Evolution Commons^™

Scorpions Of The Horn Of Africa (Arachnida: Scorpiones). Part Xxxviii. Parabuthus Puntlandus Sp. N. From Somalia (Puntland) (Buthidae), František Kovařík, František Šťáhlavský, Hassan Sh A. Elmi, Roman Štarha

Euscorpius

A new species Parabuthus puntlandus sp. n. from Somalia (Puntland) is described. Combination of five characters; metasoma V black; pectine teeth number 39–42 in both sexes; pedipalp chela length/width ratio 3.05–4.26 in both sexes; metasoma and telson sparsely hirsute; smooth inner side of the base of fingers of pedipalp chela (tubercle absent) distinguish P. puntlandus sp. n. from all other species in the region. In addition to the analyses of external morphology, we have provided descriptions of the karyotype of P. puntlandus sp. n. (2n=16). Included is also a map of distribution of Parabuthus species in Horn of Africa.

Functional Morphology Of The Primate Knee And Its Implications For Hominin Bipedal Mechanics, Catherine K. Miller

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Bipedal locomotion is central to the human condition, having shaped our evolutionary trajectory since its early emergence in the hominin lineage. Despite its importance, key questions remain about its origins and evolutionary trajectory. While many studies have focused on locomotor-related anatomies, comparatively less attention has been paid to the knee joint – a structure critical to the primate locomotor repertoire. This dissertation aims to clarify the form-function relationship of the knee in extant primates to better infer the locomotor behaviors of Miocene hominoids and Plio-Pleistocene hominins. To address these questions, this research employs a multifaceted analytical approach, integrating linear measurements, …

Elucidating The Role Of Transposable Element Derived Gene, Dplg3, In Drosophila Melanogaster, Kaisy A. Martinez

2025 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

A big fraction of most eukaryotic genomes is comprised of transposable elements (TEs). TEs are mobile genetic sequences often causing deleterious effects as they increase in copy number. On rare occasions, TEs can undergo molecular domestication, where the TE proteins are co-opted by the host to serve cellular functions. In Drosophila melanogaster, domestication from PIF/Harbinger TEs has resulted in five Drosophila PIF-Like Genes (DPLG1-4 and 8). This study focuses on investigating the function of DPLG3. In DPLG3 knock out lines, DPLG3-KO, a fraction of the progeny shows an abnormal gonad phenotype. We sought to confirm …

Uncovering The Evolutionary Origins Of Neo-Sex Chromosomes In The Insect Family Membracidae, Mary Kumah

2025 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

This research explores the evolution of the neo-XX/XY sex chromosome system of Amblyophallus exaltatus, a treehopper insect in the family Membracidae. Neo-XX/XY sex chromosome systems can evolve from an XX/X0 sex chromosome system via fusion events between the X chromosome and an autosome. Although cytological work has indicated the presence of a neo-XX/XY system within A.exaltatus, the chromosomal identity of the fused autosome and the molecular drivers behind this chromosomal fusion remain poorly understood. By performing a coverage analysis with whole genome sequence data, the parts of the A.exaltatus genome that fused with the X chromosome will be better …

Morphology Of Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus Dolomieu) In Arkansas, Robert Laroche

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

The Smallmouth Bass, Micropterus dolomieu, is one of the most important game fishes in Arkansas. Three distinct lineages are recognized from different river basins: the Northern, Neosho, and Ouachita Smallmouth Bass. Understanding the biodiversity within this species complex inhabiting different water bodies in Arkansas is important for effective management of the fisheries resource and to guide conservation efforts. But current data on distribution of distinct forms are insufficient to guide management. The primary goals of the study presented here was to quantify morphological characteristics to identify distinct lineages of Smallmouth Bass, and to determine their specific locations within Arkansas streams …

Maggot Mass Effect On The Development And Survival Of Forensic Blow Flies, Akomavo Fabrice Gbenonsi

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Forensic entomology scientists use blow flies' developing patterns to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI). However, larval aggregations produce metabolic heat, resulting in complex microclimates that may change growth timetables. This study investigates how larval density and associated temperature changes affect the development and survival of two forensically essential blow fly species, Lucilia sericata and Calliphora vicina.

This study examined how larval density and associated thermal profiles affect the development of both blow fly species. Using a split-plot design, we tested four larval densities at 25°C and 30°C, with temperature gradients measured via thermocouple at four mass positions three times …

Chromosome Evolution Model Reveals Hidden Variation In Karyotype-Driven Speciation In Ferns, Thomas Buchloh

All Theses

Because karyotype change commonly generates reproductive isolation between diverging species, rapid karyotype evolution, like that seen in plants, may increase the total rate of diversification. However, few studies have investigated this predicted relationship. Tests of this prediction have identified a positive correlation between the rate of karyotype change (specifically whole genome duplications) and diversification, but tests have been restricted to relatively small and young clades. Fortunately, novel macroevolutionary models have recently become available to investigate patterns of karyotype evolution in large phylogenies, providing new opportunity to investigate variation in karyotype driven diversification. Ferns are one of the most karyotype rich …

A Redescription Of Leiurus Libycus (Birula, 1908), Stat. N. (Scorpiones: Buthidae), Ersen A. Yağmur, František Kovařík, Victor Fet

Euscorpius

Buthus quinquestriatus libycus was described by Birula (1908) from the Libyan Desert, based on a subadult male specimen. This taxon was later synonymized with Leiurus quinquestriatus (Ehrenberg, 1828) by Vachon (1949). In this study, we re-evaluate this taxon and recognize it as Leiurus libycus (Birula, 1908), stat. n., providing a redescription based on the holotype. The type locality of this species is clarified as western Egypt (between Alexandria and Fayum). We synonymize Leiurus aegyptiacus Lourenço & El-Hennawy, 2021 with L. libycus, stat. n., syn. n.

A New Centruroides Species And First Record Of C. Tapachulaensis Hoffmann, 1932 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) From Honduras, Luis F. De Armas, Alex M. Cubas-Rodríguez

Euscorpius

A new species of striped bark scorpions, Centruroides lenca sp. n. is described, based on both sexes, from the Pacayita Volcano Biological Reserve (2,385 m a. s. l.), Ocotepeque Department, in the southwestern Honduras. By its general pattern, the new species resembles C. thorellii (Kraepelin, 1891), from which it clearly differs by having stronger and very darker pedipalp chelae, minute subaculear tubercle and basal pectinal plate with a large central pit in the female, among other diagnostic characters. Also, Centruroides tapachulaensis Hoffmann, 1932 is recorded for the first time from Honduras, on the basis of two observed or collected specimens …

Scorpions Of The Horn Of Africa (Arachnida, Scorpiones). Part Xxxvii. The Genus Hemiscorpius (Hemiscorpiidae), František Kovařík, Hassan Sh A. Elmi, František Šťáhlavský

Euscorpius

Occurrence of the rare in the Horn of Africa genus Hemiscorpius Peters, 1861 (Scorpiones: Hemiscorpiidae) is summarized, including a distribution map. A male of Hemiscorpius lipsae Kovařík & Lowe, 2022 from Djibouti is described for the first time. A new species Hemiscorpius huluul sp. n. from Somaliland is described, fully complemented with color photographs.

An Injury Healing On The Carapace Of Hottentotta Saulcyi (Simon, 1880) (Scorpiones: Buthidae), Fatih Yeşilyurt, Ersen A. Yağmur

Euscorpius

A new case of injury healing on the carapace is reported in a female Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880). An asymmetrical indentation was observed on the anterior part of the carapace, resulting from the healing of an old injury. The indentation is relatively deep, with muscle tissue visible inside it. Scar tissue is present at the end of indentation and healing tissue is present along its margins.

The First Record Of Alpiscorpius Idaeus (Yağmur & Tropea, 2017), Comb. N. From The Lesvos Island, Greece (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae), Ersen A. Yağmur, Özgün Sipahioğlu

Euscorpius

The scorpion species Euscorpius idaeus Yağmur & Tropea, 2017, previously known from Mount Kazdağı in the Balıkesir and Çanakkale Provinces of Turkey, is reported for the first time from the Lesvos Island, Greece. In this study, it is transferred to the genus Alpiscorpius Gantenbein et al., 1999. Detailed illustrations of Alpiscorpius idaeus (Yağmur & Tropea, 2017), comb. n. from the Lesvos Island population are provided.

Scorpions Of The Horn Of Africa (Arachnida, Scorpiones). Part Xxxvi. Compsobuthus Starhai Sp. N. From Somalia (Puntland) (Buthidae), František Kovařík

Euscorpius

Occurence of genus Compsobuthus Vachon, 1949 in the Horn of Africa is summarized, including a distribution map. A lectotype of C. abyssinicus (Birula, 1903) is designated. C. starhai sp. n. from Somalia (Puntland) is described and fully complemented with color photographs.

Predation Of The Scorpion Hottentotta Saulcyi (Scorpiones: Buthidae) By The Long-Eared Hedgehog (Hemiechinus Auritus) (Mammalia: Eulipotyphla: Erinaceidae) In Şırnak Province, Türkiye, Rıdvan Kurt, Ersen A. Yağmur, Tarkan Yorulmaz

Euscorpius

In this study, we report the predation of Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880) by the insectivorous mammal Hemiechinus auritus (Gmelin, 1770) in Şırnak Province, southeastern Türkiye. During a nighttime field trip, we observed a long-eared hedgehog biting a H. saulcyi individual on its prosoma. This observation confirms that long-eared hedgehogs feed on and prey upon scorpions.

Current Challenges And Preliminary Morphological Reassessment Of The Genus Chaerilus Simon, 1877 In China (Scorpiones: Chaerilidae), Victoria Tang

Euscorpius

The genus Chaerilus Simon, 1877 in China is preliminarily revised on a morphological basis, derived from the available literature and newly examined specimens. The robustness of several commonly applied species-level diagnostic criteria are evaluated. Ten species are provisionally recognized for China, including one new morphospecies, Chaerilus herta sp. n., described from 9 females, 40 males, and 2 juvenile females collected in Mêdog County. The current study only reveals and resolves several most elementary issues in the taxonomy of Chinese Chaerilus. Further molecular investigations are warranted until topotypes of certain species become available.

Scorpions Of The Horn Of Africa (Arachnida: Scorpiones). Part Xxxv. Parabuthus Starhai Sp. N. From Somalia (Puntland) (Buthidae), František Kovařík

Euscorpius

A new species Parabuthus starhai sp. n. from Somalia (Puntland) is described. Combination of two characters, pectine teeth number 56–59 in both sexes and pedipalp chela length/ width ratio 3.65 in male and 5.47 in female differ P. starhai sp. n. from all other species in the region. Included is also a map of distribution of Parabuthus species in the Horn of Africa.

Quantified Lives: Data, Bias, And The Cost Of Categorization, Colin F. Geraghty

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This project critically examines how statistical methods and data visualization have historically been used to categorize, rank, and control human populations. By exploring the works of key figures like Francis Galton, Karl Pearson, and R.A. Fisher, it traces the evolution of categorization frameworks from their eugenic roots to modern applications in artificial intelligence and global metrics like the World Happiness Report. Through interactive visualizations and historical analysis, the project invites users to question the legitimacy of these frameworks and reflect on their impact on society. At its core, this work emphasizes the need to move beyond rigid classification systems, challenging …

А Review Of Scorpiofauna Of China: Nomenclatural Notes And Updated Faunistic Catalogue (Arachnida: Scorpiones), Victoria Tang

Euscorpius

Two genera associated with the Chinese scorpiofauna are reviewed, Razianus Farzanpay, 1987 and Reddyanus Vachon, 1972. Holotype female of Razianus xinjianganus Lourenço et al., 2010 is presumed to be lost, as well as all type material of other Chinese scorpions described before 2020. Comments are given on the species composition of genus Reddyanus with a new synonym: Isometrus (Reddyanus) tibetanus Lourenço & Zhu, 2008 = Reddyanus assamensis (Oates, 1888) syn. n. Reddyanus kanak Lourenço, 2023 is tentatively considered as a nomen dubium. An updated catalogue of Chinese scorpiofauna is provided, including their type locality and type depository, protonym, synonym(s), …

Gene Model For The Ortholog Of Glys In Drosophila Simulans, Madeline L. Gruys, Madison A. Sharp, Zachary Lill, Caroline Xiong, Amy T. Hark, James J. Youngblom, Chinmay P. Rele, Laura K. Reed

Faculty Journal Articles

Gene model for the ortholog of glycogen synthase ( Glys ) in the Drosophila simulans May 2017 (Princeton ASM75419v2/DsimGB2) Genome Assembly (GenBank Accession: GCA_000754195.3 ). This ortholog was characterized as part of a developing dataset to study the evolution of the Insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway (IIS) across the genus Drosophila using the Genomics Education Partnership gene annotation protocol for Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences.

A Phylogeographic Study Of The Kentucky Endemic Cave Beetle Neaphaenops Tellkampfii Erichson (1844), Mahamad Miya

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Cave beetles are an excellent group to study evolutionary history and speciation by isolation within cave habitats. However, they are underrepresented in such studies, particularly in North America, one of the hotspots of cave biodiversity where beetles account for a significant proportion. The present research addresses this issue by focusing on the Kentucky endemic cave beetle, Neaphaenops tellkampfii, a species hypothesized to comprise four subspecies. Based on allozyme data, previous studies have noted high genetic variation within and high similarity among local populations of this beetle, suggesting complex evolutionary dynamics. In this regard, this study aims to elucidate the evolutionary …