Morphological variation in two genetically distinct groups of the golden-striped salamander, Chioglossa lusitanica (Amphibia : Urodela)

Morphometric and colour pattern variation in the endemic Iberian salamander Chioglosso lusitanica is concordant with the genetic differentiation of two groups of populations separated by the Mondego river ill Portugal. Salamanders from the south have shorter digits than those from the north. Clinal variation with a south to north increase in limb. toe and finger length was found superiniposed on this dichotomy resulting in stepped clines for characters describing appendage size. Genetic variability was paralleled by colour pattern variability in the contact zone and in northern populations. To explain the observed parallels we invoke the neutral processes of vicariant isolation. admixture in a secondary contact zone, genetic drift in addition to selection acting along all environmental gradient. Morphological constraints imposed by a highly specialized ecological niche may explain why the genetic subdivision of C. lusitanica since the early, Pleistocene has remained fairly cryptic.

Documenting the advantages and limitations of different classes of molecular markers in a well-established phylogeographic context: lessons from the Iberian endemic Golden-striped salamander, Chioglossa lusitanica (Caudata: Salamandridae)

Previous analyses of mitochondrial (mt)DNA and allozymes covering the range of the Iberian endemic golden-striped salamander, Chioglossa lusitanica, suggested a Pleistocene split of the historical species distribution into two population units (north and south of the Mondego river), postglacial expansion into the northernmost extant range, and secondary contact with neutral diffusion of genes close to the Mondego river. We extended analysis of molecular variation over the species range using seven microsatellite loci and the nuclear P-fibrinogen intron 7 (beta-fibint7). Both microsatellites and beta-fibint7 showed moderate to high levels of population structure, concordant with patterns detected with mtDNA and allozymes; and a general pattern of isolation-by-distance, contrasting the marked differentiation of two population groups suggested by mtDNA and allozymes. Bayesian multilocus analyses showed contrasting results as populations north and south of the Douro river were clearly differentiated based on microsatellites, whereas allozymes revealed differentiation north and south of the Mondego river. Additionally, decreased microsatellite variability in the north supported the hypothesis of postglacial colonization of this region. The well-documented evolutionary history of C. lusitanica, provides an excellent framework within which the advantages and limitations of different classes of markers can be evaluated in defining patterns of population substructure and inferring evolutionary processes across distinct spatio-temporal scales. The present study serves as a cautionary note for investigations that rely on a single type of molecular marker, especially when the organism under study exhibits a widespread distribution and complex natural history. (C) 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 95, 371-387.

As variaveis relevo e 'solo' na distribuicao desigual da umidade do solo. Avaliacao preliminar.

In a general way the analysis of soil water content enabled one to define which of the colluvium units hold larger water retention capacity. They are: Bela Vista, Piracema I, Campo Alegre, Bom Retiro and Treviso II. These results suggest that the contact zones among alostratigraphic units with high and low water retention capacity are potential zones for the generation of subsurface flow (throughflow). -from English summary

Diversificação das espécies de Rhinella do grupo crucifer (Anura, Bufonidae) na Mata Atlântica

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Monitoramento e avaliação da qualidade da água de duas represas e uma lagoa no município de Ilha Solteira (SP)

Pós-graduação em Engenharia Civil - FEIS

Caracterização petrográfica das zonas de alteração hidrotermal associadas aos pegmatitos da mina Bom Futuro, Rondônia

The Bom Futuro tin deposit is located in Ariquemes, north-central state of Rondônia. Since its discovery in the late 80s, the tin deposit of Bom Futuro has been explored and considered one of the leading Brazilian producers of cassiterite, exploring it mainly in secondary deposits (placers) in the vicinity of the hill Bom Futuro. The primary mineralization occurs in the contacts between quartz veins and pegmatites with the rocks of the hill and its exploitation has been the goal of new studies in the area. These bodies occur in all rock types of the hill, leading edges of hydrothermal alteration with each rock. The focus of the study is the characterization of hydrothermal alteration through the analysis of the edges of pegmatitic veins intruded on each of the main rock types found on the hill Bom Futuro, which are: biotite gneiss, biotite amphibolite, subvolcanic breccia, topaz leucogranite, topaz leucoriolito and micro melassienito porphyry. The analysis and comparison showed familiarities between the edges of alteration encountered, and possible subdivision into three main zones: the inner zone or the vein itself, intermediate zone or transition zone and the change zone where the passage of hydrothermal features to rocks features is gradual. The cassiterite and sphalerite were found scattered in three zones, however in larger quantities in the intermediate zone, near the contact