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A well-supported genus-level classification of any group of organisms underpins downstream understanding of its evolutionary biology and enhances the role of phylogenetic diversity in guiding its conservation and management. The lorikeets (Psittaciformes: Loriini) are parrots for which genus-level systematics (phylogenetic relationships and classification) has long been unstable and unsatisfactory. Instability has manifested through frequently changing compositions of some genera (e.g. Trichoglossus and Psitteuteles). Other genera (e.g. Charmosyna, Vini) have become so large that their phenotypic heterogeneity alone at least questions whether they are monophyletic assemblages that genera should comprise. Recent molecular phylogenetic and phenotypic studies have improved the framework with which to rationalise genus-level systematics in lorikeets but some trenchant uncertainty has remained. Here we utilise published genomic data and tetrahedral analysis of plumage colour to develop a full review of the genus-level classification of lorikeets. Using existing phylogenetic relationships and a newly estimated time-calibrated tree for lorikeets, we show where paraphyletic assemblages have misled the classification of genera. We assign six species to three new genera and six other species to four previously described generic names that have been in synonymy in recent literature. Our taxonomic revision brings a new perspective informing and guiding the conservation and management of the lorikeets and their evolutionary biology.
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Fungi inhabiting attine ant colonies: reassessment of the genus Escovopsis and description of Luteomyces and Sympodiorosea gens. nov.
Abstract Escovopsisis a diverse group of fungi, which are considered specialized parasites of the fungal cultivars of fungus-growing ants. The lack of a suitable taxonomic framework and phylogenetic inconsistencies have long hamperedEscovopsisresearch. The aim of this study is to reassess the genusEscovopsisusing a taxonomic approach and a comprehensive multilocus phylogenetic analysis, in order to set the basis of the genus systematics and the stage for futureEscovopsisresearch. Our results support the separation ofEscovopsisinto three distinct genera. In light of this, we redefineEscovopsisas a monophyletic clade whose main feature is to form terminal vesicles on conidiophores. Consequently,E. kreiseliiandE. trichodermoideswere recombined into two new genera,SympodioroseaandLuteomyces, asS.kreiseliiandL.trichodermoides, respectively. This study expands our understanding of the systematics ofEscovopsisand related genera, thereby facilitating future research on the evolutionary history, taxonomic diversity, and ecological roles of these inhabitants of the attine ant colonies.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1754595
- PAR ID:
- 10567259
- Publisher / Repository:
- DOI PREFIX: 10.3897
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- IMA Fungus
- Volume:
- 12
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 2210-6359
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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