Browsing by Author "Lopes, Anabela"
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- Biology and conservation of freshwater bivalves: past, present and future perspectivesPublication . Lopes-Lima, Manuel; Teixeira, Amílcar; Froufe, Elsa; Lopes, Anabela; Varandas, Simone; Sousa, RonaldoFreshwater bivalves have been highly threatened by human activities, and recently their global decline has been causing conservational and social concern. In this paper, we review the most important research events in freshwater bivalve biology calling attention to the main scientific achievements. A great bias exists in the research effort, with much more information available for bivalve species belonging to the Unionida in comparison to other groups. The same is true for the origin of these studies, since the publishing pattern does not always correspond to the hotspots of biodiversity but is concentrated in the northern hemisphere mainly in North America, Europe and Russia, with regions such as Africa and Southeast Asia being quite understudied. We also summarize information about past, present and future perspectives concerning the most important research topics that include taxonomy, systematics, anatomy, physiology, ecology and conservation of freshwater bivalves. Finally, we introduce the articles published in this Hydrobiologia special issue related with the International Meeting on Biology and Conservation of Freshwater Bivalves held in 2012 in Bragança, Portugal.
- Development and multiplexing of microsatellite loci for the near threatened freshwater mussel Potomida littoralis (Cuvier, 1798) using 454 sequencingPublication . Froufe, Elsa; Sobral, Carina; Teixeira, Amílcar; Lopes, Anabela; Sousa, Ronaldo; Varandas, Simone; Lopes-Lima, Manuel1. The Unionidae are among the most endangered fauna in the world and globally in decline. They are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation, susceptible to flow, pollution and climatic disturbances and introduction of invasive species. Despite their well-recognized ecological and conservation importance, there is a surprising lack of genomic resources currently available for European species. 2. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize microsatellites for the near threatened freshwater mussel, Potomida littoralis using 454 sequencing. 3. In order to improve genotyping throughput as well as cost-effectiveness, two multiplex-PCR reactions were designed to amplify 16 new loci. All the new 16 microsatellites were successfully combined in two multiplexed PCR with the number of alleles ranging from 2 to 25 per locus (with a mean of 10), confirming the utility of the new markers. 4. The new genetic markers can therefore be used for studying the population genetic structure and evolution of this species, e.g. to examine current levels of genetic variability within and between populations and thus to contribute to conservation and management.
- Reproductive cycle and strategy of Anodonta anatina (L., 1758): Notes on hermaphroditismPublication . Hinzmann, Mariana; Lopes-Lima, Manuel; Teixeira, Amílcar; Varandas, Simone; Sousa, Ronaldo; Lopes, Anabela; Froufe, Elsa; Machado, JorgeFreshwater mussels have decreased dramatically in Iberia over the last decades. These animals are responsible for important ecosystem services such as recycling nutrients and improving water clarity. Under this view a better knowledge on the biological features of these animals is extremely important for future conservation and management actions. In this study the reproductive and gametogenic cycle of Anodonta anatina were studied during 2 years in one population as well as the sex ratio and hermaphroditism in six distinct populations, using standard histology. Gametogenesis was continuous in both sexes and germinal epithelium in early stages of development. Gametes were present throughout the reproductive cycle. Oogenesis and spermatogenesis occurred mainly between January and May. Larvae brooding occurred between September and March and main glochidia discharge occurred over a short period (2–3 weeks) in March. For the sex‐ratio and hermaphroditism assessments a variable number of individuals were collected from several populations from lakes and rivers. Previous studies described A. anatina as mainly dioecious with only a few populations presenting occasional hermaphroditism. However, the present study indicates that A. anatina sexual behavior is influenced by environmental conditions, being mainly dioecious in rivers with increased hermaphroditism in standing waters. Although selffertilization was not confirmed, additional studies with molecular characterization of larvae using fast evolving markers should be used in future studies to enlighten this process. Overall, this study indicates that for more efficient conservation actions and management plans, freshwater mussel reproductive biology should be studied at the population level mainly in the subfamily Anodontinae.