Martha A. Gutiérrez-Aguirre | Universidad de Quintana Roo (original) (raw)

Papers by Martha A. Gutiérrez-Aguirre

Background: In Mexico, species of four families of free-living calanoid copepods have been record... more Background: In Mexico, species of four families of free-living calanoid copepods have been recorded as inhabitants of several freshwater systems. These families are Centropagidae, Temoridae, Pseudodiaptomidae and Diaptomidae. The genera Leptodiaptomus and Mastigodiaptomus are the most speciose diaptomid genera in Mexico, and they inhabit natural and artificial lakes, ephemeral ponds, springs, and caverns. Leptodiaptomus is considered as an endemic Nearctic genus, whereas Mastigodiaptomus is a widely distributed Neotropical genus in the southern USA, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands and Central America. Based on new and recent evidence, Mastigodiaptomus diversity has been underestimated: six species of the genus were known before 2000. In this work three new Mastigodiaptomus species have been described from different regions of Mexico by using integrative taxonomy. We also gave amended diagnosis of M. nesus Bowman (1986) and M. patzcuarensis s. str. (Kiefer, 1938). Methods: In this work, the taxonomic status of the species was clarified using modern, integrative method based on the COI gene as a DNA marker, plus micro-structural analysis (based on SEM and ligth microscopy). Results: Three new species of Mastigodiaptomus were described based on genetic and morphological analyses: M. alexei sp. n., M. ha sp. n. and M. cihuatlan sp. n. Also amended description of M. nesus, morphological variation of M. patzcuarensis s. str., and a comparison of them with all known sequences within the genus are provided. These new findings show that in Mastigodiaptomus differences in several cuticular microstructures of several appendages (such as the antennules, the fifth legs, or the urosomites of these copepods) agree with the interspecific genetic divergence >3% observed in sequences of the COI gene, and the integration of this information is a powerful tool in species delineation.

Annales de Limnologie - International Journal of Limnology, 2021

On Cozumel Island, access to freshwater depends on the extraction of the resource from the aquife... more On Cozumel Island, access to freshwater depends on the extraction of the resource from the aquifer located north of the island (catchment area). Water resource management on the island must be based on updated knowledge of the indicator dynamics related to the recharge of the aquifer, groundwater extraction and the distribution of the resource. In this study, trends, variations and time series of 30 years of monthly data for precipitation, temperature, evapotranspiration, and estimated aquifer recharge were calculated for the catchment area. Additionally, groundwater extraction, water consumption for the main uses over a 13-year period (monthly data), and the 5-year status of wells were considered. The results show decreasing trends in precipitation and estimated recharge volumes in the catchment area, in addition to increasing trends in mean air temperature, evapotranspiration, water extraction volumes and consumption by the commercial sector for the considered time periods. Additi...

Hidrobiológica, 2017

Background. The dietary preferences of tropical tadpoles and the way they interact with zooplankt... more Background. The dietary preferences of tropical tadpoles and the way they interact with zooplankton often go unstudied in aquatic ecosystems. Goals. We investigated the interactions between Incilius valliceps tadpoles and a freshwater zooplankton community found in an artificial aquatic pond located on Cozumel Island in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Methods. We determined zooplankton abundance, richness, the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, and the proportion of each zooplankton species in the environment. We also evaluated characteristics of the tadpole population such as body size, abundance, and proportion of prey ingested as determined by stomach content analysis. We used the Jacobs selectivity index to determine tadpole prey of preference. Results. The rotifers Anuraeopsis fissa and an unidentified species of Bdelloidea group were dominant among the eight zooplankton species consumed. The selectivity index showed that I. valliceps tadpoles preferred to consume macro-zooplankton (ostracods and cladocerans) instead of the rotifer species available. Tadpoles positively chose Cypridopsis vidua throughout their growth and development and Moina wierzejskii during their early developmental stages, and negatively selected the rotifer species of the one unidentified species of Bdelloidea, A. fissa, and Epiphanes brachionus. In the presence of tadpoles, Keratella americana, Lepadella patella, and Lecane luna were either present in extremely low abundances or not found in the aquatic community, and M. wierzejskii produced males and resistant eggs. Conclusions. The findings of this study clarify the dietary needs of tropical tadpoles and their role in aquatic ecosystems.

Hidrobiologica, Aug 15, 2017

Journal of Crustacean Biology, 2003

Among several other cases of taxonomic indefinition within the cyclopoid copepod genus Mesocyclop... more Among several other cases of taxonomic indefinition within the cyclopoid copepod genus Mesocyclops, we selected and examined in detail two neotropical species with overlapping distributional ranges: M. meridianus (Kiefer, 1926) and M. brasilianus Kiefer, 1933. The latter has long been considered as a synonym of M. meridianus by some authors, while other specialists recognize both forms as valid. The available descriptions were not detailed enough to determine the taxonomic status of the two. Upgraded descriptive standards, including SEM analysis, were used in order to provide morphological data for both species, emphasizing microcharacters. After examination and comparison of both male and female specimens collected in several neotropical areas (Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Venezuela), we confirmed that M. brasilianus and M. meridianus are in fact valid, separate taxa. This statement was based on previously undetected differences in the ornamentation of the antennules, antennal basis, maxillulae, maxillae, and swimming legs 3 and 4, among other structures. A detailed complementary description and depiction of both species is provided herein. Males of both species are described in full for the first time. This kind of analysis is expected to mark new standards and to become a major tool in redefining the species limits of the neotropical Mesocyclops. Currently, the accurate identification of freshwater cyclopoid copepod species is difficult because of their morphological plasticity (Korovchinsky, 2000). This is particularly true in Mesocyclops. Studies emphasizing microcharacters (Holynska, 2000b) have shown that some of these, i.e., the shape of the seminal receptacle, the ornamentation of the coxa and basis of the fourth swimming leg, and the ornamentation of the antennal basis, among other characters, are useful to establish reliable limits among the species of Mesocyclops (see Kiefer, 1981; Van de Velde, 1984; Fiers and Van de Velde, 1984). Some of these characters have been used to describe species from the Old World (Kiefer, 1981; Van de Velde, 1984; Holynska, 2000b). Conversely, the taxonomic history of most neotropical species of Mesocyclops is plagued by descriptions that are inadequate for subsequently recognizing the same taxon (Gutiérrez-Aguirre and Suárez-Morales, 2001). There is a long-standing confusion between two neotropical nominal species, M. meridianus (Kiefer, 1926) and M. brasilianus Kiefer, 1933. The status of these two taxa is uncertain; some authors have considered the latter as a synonym of M.

Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington, 2003

The mandibular edge of males and females of several American species of the cyclopoid genus Mesoc... more The mandibular edge of males and females of several American species of the cyclopoid genus Mesocyclops was examined. The general structure, arrangement, and size of teeth was assessed for each species and shown to be variable among them. We used a modified version of a previous index, the Gnathal Index (GI) plus the Mandibular Size Index (MSI), and the Mandibular Power Index (MPI) which, together are expected to 1) provide a quantitative measure of morphologic variation amongst species and 2) suggest the feeding habits of these species. All species showed different values in terms of teeth number, size, and arrangement, as indicated by results of these indices. Known predatory species (i.e., M. edax, M. longisetus, and M. aspericornis) showed high values of MSI and MPI. The MSI values were positively correlated to the total body length. Our data suggest a predatory capability for these two species. Mesocyclops yutsil, M. reidae, and M. chaci had the lowest MPI and MSI values; they represent a group that probably are detritivores. The remaining species, all with lower MPI values, are probably omnivores. For the species examined here, most males are smaller than females but their mandibles tend to be similar in relative size and structure. Experimental observations support our conclusions about the predatory forms. Feeding experiments are needed to determine the limits of these indices for most species in the second and third groups.

Zoosystema, 2000

From plankton and littoral samples obtained in several freshwater environments in the Mexican sta... more From plankton and littoral samples obtained in several freshwater environments in the Mexican state of Tabasco, the diaptomid calanoid copepod Prionodiaptomus colombiensis Thiébaud, 1912 is recorded herein. The Tabasco specimens were illustrated by camera lucida drawings and with the help of Scanning Electron Microscopy. When compared with descriptions and illustrations of other workers, they show slight morphological variations in several structures such as the male and female fifth legs, and the urosome. These differences were considered to be within the range of species variation. The distributional range of this South American species had its northern limit in Guatemala. Prionodiaptomus colombiensis has been regarded as indicating the extent of the influence of the South American diaptomid copepod fauna into Central America. Hence, this record allows a biogeographically relevant northwards extension of its known range, showing an unexpected influence of the South American diaptomid fauna in Mexico.

Crustaceana, 2000

A limnological survey carried out during January 1998 in the state of Tabasco, southeastern Mexic... more A limnological survey carried out during January 1998 in the state of Tabasco, southeastern Mexico, established the occurrence of the Eurasian freshwater copepod Thermocyclops crassus (Fischer, 1853) at several sites. This species can be distinguished from the morphologically close T. decipiens (Kiefer, 1929) by its seminal receptacle, with a clear "T" shape, female genital somite length/width ratio exceeding 1.2, furcal length/width ratio below 2.5, and the ornamentation on the connecting lamellae of legs 1 and 4. The introduction of this eurytopic species in freshwater systems of Tabasco is probably related to aquacultural activities. This record increases the number of species of Thermocyclops known in Mexico, and is the rst documented record of an introduced freshwater copepod species in this country. A key for the identi cation of the species known in Mexico and Central America is presented.

Crustaceana, 2002

The known distribution of Mesocyclops aspericornis in the Americas included the central and north... more The known distribution of Mesocyclops aspericornis in the Americas included the central and northern areas of South America and the insular Caribbean. It had not been collected before in continental North America. The analysis of samples collected in a pond in the state of Sinaloa, on the Paci c coast of Mexico, yielded female individuals of this species. The Mexican individuals tended to be smaller than the African females (1.14-1.20 mm vs 1.3-1.5 mm), but the morphology of the Mexican specimens is identical in most characters to that described or depicted in previous works. This is the rst morphological study of this species aided with SEM; it includes detailed data on several microstructures,some of which undescribed previously. It also is the rst report of its effective occurrence in Mexico. All previous records of this species in the Americas are related to the Atlantic coasts. This record, in the Mexican Paci c area, suggests that this supposedly introduced Afro-Asian species had an alternative route of dispersion from the Paci c coast. This is also the second documented record of an introduced freshwater copepod in Mexico. RESUMEN La distribución conocida de Mesocyclops aspericornis en el continente americano incluía las areas sur y central de América del Sur y del Caribe insular. No había sido recolectada antes en América del Norte. El análisis de muestras recolectadas en un estanque en el estado de Sinaloa, costa pací ca de México, produjo la identi cación de hembras de esta especie. Las hembras recolectadas en México tiended a ser de menor talla que las africanas (1.14-1.20 mm vs 1.3-1.5 mm); sin embargo, la morfología de los especímenes mexicanos es idéntica en prácticamente todos los caracteres a las descripcionesprevias. Este es, sin embargo, el primer estudio morfológico auxiliado por microscopía electrónica de barrido (MEB); incluye datos detallados sobre varias microestructuras, algunas previamente indescritas. Este es el primer registro efectivo de la presencia de esta especie en México;

PeerJ, Jan 29, 2020

Crustaceana, 2001

The distributional and taxonomic status of the copepod genus Mesocyclops G. O. Sars, 1914, known ... more The distributional and taxonomic status of the copepod genus Mesocyclops G. O. Sars, 1914, known from tropical America, is revised. Currently, the main characters to recognize species (i.e., presence/absence of a spine on the basipodite of the rst trunk limb, the presence/absence of teethlike projections on the intercoxal sclerite of the fourth trunk limb, and the shape of the seminal receptacle) have not been strong enough to make a clear, con dent taxonomic border between morphologically similar species. This is most evident in species belonging to the M. thermocyclopoides, the M. meridianus-brasilianus, and the M. reidae-ellipticus groups. Although some species qualify as Pantropical, Neotropical, endemic, and transitional forms, it is necessary to increase collection efforts and evaluate other morphological features in order to establish the taxonomic limits within these intrincate species groups as well as to determine the real distributional range of each. RESUMEN Se revisa el estado de conocimiento taxonómico y distribución de las especies de Mesocyclops G. O. Sars, 1914 conocidas en América tropical. Actualmente, las características morfológicas para diferenciar entre especies (vg. presencia/ausencia de una espina sobre el basipodito de la primera pata torácica, presencia/ausencia de proyecciones con forma de diente sobre el esclerito intercoxal de la cuarta pata torácica y la forma del receptáculo seminal), no han sido su cientes para marcar un límite taxonómico con able entre especies morfológicamente similares. Esto es más evidente en las especies que pertenecen a los grupos M. thermocyclopoides, M. meridianus-brasilianus y M. reidae-ellipticus. Por otro lado, aunque algunas especies son cali cadas como formas Pantrópicas, Neotrópicas, endémicas y de transición, es necesario incrementar los esfuerzos de colecta y evaluar otras características morfológicas con el n de establecer límites taxonómicos más claros dentro de los grupos de especies antes señalados, así como determinar los ámbitos reales de distribución de cada una.

Sociedad y ambiente, Dec 13, 2022

De la economía lineal al manejo circular: análisis de una propuesta para cooperativas turístico-p... more De la economía lineal al manejo circular: análisis de una propuesta para cooperativas turístico-pesqueras

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Dec 31, 2000

En esta nota de investigacion se revisa el estado de conocimiento del acuifero norte de Quintana ... more En esta nota de investigacion se revisa el estado de conocimiento del acuifero norte de Quintana Roo, particularmente los estudios referentes al conocimiento biologico y a la calidad y cantidad de agua albergada en las corrientes subterraneas de la region. La zona norte de Quintana Roo presenta una alta densidad turistica con una gran demanda del recurso agua. Las evidencias muestran que de manera general poco se sabe de la calidad, cantidad y flujos de las corrientes subterraneas de la region; en el corto plazo sera necesario que se fomente su estudio, lo cual ayudaria a identificar areas de proteccion y de contaminacion de corrientes subterraneas.

International Journal of Tropical Biology and Conservation, 2000

The Majagual patch reef was surveyed 13 days after the indirect effects of hurricane Mítch with I... more The Majagual patch reef was surveyed 13 days after the indirect effects of hurricane Mítch with I m 2 quadrants and rapid assesment techniques. In comparison with an earHer survey in the Xahuayxol reef, live coral cover was low (11.5% ± 5.2), whereas ¡he cover of filamentous seaweed and old dead coral was high (53.7 % ±27.7 in bath of them). The coral community disturbance may have began several years ago, and low algal turf growth suggests indirect effects of hurricane Miteh, because of the surge suspended sedirnents. Frequeney of Faviafragum (Esper) and encrusting coralline algae encounters was higher than for other coral/alga pillrs; this suggest a possible effeet specificity.