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Book Reference Field guide to the brittle and basket stars (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) of South Africa
Brittle and basket stars (ophiuroids) are one of five extant classes of the phylum Echinodermata and have a fossil record dating back almost 500 million years to the Early Ordovician. Today, they remain diverse and widespread, with over 260 described genera and 2,077 extant species globally (Stöhr et al. 2018), more than any other class of echinoderm. Ophiuroid species are found across all marine habitats from the intertidal shore to the abyss. In southern Africa, the ophiuroid fauna has been studied extensively by a number of authors and is relatively wellknown. The last published review of the southern African Ophiuroidea however was by Clark & Courtman-Stock in 1976. It included 101 species reported from within the boundaries of South Africa. In the 40 years since that publication the number of species has risen to 136. This identification guide includes a taxonomic key to all 136 species, and gives key references, istribution maps, diagnoses, scaled photographs (where possible), and a synthesis of known ecological and depth information for each. The guide is designed to be comprehensive, well illustrated and easy to use for both naturalists and professional biologists. Taxonomic terms, morphological characteristics and technical expressions are defined and described in detail, with illustrations to clarify some aspects of the terminology. A checklist of all species in the region is also included, and indicates which species are endemic (33), for which we report significant range extensions (23), which have been recorded as new to the South African fauna (28) since the previous monograph of Clark & Courtman-Stock (1976) and which have undergone taxonomic revisions since that time (28).
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2019
Article Reference The sea cucumber Holothuria lineata Ludwig, 1875 (Holothuroidea, Aspidochirotida, Holothuriidae) re-described from the newly found type
A re-description of the little-known holothurian species Holothuria (Lessonothuria) lineata Ludwig, 1875 is given. It is based on the single recovered type specimen and an individual recently collected on Glorioso Islands, near Madagascar. A key to separate three closely related and commonly confused species, i.e., Holothuria (Lessonothuria) pardalis Selenka, 1867, Holothuria (Lessenothuria) verrucosa Selenka, 1867 and Holothuria (Lessonothuria) insignis Ludwig, 1875, is presented.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2019
Article Reference Four notable additions to the South African echinoid fauna (Echinodermata, Echinoidea)
Although a comprehensive guide to the South African echinoid fauna was published as recently as 2017, four notable additions to the fauna have emerged since that time and are reported on here. The first South African records for Histocidaris purpurata (Thomson, 1872), Echinothrix diadema (Linnaeus, 1758), Mi- crocyphus rousseaui L. Agassiz, in Agassiz and Desor 1846, and Pseudoboletia maculata Troschel, 1869 are presented. All four species have previously been recorded from the Atlantic and/or Indian Oceans and their ranges are thus extended southwards here. These additions increase the total number of echinoid species known from South Africa to 74.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2019
Article Reference On a small collection of sea cucumbers from the Mediterranean continental slope with the first report and re-description of Pseudothyone serrifera (Oestergren, 1898) (Holothuroidea, Dendrochirotida) a new species for the Mediterranean Sea
This contribution reports on six holothuroids that have recently been collected on the Mediterranean continental slope. One species, Pseudothyone serrifera (Oestergren, 1898) (Holothuroidea, Dendrochirotida), is a new record for the Mediterranean Sea (Capraia Island, Italy). This uncommon species was hitherto only known from the North Atlantic (Scandinavia, the Faroe Islands and the Bay of Biscay). We provide a re-description of P. serrifera.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2021
Article Reference Dr Claude Massin (25/08/1948—04/09/2021), in Memoriam
This contribution provides an overview of the scientific career of the late Dr Claude Massin (1948–2021), listing his scientific activities (academic career, participation to and organization of expeditions and scientific conferences, publications) as well as the taxa he described as new to science and the eponyms that were dedicated to him. The scientific career of Claude Massin is briefly sketched against the background of the personal family-life.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2021
Article Reference Homenaje a Claude Massin (1948‒2021), especialista en pepinos de mar (Tribute to Claude Massin (1948‒2021), specialist in sea cucumbers)
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2021
Article Reference Genital anatomy, jaw and radula of Guladentia subtussulcata (Helicoidea, Cepolidae), endemic to western Cuba
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2022 OA
Inproceedings Reference X-ploring new tools for paleontologists: the RBINS-RMCA micro-CT lab at your service!
X-ray computed tomography (CT-) scanning is revolutionizing the study of extinct organisms. Its non-invasive and non-destructive character makes it currently by far the most potent method to allow fossils to be studied in three dimensions and with unprecedented detail. More importantly, and differing from other 3D techniques, CT-scanning looks through and inside objects, revealing hidden structures and characters. Recent innovations in the field of CT-scanning allow obtaining details up to a few micrometers in resolution, and higher quality images of relatively dense materials, like fossils, even when wholly encased in hard sediment (Keklikoglou et al., 2019). In 2016, the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS) acquired two high-end X-ray CT machines: the micro-CT RX EasyTom and the nano-CT XRE-Tescan UniTom. Both scanners are currently nearly full time in use to help accomplishing the gigantic task of the digitization of the RBINS and Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA) type collections, the aim of two multi-year Belspo funded projects, DiSSCo-Fed (2018-2023) and DIGIT-4 (2019-2024). With about 300.000 types and 48.000.000 general specimens, 46.000 and 3.000.000 respectively in their paleontology collections, the results of nearly two centuries of intensive collecting and research, these two Belgian Federal Scientific Institutions (FSI’s) are major players in the European framework of scientific research infrastructures for natural history. Digitizing this large number of types, spread across almost the entire Tree of Life, and exhibiting an entire array of differing taphonomies, results in a steadily growing expertise of the RBINS-RMCA micro-CT lab (Brecko et al., 2018). While the newly acquired infrastructure and ongoing digitization projects are primarily oriented towards the digitization of type and figured specimens, these also offer great opportunities for researchers and teachers in various disciplines of paleontology. Targeting on researchers interested in incorporating micro-CT as a technique in their research projects, the current digitization workflow of the RBINS-RMCA micro-CT lab will be presented. While micro-CT offers many advantages, there are also pitfalls and limitations that need to be considered. Based on our expertise, and illustrated by some of our scanning results, important constraints that may block the pathway between your expectations and perfect micro-CT-imaging results that can be fully incorporated into research projects will be presented. Possible effects of some of the most important parameters that may influence the quality of the output, and thus can increase the signal to noise ratio (SNR) will be reviewed, such as the size and shape of the specimen to be scanned, the density of its matrix the specimen is made of or encased in, the presence of certain minerals (e.g. pyrite) and how these may be distributed inside the specimen (e.g. finely disseminated, dense masses or crystals), the best possible resolution in relation to the specimen and preferred output, the time needed to scan a specimen, the choice between machines to be used and their limits and different possible scan settings (e.g. beam power, filters…). Post-processing parameters to be considered are the size of the image stack output (will the computer be able to handle the amount of Gigabytes?), the time needed to render and segment regions of interest and optimize 3D-models, and which format suits best to visualize and export the data (renderings, meshes, videos, virtual sections…). While segmentation may be a time-consuming task, new developments like the incorporation of artificial intelligence (e.g. the Deep Learning function in Dragonfly ORS) offer great potential to reduce the workload in complex segmentation. Many researchers are also teachers. The reason why they may also be particularly interested in the 3D models of the already digitized types that are available on the Virtual Collections platforms of the RBINS (http://virtualcollections.naturalsciences.be/) and RMCA (https://virtualcol.africamuseum.be/). While 3D models are not intended to replace physical specimens, they may become significant teaching aids in both the physical and virtual classroom. In addition, the presence of a steadily growing number of 3D-models and animations of extant animals that are also added to these Virtual Collections, would allow teachers to connect fossils (in general incomplete) with extant (more complete) relatives. Last but not least, while the focus of this communication is largely on micro-CT, some of the many other new techniques that are being tested, used and improved will be highlighted (see e.g. Brecko & Mathys, 2020; Brecko et al., 2014, 2016, 2018; Mathys et al., 2013, 2019 for some examples). Interested in our work, expertise, techniques, equipment, or scans-on-demand? Please do not hesitate to reach out! References Brecko, J., Lefevre, U., Locatelli, C., Van de Gehuchte, E., Van Noten, K., Mathys, A., De Ceukelaire, M., Dekoninck, W., Folie, A., Pauwels, O., Samyn, Y., Meirte, D., Vandenspiegel, D. & Semal, P. 2018. Rediscovering the museum’s treasures: μCT digitisation of the type collection. Poster presented at 6th annual Tomography for Scientific Advancement (ToScA) symposium, Warwick, England, 10-12 Sept 2018. Brecko, J. & Mathys, A., 2020. Handbook of best practice and standards for 2D+ and 3D imaging of natural history collections. European Journal of Taxonomy, 623, 1-115. Brecko, J., Mathys, A., Dekoninck, W., De Ceukelaire, M., VandenSpiegel, D. & Semal, P., 2016. Revealing Invisible Beauty, Ultra Detailed: The Influence of Low-Cost UV Exposure on Natural History Specimens in 2D+ Digitization. PLoS One 11(8):e0161572. Brecko, J., Mathys, A., Dekoninck, W., Leponce, M., Vanden Spiegel, D. & Semal, P., 2014. Focus stacking: Comparing commercial top-end set-ups with a semi-automatic low budget approach. A possible solution for mass digitization of type specimens. Zookeys, 464, 1-23. Keklikoglou, K., Faulwetter, S., Chatzinikolaou, E., Wils, P., Brecko, J., Kvaček, J., Metscher, B. & Arvanitidis, C. 2019. Micro-computed tomography for natural history specimens: a handbook of best practice protocols. European Journal of Taxonomy, 522, 1-55. Mathys, A., Semal, P., Brecko, J. & Van den Spiegel, D., 2019. Improving 3D photogrammetry models through spectral imaging: Tooth enamel as a case study. PLoS One, 14(8): e0220949. Mathys, A., Brecko, J., Di Modica, K., Abrams, G., Bonjean, D. & Semal, P., 2013. Agora 3D. Low cost 3D imaging: a first look for field archaeology. Notae Praehistoricae, 33/2013, 33-42.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2021
Inproceedings Reference A new Chinese partial skeleton revives questions about the multituberculate mammal Kryptobaatar
Multituberculates are an extinct rodent-like order that lived between Late Jurassic and late Eocene, on almost every continent. Due to their extraordinary longevity, their evolutive history is important to understand. One of the most numerous and best-preserved groups is the superfamily Djadochtatherioidea from the Late Cretaceous of the Gobi Desert. All djadochtatherioid genera are monospecific, except Kryptobaatar. The large number of K. dashzevegi fossils come from Outer Mongolia, while the only two specimens found in Bayan Mandahu, Inner Mongolia, China belong to K. mandahuensis. However, a new particularly well-preserved specimen (IMM 99BM-IV/5) found in Bayan Mandahu during the 1990s Sino-Belgian expeditions seems at first sight very close to K. dashzevegi. IMM 99BM-IV/5 consists of a skull associated with cervical and thoracic vertebrae, ribs, shoulder girdle, broken right humerus and an almost complete left forelimb. It is the first specimen for which the hand is described in detail. Based on micro-CT scan and comparison, it appears that IMM 99BM-IV/5 presents morphological characters of both species of Kryptobaatar, as well as new characters of its own. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that IMM 99BM-IV/5 has an intermediate position between K. dashzevegi and K. mandahuensis and could therefore belong to a new species. However, Kryptobaatar is paraphyletic in the resulting tree, which raises again questions about intraspecific variability in multituberculates. Since only 13 specimens of Kryptobaatar out of the hundreds found have been studied, it is impossible to reliably know if IMM 99BM-IV/5 is included in the variability of K. dashzevegi or not. However, it is crucial to know this variability to define whether the genus is monospecific or not. By comparing K. mandahuensis with published specimens, we concluded that it is a valid species. This work also highlighted the lack of knowledge of the variability of the type species K. dashzevegi, without which it is impossible to clearly assign IMM 99BM-IV/5. Finally, endemism alone is not the cause of this variability, but the role of paleoenvironment or age is currently unknown.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2021
Inproceedings Reference A new small crocodylian skull from the early Paleocene of Qianshan, Anhui, China reveals an ancient Asian ghost lineage
The Crocodylia include all modern crocodiles, alligators, caimans and gharials, and their extinct relatives. They are an ancient lineage that originated around 70 million years ago. Recently, the field of crocodylian paleontology has experienced a rise in attention from researchers, however, much is still unknown about the early evolution of this group. Our research describes newly discovered fossil material comprised of a small crocodylian skull and associated partial lower jaw of early Paleocene age. It was discovered during a Belgian-Chinese expedition in Qianshan Basin, Anhui Province, China, as part of a bilateral cooperation project between the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and the Institute of Botany of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. In the present study, the fossil material is formally described for the first time. Micro-CT scans are made to visualize internal anatomical structures, as well as characters hidden by the sediment. A comprehensive morphological study is executed, revealing that the specimen is a juvenile. It likely constitutes a new species and genus, as it differs from other crocodyloids by several autapomorphies. A phylogenetic analysis based on morphological characteristics reveal that this specimen is the most basal taxon among Crocodyloidea, a group that comprises all species more closely related to modern crocodiles than to modern alligators, caimans, or gharials. Although it is not the oldest crocodyloid ever reported, it is the earliest crocodyloid in Asia. Moreover, its basal phylogenetic position implies that it is part of an ancient ghost lineage of crocodyloids that had already been around in Asia for a longer time. The presence of crocodyloid remains in the Late Cretaceous of North America and the late Paleocene of Europe suggests that crocodyloids may have migrated there from Asia early on in their evolutionary history.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2021