquiarensis females (one of them pregnant), and one left ovary from a senile S. vanzolinii, applying classical histology. Follicular preantral population was quantified and morphology and morphometry of primordial, primary and secondary follicles were evaluated. Follicular preantral population varied among species, being 347,153 in the ovaries of the S. macrodon, 270,342 and 278,376 in the ovaries of both adult non-pregnant and pregnant S. cassiquiarensis females, and 28,149 in the ovary from a senile S. vanzolinii. Most follicles were at primordial or transition stages, except for the senile S. vanzolinii female, which presented the lowest percentages of primordial and transition follicles when compared with primary and secondary ones. Most preantral follicles (>70%) were morphologically normal in the ovaries from all studied S. macrodon and S. cassiquiarensis females, but the ovary of the senile S. vanzolinii female presented a significant decrease in the percentage of normal follicles (primordial: 61%, transition: 52%, primary: 54%, and secondary: 48%). In general, follicular diameter increased significantly from primordial to transition, and subsequently from primary to secondary follicles.

The morphometrical analysis of gnammas (weathering pits) in granite landscapes has been used to establish the relative chronology of recent erosive surfaces and to provide the weathering history in a region. To test the validity of gnammas as relative chronometer indicators, and the reliability of the obtained weathering record, two sites have been studied in Serra da Estrela, Portugal. The first site is within the limits of the glacier that existed in these mountains during the last glaciation, whereas the second site is located in an unglaciated sector of the mountains, which preserves a longer record of weathering in the bedrock surface. The number of gnamma weathering phases recorded in the latter site (8) is larger than those from the former (6). Correlation between both measurement stations based on morphometrical criteria is excellent for the younger six weathering phases (1 to 6). Consequently, the parameter used for relative chronology (δ-value) has been verified to be age dependent, although absolute values are modulated by microclimate due to altitude variations. The weathering record was essentially duplicated once the surfaces at both sites were exposed, demonstrating the reliability of gnamma evolution as a post-glacial environmental indicator for the region.

In this article we present a comparative study of pig and cattle morphologies, and stable isotope analysis relating to pig demographic management at Levroux Les Arènes (Indre, France), to evaluate changes in husbandry practices between the Iron Age and the Roman period in Gallic societies. Results indicate the establishment of new production and distribution structures, probably before the second century bc, along with the implementation of a specific size/weight selection for the specialized production of pork. Pig and cattle size evolves progressively from the end of the third century bc. These changes are likely to be the result of an internal evolution within Gallic societies, based on local herds, but possibly they are a response to a broader changing economic climate. Within the Western Roman Empire, each province, and Italy, follows its own evolutionary pattern, which also differs between pig and cattle, suggesting that each region adapted its husbandry strategies according to its agro-pastoral characteristics, capacities, or ambitions.

Diversity amongst the different populations is one of the problems in the control of medically important mosquitoes. Wing morphometry was used to identify within-species variation amongst some populations of Aedes aegypti in three areas of Lagos State, Nigeria. Ten landmarks on the right wing of adult female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were digitized using TPSdig software. Relative distances of the veins and interpoints were calculated as well as the Euclidean distances based on these relative distances. In three (50%) of the interpoints, the relative distances were significant (P<0.05) to both the Brown–Forsythe F ratio and Welch ANOVA. The highest Euclidean distance of 7.738 was between Ebute Metta 2 and Badagry; the lowest of 4.426 was between Ikorodu and Ebute Metta 2. The distance between Ebute Metta 1 and Ebute Metta 2 was 5.867, which is more than the distance between Ebute Metta 2 and Ikorodu. Three groups of Ae. aegypti were identified, and the differences in lengths and interpoints observed on the wing veins suggest a possible morphological divergence amongst populations.