Adaptive convergence in morphological characters has not been thoroughly investigated, and the processes by which phylogenetic relationships may be misled by morphological convergence remains unclear. We undertook a case study on the morphological evolution of viverrid-like feliformians (Nandinia, Cryptoprocta, Fossa, Eupleres, Prionodon) and built the largest morphological matrix concerning th...

The taxonomic status of Pinguicula lithophytica had been challenged both in publications and discussions. It was proposed that P. is conspecific with jaraguana. Both taxa represent Cuban endemics but they are from widely separate locations. Comparison jaraguana not considered by Panfet Valdés Temple as the taxon unknown to authors; subsequent awareness did cause authors question their original ...

Eight new rbcL DNA sequences and 15 new sequences from the 5' end of the chloroplast ndhF gene were obtained from representative Dipsacales and outgroup taxa. These were analyzed in combination with previously published sequences for both regions. In addition, sequence data from the entire ndhF gene, the trnL-F intergenic spacer region,the trnL intron,the matK region, and the rbcL-atpB intergen...

Appropriately timed integration of breeding into avian annual cycles is critical to both reproductive success and survival. The mechanisms by which birds regulate timing of breeding depend on environmental cue response systems that regulate both when birds do and do not breed. Despite there being multiple possible explanations for birds' abilities to time breeding appropriately in different env...