Volume 7 (2013)

Table of Contents

by Grecebio Jonathan D. Alejandro, Elizabeth H. Arenas, Ma. Chiela M. Cremen and Axel H. Arriola

Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology, Volume 7, 2013, Pages 1-12

Abstract (Research Paper)

Abstract

Recent studies on Canthium revealed that the genus is polyphyletic. Subsequently, Canthium sensu stricto (s.s.) was re-delimited to species having paired supra-axillary spines, which led to the reinstatement of various genera in the Vanguerieae such as Keetia, Psydrax and Pyrostria. This raised questions on the generic affiliations of Philippine Canthium species as most of its members lacked spines. In an effort to revise the Philippine Canthium, the endemic spineless Canthium subsessilifolium was collected to ascertain its generic affiliation within the tribe using plastid (trnL-F region) and nuclear (ITS region) markers. The majority-rule consensus tree of combined data sets showed a wellsupported clade of the whole Vanguerieae (PP=1.00). Interestingly, C. subsessilifolium was nested within the robustly supported Pyrostria clade (PP=1.00). Morphological similarities of C. subsessilifolium with Pyrostria further supported our molecular results. Therefore, a new combination is here provided: Pyrostria subsessilifolia (Merr.) Arriola & Alejandro. This study establishes for the first time the existence of Pyrostria in the Philippines.Keywords: Canthium, ITS, Pyrostria, Rubiaceae, trnL-F, Vanguerieae

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by Miko Mariel Uy, Jamela Uy, Thaddeus M. Carvajal, Christian Zachariah R. Castro, Howell T.Ho, and       Anthony C. Lee

Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology, Volume 7, 2013, Pages 13-21

Abstract (Research Paper)

Abstract

A total of 10 PPFM bacteria isolates from the hair scalp and nasal cavity of subject volunteers was described in terms of morphological and biochemical characteristics. Isolates generate pink, small-sized, round, raised, entire and opaque colonies when cultivated in minimal salt medium with 0.5% methanol. Microscopic morphology revealed that the isolates were Gram-negative bacilli. All isolates yielded positive in urease, catalase and oxidase tests. Phenotypic characteristics conform to the features of genus Methylobacterium. Phylogenetic analysis using its 16S rDNA sequence revealed that three isolates are identified as Methylobacterium rhodesianum while seven are identified to be only Methylobacterium sp. Some PPFM bacteria isolates obtained in the study may be potential novel sequences. The presence of these bacteria in the human scalp and nasal cavity may imply that they are part of the resident or transient microbiota. More samples are needed to ascertain their association with the human scalp and nasal cavity.Keywords: Methylobacterium, PPFM, nasal cavity, human hair scalp

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by Arlene Linsangan-Tabaquero, Paulina A. Bawingan and Robert Lücking

Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology, Volume 7, 2013, Pages 22-38

Abstract (Research Paper)

Abstract

This study involves a survey of Graphidaceae lichens in the Kalahan Forest Reserve, Imugan, Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya. Taxonomic characters of the thallus, ascocarp/lirella, exciple, hypothecium, hymenium, ascospore and lichen acids were used in the identification of the lichens. A key and a checklist of the 52 identified Graphidaceae lichens are presented in this paper. Two new combinations are proposed: Pallidogramme albida (Vain.) Tabaquero, Bawingan & Lucking comb. nov. and Sarcographa dendroides (Leight.) Tabaquero, Bawingan & Lucking comb. nov.

Keywords: Graphidaceae lichens, lichenology, mycology, systematics

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by Juveneil Eissyd J. Perez and Aimee Lynn A. Barrion-Dupo

Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology, Volume 7, 2013, Pages 39-52

Abstract (Research Paper)

Abstract

Litter arthropod presence is considered important because their feeding activities facilitate nutrient cycling. However, studies to document the leaf litter arthropod community in the Philippines remains wanting. This pioneering study aimed to: 1) identify arthropod orders and families associated with leaf-litter during the early stages of decomposition; 2) measure abundance and diversity of these leaf-litter arthropods, and; 3) observe the pattern of colonization of these arthropods on decomposing leaf-litter. Two (2) 100g mixed leaf litter samples were collected every other week for 10 weeks (December 2010-February 2011). Arthropods extracted from leaf litter samples were sorted and identified. A total of 1650 individuals were classified to belong to 13 orders, namely: Acarina, Araneida, Blattodea, Collembola Dermaptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Isopoda, Lepidoptera, Psocoptera, Trichoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera. The last two orders mentioned were the most family-rich. Cluster analysis for family composition and diversity showed four discernible clusters hypothesized to have been influenced by moisture content and rainfall. This however, remains as speculation until a follow-up study is done. Also, no distinct pattern of colonization was observed. However, initial and consistent leaf litter arthropod colonizers were recognized. These were Araneida, Blattodea, Coleoptera, Collembola, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera and Trichoptera. Consistent colonizers were namely: Coleoptera, Diptera and Hemiptera.

Keywords: abundance, Berlese-Tullgren funnel, secondary growth forest

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by Lawrence M. Liao

Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology, Volume 7, 2013, Pages 53-62

Abstract (Research Paper)

Abstract

Natural history collections (NHCs) have accumulated billions of specimens as permanent records of the diversity of the world’s natural heritage. For centuries, biological museums have typically supported the goals of taxonomy, systematics, biogeography and public education. In this time of rapid environmental change, herbarium specimens in NHCs have been employed to provide phenological and distributional data that are indicative of rising temperatures and for tracking alien plant introductions. Historical herbarium materials can also provide long-term proxy datasets useful for reconstructing past ecological conditions and which may also be useful for projecting future trends. Changing times require NHCs to re-define their goals so as to remain relevant and sustainable.Keywords: biogeography, climate change, global change biology, herbaria, taxonomy

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by Shunsuke Yamashita

Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology, Volume 7, 2013, Pages 63-75

Abstract (Research Paper)

Abstract

Museum collections are composed of specimens and cultural properties of obvious and established value. Keeping information about the collect ing phase, including scholarly activit ies such as the field research through which the collections were obtained, is important. Despi te their importance, research materials such as films, photographs, audiotapes, field notes, and research manuscripts tend to get lost amid the framework of the most commonly used repositories—museums, l ibraries, and archives (also known as “MLA” or “LAM”). This neglect does not imply that these materials are valueless: in fact, they provide valuable scientific data and important records of research activities (i .e., they show the “reality of research”). When combined with col lection specimens, they could offer new perspectives on museum activities, especially the less-visible activit ies such as research, acquisition, and cataloguing. A new approach, the Research Resource Archive, Kyoto University (KURRA), demonstrates how producing digital exhibit ions could
bond research activities and their resultant specimens together.

Keywords: archive, museum collections, research materials, collection-related information, university museum, MLA, LAM

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by Masaharu Motokawa

Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology, Volume 7, 2013, Pages 76-85

Abstract (Research Paper)

Abstract

For the comprehensive understanding of the Asian biodiversity, Asian network of specimens, research, researchers, and information on the basis of equal and multilateral partnership is indispensable. Infrastructure to connect research and collection is also important to be formed and the Asian view will greatly contribute for its establishment. Future face-to-face meeting and discussion and young researchers’ development is important to strengthen and sustain the Asian network in the field of biodiversity.Keywords: Asian network, information, species diversity, specimens, researchers

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by Ayumi Terada

Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology, Volume 7, 2013, Pages 86-97

Abstract (Research Paper)

Abstract

The University Museum, the University of Tokyo (UMUT) runs two experimental projects: Mobilemuseum and Intermediatheque. Mobilemuseum aims to introduce movement within museum collection by decentralizing it and displaying it throughout the city. Intermediatheque is a new museum that opened in March 2013 in a historic building in the centre of Tokyo; it is dedicated to experimenting with innovative interdisciplinary cultural making, fusing every possible means of expression. Both Mobilemuseum and Intermediatheque are designed to re-imagine museum creativity. This article deploys them as exemplars in a discussion of how contemporary museums can redefine their raison d’être to establish a next-generation museological model, particularly in the environment of a university museum.

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Reviewed by Lawrence M. Liao

Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology, Volume 7, 2013, Pages 98-100

Book Review

Necchi, Orlando Júnior and Vis, Morgan L. 2012. Monograph of the genus Kumanoa (Rhodophyta, Batrachospermales). Bibliotheca Phycologica vol. 116, J. Cramer in der Gebr. Borntraeger Verlagsbuchhandlung, Stuttgart. 79 pages. ISBN 978-3-443-60043-3, paperback, 14 x 23 cm, €5, 00 for inquiries refer to www.borntrager-cramer.de

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Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology ISSN 1908-6865;  E-ISSN 2508-0342