Programa de Pós-Graduação em Sistemática e Evolução
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Doctoral Thesis Contribuições para a família Geastraceae Corda (Geastrales, Basidiomycota): biogeografia histórica, modelagem de nicho ecológico e taxonomia(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2026-02-28) Freitas Neto, Julimar Freire de; Baseia, Iuri Goulart; Sousa, Julieth de Oliveira; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9874-5419; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7242-0587; http://lattes.cnpq.br/1260730935714266; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4176-5627; http://lattes.cnpq.br/0131259835303315; Freire, Fúlvio Aurélio de Morais; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1580-0222; Lúcio, Paulo Sérgio Marinho; http://lattes.cnpq.br/8301201882084757; Assis, Nathalia Mendonça de; http://lattes.cnpq.br/2687665831929783; Ferreira, Renato Juciano; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9786-2226; http://lattes.cnpq.br/5454411243270051The family Geastraceae (Geastrales, Basidiomycota) comprises widely distributed gasteroid fungi, notably the genera Geastrum and Myriostoma, which are recognized for their morphological diversity and ecological relevance as decomposers of organic matter. Despite their taxonomic and biogeographic importance, these groups remain insufficiently explored under integrative frameworks combining phylogeny, historical biogeography, and ecology. This study integrated Bayesian phylogenetic analyses calibrated with fossil and secondary age constraints to estimate divergence times, along with ancestral biogeographic reconstructions to infer areas of origin and dispersal routes. Ecological niche modeling of Myriostoma calongei and M. coliforme was conducted using MaxEnt and Random Forest algorithms combined in ensemble models, based on climatic and topographic predictors selected after multicollinearity tests. Occurrence records from herbaria, literature, and curated databases were spatially filtered to reduce sampling bias. Divergence time estimates and ancestral area reconstructions indicate an Eocene origin (~40 Myr) of Myriostoma in the Northern Hemisphere, followed by dispersal and diversification associated with paleoclimatic events. Niche models revealed ecological differentiation between the species, with distinct associations to thermal and precipitation regimes and potential conservation implications under climate change. Revision of scientific collections significantly expanded the known distribution of M. calongei in the Neotropics, including its first record for Uruguay and new occurrences across Brazilian biomes. Additionally, a new Neotropical species of Geastrum was described based on an integrative approach combining morphological and molecular data. These findings highlight the importance of integrating taxonomy, phylogeny, biogeography, and environmental modeling to understand the diversity and evolutionary history of Geastraceae.Master Thesis Libélulas (Insecta: Odonata) do Rio Grande do Norte: contribuição para o conhecimento faunístico do estado(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2025-08-29) Ferreira, Thaís da Silva; Molin, Anamaria Dal; http://lattes.cnpq.br/3998974987052314; http://lattes.cnpq.br/3648458622370844; Bellini, Bruno Cavalcante; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7881-9436; http://lattes.cnpq.br/8609476121598138; Alves, Rafael Sobral; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4975-1193; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6866771575675824The order Odonata is a group of aquatic insects commonly known as dragonflies and damselflies. Brazil has records for over 785 species of odonates, representing the highest diversity in the Neotropical region. However, knowledge about the group is asymmetrical across the country. Taxonomic and distribution data about the group in the Northeast region remains quite limited, resulting in gaps in our basic understanding of these organisms. So far, no study has conducted a comprehensive survey about odonate species in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), with only isolated records of four species reported in its territory. This study aimed to compile the first species list for the order Odonata in RN and provide information on the known distribution of these insects in the state. Additionaly, an electronic identification key was developed for part of the recorded species using the Lucid software. The data used to elaborate the list were obtained through the analysis of 2,728 specimens preserved in the Adalberto Antônio Varela-Freire Entomological Collection (UFRN – CENT) and literature records. Forty species were recorded in the state territory, distributed among 6 families and 28 genera. Thirty species are new records for the state, while 10 had been previously documented in publications. We also verified the existence of occurrence records for 34 municipalities in the state, with 25 species recorded in Serra Negra do Norte, the municipality with the highest number of registered species. The results reveal a previously unknown diversity for the state, which is consistent with the species lists of neighboring states. In addition, they confirm the correlation between sampling effort and species richness and the need to expand sampling efforts in the state, especially in the central, western, and agreste mesoregions. Finally, the results highlight the importance of conservation areas and the involvement of academic and student collaborators.Doctoral Thesis Anfípodes troglóbios da Caatinga: taxonomia, diversificação e conservação(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2025-10-09) Rocha, Matheus Arthur Lúcio da; Lima, Sérgio Maia Queiroz; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9365-4879; http://lattes.cnpq.br/8316105480397252; http://lattes.cnpq.br/9369594249003814; Ribeiro, Rayane Sorrentino; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0937-0214; http://lattes.cnpq.br/5856769424320380; Silva, Elkênita Guedes; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8869-7361; http://lattes.cnpq.br/3615377516821892; Colavite, Jéssica; Araújo, Paula Beatriz de; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7587-3936; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6693864880223173The Jandaíra Formation, an extensive Cretaceous limestone system in the Brazilian semiarid region, harbors a highly endemic subterranean fauna. Among its key lineages is Potiberaba porakuara, a relic marine amphipod whose broad distribution suggested a species complex. By expanding the sampling area and integrating genetic and morphological data, we delimited and described four new species Potiberaba sp. nov. 1– 4 all diagnosable primarily by the number of articles in antennae I and II and restricted to single caves. In contrast, we broadened the known distribution of P. porakuara to nine caves within the formation. We also expanded the occurrence of Seborgia potiguar and described three new troglobitic species of Seborgia from isolated caves and karst springs. These species are distinguished by discrete morphological traits in the gnathopods, uropods, and telson, exhibit strictly allopatric distributions, and appear to reproduce parthenogenetically patterns consistent with strong hydrogeological isolation and habitat fragmentation. Together, our findings reveal a previously unrecognized subterranean radiation of Potiberaba and Seborgia in the karst systems of the Caatinga, shaped by vicariance, microendemism, and a relict marine origin. The discovery of seven new species and the refined distributional limits of known taxa underscore the urgent need for conservation strategies to protect the fragile aquifer systems of the Jandaíra Formation.Doctoral Thesis Fungos gasteroides (Basidiomycota) na Amazônia: taxonomia e modelagem ecológica(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2023-09-26) Assis, Nathalia Mendonça de; Baseia, Iuri Goulart; Esteban, Maria Paz Martin; http://lattes.cnpq.br/1646397903899651; http://lattes.cnpq.br/1260730935714266; http://lattes.cnpq.br/2687665831929783; Silva Filho, Alexandre Gonçalves dos Santos e; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3356-6847; http://lattes.cnpq.br/9502247235296266; Melanda, Gislaine Cristina de Souza; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5667-2824; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6979293262971543; Ferreira, Renato Juciano; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9786-2226; http://lattes.cnpq.br/5454411243270051; Cabral, Tiara Sousa; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0187-3498; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4030476865559301Biodiversity has been deeply affected as a result of human activity. Habitat degradation and destruction, along with worsening climate change, are among the most significant impacts of these actions. Gasteroid fungi, a cosmopolitan group with great diversity, are subject—like fungi in general—to the same threats affecting animals and plants due to these factors. This study aimed to assess the current knowledge of gasteroid fungi in the Amazon Rainforest through a literature review and consultation of specialized databases to verify species occurrence and distribution. Additionally, we modeled the potential geographic distribution of three gasteroid fungi species (Geastrum echinulatum, G. entomophilum, and Staheliomyces cinctus) for the present and future under two distinct climate scenarios. Using three different algorithms (MaxEnt, SVM, and RF), we analyzed the environmental variables influencing their distribution. A 2022 literature checklist confirmed 83 species across 22 genera, eight families, and four orders. The most representative genus was Geastrum, followed by Cyathus, Lycoperdon, and Phallus. We provide an identification key for Amazonian gasteroid fungi genera and a distribution map of recorded occurrences. In the species distribution models (SDMs), S. cinctus showed the best performance in the evaluated metrics. The Random Forest algorithm performed best for most species, with precipitation and temperature-related variables being the most influential for distribution. Current distribution maps indicate that G. echinulatum and S. cinctus have broad suitability across much of the Amazon, while G. entomophilum has a more restricted range. Future models predict a reduction in suitable areas compared to current distributions, even under an optimistic climate scenario. This highlights the urgent need to implement conservation strategies for these species and fungi as a whole.Master Thesis O gênero Cyathus Haller (Nidulariaceae, Basidiomycota) nas coleções UFRN-FUNGOS & UFSC-FLOR: uma revisão taxonômica(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2025-02-24) Nascimento, Pedro Henrique Gomes do; Baseia, Iuri Goulart; http://lattes.cnpq.br/1260730935714266; Lima, Alexandro de Andrade de; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6446-6403; http://lattes.cnpq.br/0010503078131807; Schinaider, Kássia Jéssica Galdino da Silva; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7038-6306; http://lattes.cnpq.br/9304612925767591Fungi are key elements in maintaining the environments on our planet, due to their essential role in decomposition and nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Brazil has a wide mycological diversity and has two biomes (Cerrado and Atlantic Forest) that are considered biodiversity hotspots. The country has been suffering intense losses due to deforestation and the increase in human-altered areas, threatening the species found in these habitats. The genus Cyathus Haller, present in the Nidulariaceae family, is characterized by having a shape similar to a cone or an inverted bell, with disc-shaped structures arranged internally. It is widely distributed in Brazil, occurring in almost all biomes. Previously, it was believed that the species of this group did not occur in certain regions, however, this occurred due to the lack of specialists and incorrect identification of specimens of other genera. In this scenario, this study sought to collect samples from strategic locations to increase data on this group and reevaluate samples at the genus level or with incomplete data, in addition to understanding the diversity of the genus through the analysis of materials deposited in biological collections. The most current morphological characters proposed in recent articles were used to describe and delimit the analyzed materials. From the analysis of 114 materials, it was possible to observe an increase in the number of species deposited in the UFRN-FUNGOS and UFSCFLOR collection, from materials that were only at the genus level or unidentified. Some of these species had only a single known record or no records for some regions of Brazil. With this, it was possible to expand knowledge of the group in regions with scarcity of information, such as Acre, Ceará, Paraíba, Roraima, Rio Grande do Norte and Santa Catarina. A record of the species Cyathus badius, for the country of Cameroon. In addition, 3 possible new species were identified. With the studies, it was possible to establish a standard for better conservation of these specimens in the collections, with the aim of promoting better herborization conditions of the deposited materials.Master Thesis Revisão taxonômica da família Geastraceae Corda (Geastrales, Basidiomycota) na coleção UFRN-Fungos(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2025-02-26) Freitas, Ikaro Luiz Ferreira Santos de; Baseia, Iuri Goulart; Sousa, Julieth de Oliveira; http://lattes.cnpq.br/1260730935714266; http://lattes.cnpq.br/3168288899147158; Schinaider, Kássia Jéssica Galdino da Silva; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7038-6306; http://lattes.cnpq.br/9304612925767591; Ferreira, Renato Juciano; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9786-2226; http://lattes.cnpq.br/5454411243270051The family Geastraceae Corda comprises the genera Geastrum Pers. and Myriostoma Desv., forming a monophyletic group. Its representatives are characterized by angiocarpic basidiomata in a star shape, commonly known as "earthstar" (Geastrum) and "pepper pot earthstar" (Myriostoma). Geastrum has approximately 140 described species, 75 of which have been recorded in Brazil. The genus Myriostoma, previously considered monotypic, currently has six described species. The lack of taxonomic knowledge regarding the Geastraceae family has been addressed in recent studies, revealing the existence of cryptic species and species complexes. As a result of these discoveries, species deposited in biological collections, such as the Fungal Collection of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN-Fungos), are directly impacted due to new identifications and taxonomic reclassifications. To enhance the understanding of the species and their distribution within the UFRN-Fungos Collection, a revision of the deposited materials was conducted. This collection houses a vast number of representatives of the genera Geastrum and Myriostoma. Morphological analyses were performed on 140 specimens deposited in the collection, which were either identified only at the genus level or classified as species belonging to already established complexes, such as the Geastrum schweinitzii and Geastrum hirsutum complexes. The morphological analysis followed the standard methodology for these genera, and identification was carried out based on specialized literature. A total of 15 Geastrum species were identified, with records from 12 locations across six Brazilian states, in addition to three potentially new species. The species Myriostoma calongei was found in regions where it had not been previously recorded. Additionally, 10 new DNA sequences were generated from the materials examined. This study contributed to increasing knowledge about the biodiversity of materials in biological collections, providing a foundation for future research. Furthermore, these data are being made accessible to the scientific community through publications, the development of taxonomic keys for the analyzed taxa, and updates to databases.Master Thesis Diferenciação morfológica e ampliação geográfica de espécies de cobras corais-verdadeiras do complexo Micrurus ibiboboca (Merrem, 1820): diferentes abordagens(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2025-03-07) Duarte, André Felipe de Vasconcelos; Freire, Eliza Maria Xavier; Prudente, Ana Lúcia da Costa; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9486-6347; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6388455734228621; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4491105169767637; Curcio, Felipe Franco; Nascimento, Lyomuty Reymond de SouzaSnakes of the family Elapidae include globally renowned representatives such as the black mamba, green mamba, king cobra, and cobras of the genus Naja, known for their high toxicity and significant medical relevance. In the New World, this family is represented by the true coral snakes, notable for their striking coloration, reclusive behavior, and potent neurotoxic venom. Due to the extensive overlap of diagnostic characteristics, comprehensive taxonomic revisions often involving the redescription and description of new species are frequently carried out using both morphological and molecular traits, as these snakes also exhibit substantial cryptic diversity. Recent studies have revised the Micrurus ibiboboca complex, redescribing the taxon and describing three new species: Micrurus anibal, Micrurus bonita, and Micrurus janisrozei. However, these species exhibit considerable overlap in morphological characters, making the use of complementary tools, such as geometric morphometrics, particularly valuable for identifying new distinguishing features. As these recently described species were previously treated under the same name throughout their distribution, it is essential to investigate intraspecific morphological variation using multiple approaches, including geographic variation and/or sexual dimorphism, to enhance our understanding of their biology. In this context, the present study aimed to investigate inter- and intrapopulational differences in M. bonita, M. ibiboboca, and M. janisrozei specifically along a latitudinal gradient for M. bonita and M. ibiboboca, and across different Morphoclimatic Domains for M. bonita and M. janisrozei. Sexual dimorphism and species delimitation within the group were also tested using geometric morphometric techniques. Morphological variation was detected along the latitudinal gradient in M. bonita and M. ibiboboca, and morphological differences related to the number of body triads were observed in M. bonita and M. janisrozei across distinct Morphoclimatic Domains. This study also expands the known geographic distribution of M. ibiboboca and M. janisrozei. Additionally, it demonstrates that the four species exhibit significant differences in head shape, with sympatric species such as M. ibiboboca and M. janisrozei being more similar to each other. Only M. bonita showed sexual dimorphism in both head size and shape, while M. janisrozei exhibited dimorphism in head shape only. The results suggest that ecomorphological studies in Micrurus species should be encouraged, as this approach provides relevant insights into the biology of these organisms. Finally, this study highlights the utility of alternative tools such as geometric morphometrics in identifying traits that are undetectable through traditional methods, contributing not only to ecomorphological research but also to taxonomic studies.Master Thesis Novas espécies de Collembola (Arthropoda, Hexapoda) de áreas de transição Caatinga Cerrado no Piauí, Brasil(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2025-02-20) Rodrigues, Iandra Vitória Bezerra; Bellini, Bruno Cavalcante; Nunes, Rudy Camilo; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4838-1151; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4334165724196513; Molin, Anamaria Dal; Cipola, Nikolas GioiaSpringtails are essential arthropods in the soil's edaphic fauna, widely distributed across the planet. Ranging in size from 0.12 to 17 mm, they feed mainly on fungi, bacteria and decaying plant material, playing a vital role in soil enrichment and nutrient cycling, crucial factors for the sustainability of terrestrial ecosystems. The state of Piauí stands out for being home to an extensive area of transition between two important Brazilian biomes: Cerrado and Caatinga. This region is characterized by a diverse mosaic of vegetation types, forming an ecotone rich in biodiversity and endemism. Currently, there are about 9,600 species of springtails described worldwide, of which only 507 are known from Brazil. Although interest in taxonomic studies of springtails has grown in the country in recent decades, the state of Piauí still has scarce and punctual research. This study presents the description of three new species of Collembola from the state of Piauí with a bibliographic review of their respective genera. The specimens were previously collected between 2019 and 2023 using pitfall traps and entomological aspirators in two areas of Piauí, Palmares National Forest and Urubu-Rei Waterfall. For identification and taxonomic description, the specimens were analyzed under an optical microscope with phase contrast following specific bibliography, drawn and vectorized for the preparation of anatomical plates. The type material of the three new species is deposited at the Collembola Collection of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte and at the Invertebrate Collection of the National Institute for Amazonian Research. Our results include the description of three new species: one of Mastigoceras, a genus endemic to Brazil, being the second species described to the genus after a hundred years from the first description. In this study we also provided morphological and systematic updates to the genus; the description of the fourth species of Adisianus, a genus which until now had only been recorded from northern Brazil and Mexico; and finally, the description of the second species of Lepidosira from the Neotropical Region. We hope that some of this data will be useful for the administrations of the Conservation Units from where the material was collected.Master Thesis Padrões de abundância e diversidade taxonômica de entomobryomorpha (Collembola: Hexapoda) em um gradiente vegetacional da Mata Atlântica(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2025-02-21) Pereira, Mariane Melo; Bellini, Bruno Cavalcante; Vale, Gabriel Damasco do; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9768-520X; http://lattes.cnpq.br/2742315772574233; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7881-9436; http://lattes.cnpq.br/8609476121598138; https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4474-8750; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6787930600042572; Marques, Alexandre de Oliveira; http://lattes.cnpq.br/9676111954081646; Silva, Clécio Danilo Dias da; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7776-8830; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4235157508528733Springtails are microarthropods considered to be a basal group of Hexapoda, and are one of the most populous terrestrial taxa on the planet. They are organisms closely related to the edaphic environments and feed on organic matter, forming part of the soil's nutrient cycling chain. Because they are very sensitive to environmental changes, they are also considered efficient bioindicators of environmental quality. The Northeast region of Brazil is home to urban remnants of Atlantic Forest with a high potential for edaphic diversity, but which are subject to increasing anthropogenic pressures, and recognizing the diversity and ecological dynamics they harbor is fundamental for their management and maintenance. This study sampled the Entomobryomorpha collembolan fauna of the Parque Estadual Dunas do Natal along a vegetation gradient (High, Middle and Low Forest) and in two seasonal regimes (rainy and dry), with the aim of analyzing species richness and diversity between the seasons studied, as well as their microhabitat preferences. In addition to collecting the specimens, environmental parameters such as phytophysiognomy, air temperature and relative humidity, soil pH, leaf height and canopy cover were measured. After collection, the specimens were sorted in the laboratory under a stereomicroscope, morphotyped and mounted on slides for taxonomic identification. The analyses included: (1) PERMANOVA to test the effects of phytophysiognomies and seasonality, (2) binomial (abundance) and double Poisson negative distribution models (diversity α), (3) Whittaker's index (diversity β), and (4) IndVal for indicator species. A total of 2.335 specimens of Entomobryomorpha were collected, distributed in two families, six subfamilies, nine genera and 19 species/morphospecies in the two collection periods, with the Entomobryidae family predominating. The Lepidocyrtinae subfamily stood out for its abundance in the rainy periods, especially Lepidocyrtus sp. 1, while Lepidocyrtinus pseudoannulata showed greater tolerance to drier conditions. Diversity α and species richness were significantly higher in the rainy season, confirming the influence of climatic factors such as humidity and temperature on the ecology of these organisms. The Upper Forest showed greater diversity and abundance of species during the dry period, reinforcing the role of the denser canopy and greater moisture retention as factors favoring the maintenance of assemblages. The Lower Forest, on the other hand, with less stratified vegetation and greater exposure to the sun, recorded less diversity, especially during the dry season. The results highlight the influence of environmental factors, such as moisture availability and structural heterogeneity, on the seasonal dynamics and distribution of springtails. The predominance of indicator species, such as Rhynchocyrtus sp. 1 and L. pseudoannulata, in certain phytophysiognomies reinforces the relevance of these areas for conservation and sustainable management. This study not only validates the hypothesis that phytophysiognomies and seasonality shape the ecology of Entomobryomorpha, but also expands knowledge about their distribution in the northeastern Atlantic Forest, highlighting: (1) The role of stable microhabitats (e.g., High Forest) as seasonal refuges; (2) The relevance of generalist species (e.g., Rhynchocyrtus sp. 1) for assessing anthropogenic impacts; (3) The need for regional approaches in conservation strategies, given the variability of responses between biomes.Doctoral Thesis Taxonomia dos crustáceos troglóbios (Isopoda, Cirolanidae) e educação ambiental para a conservação do patrimônio espeleológico da Caatinga(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2024-08-28) Vale, Valéria Fonseca; Lima, Sérgio Maia Queiroz; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9365-4879; http://lattes.cnpq.br/8316105480397252; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9743-7924; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6754629216820651; Cardoso, Giovanna Monticelli; Lunardi, Diana Gonçalves; Souza Filho, Jesser Fidelis de; Pereira, Rafaela BastosThe isopods of the Cirolanidae family that inhabit the fresh waters of the caves of the Jandaíra Formation, Rio Grande do Norte, in northeastern Brazil, are unique in that they are oceanic relicts. With at least two main lineages coexisting in the region that have not yet been described, this study aimed to describe, through morphological taxonomy, a new genus composed of four allopatric species of troglobitic cirolanids, and to provide information for the conservation of these crustaceans from the Caatinga. This integrative approach involved tools, traditional taxonomy and morphometrics, to delimit these species. We analyzed the physicochemical characteristics of the biotope of the type locality. As an environmental education strategy, we applied semi-structured questionnaires to investigate the perception of elementary school pupils in the vicinity of karst regions about the underground environment and its diversity. This study provides a detailed morphological description of Cirolanidae gen. nov. and its new species, consisting of the more elongated isopods with a wider, torpedo-shaped anterior part. A detailed morphological description is given of these species distributed in four caves and one karst spring, Três Lagos cave and the karst spring of Olho d'Água do Tetéu, Crotes cave, Pedra Lisa and Olho d'Água do Cedro. At the type locality of Três Lagos Cave, the abundance of the species was significantly correlated with oxidation potential, depth, chemical oxygen demand and pH. Environmental awareness was significant among the students in relation to the living beings that inhabit caves, but awareness of the importance of conservation measures for caves and their invertebrates was significantly altered. In this way, the inclusion of activities such as visits could help to change students' perceptions and weaken the negative perception of caves and invertebrates.