Oxidase Subunit I (oxidase + subunit_i)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Life Sciences

Kinds of Oxidase Subunit I

  • c oxidase subunit i
  • cytochrome c oxidase subunit i
  • cytochrome oxidase subunit i
  • mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit i
  • mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit i

  • Terms modified by Oxidase Subunit I

  • oxidase subunit i gene

  • Selected Abstracts


    Development and characterization of three new diploid cell lines from Labeo rohita (Ham.)

    BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 4 2010
    Wazir S. Lakra
    Abstract Development of cell lines from fish for identifying the pathogenesis of viral diseases and for vaccine production against viral and bacterial diseases is imperative where they are of commercial importance. Three new diploid fish cell lines (RF, RH, and RSB) were developed from fin, heart, and swim bladder of an Indian major carp, Labeo rohita, commonly called Rohu. All the cell lines were optimally maintained at 28°C in Leibovitz-15 medium supplemented with 10% FBS. The propagation of RH and RSB cells was serum dependent, with a low plating efficiency (<16%), whereas RF cells showed 20% efficiency. The cytogenetic analysis revealed a diploid count of 50 chromosomes. The cells of RF and RSB were found to be epithelial, where as the cells of RH were mostly fibroblastic. The viability of the RF, RH, and RSB cell lines was 75, 70 and 72%, respectively after 6 months of storage in liquid nitrogen. The origin of the cell lines was confirmed by the amplification of 496 and 655 bp fragments of 16S rRNA and Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I (COI) of mtDNA. The new cell lines would facilitate viral disease diagnosis and genomic studies. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010 [source]


    BIODIVERSITY RESEARCH: Genetic diversity in two introduced biofouling amphipods (Ampithoe valida & Jassa marmorata) along the Pacific North American coast: investigation into molecular identification and cryptic diversity

    DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS, Issue 5 2010
    Erik M. Pilgrim
    Abstract Aim, We investigated patterns of genetic diversity among invasive populations of Ampithoe valida and Jassa marmorata from the Pacific North American coast to assess the accuracy of morphological identification and determine whether or not cryptic diversity and multiple introductions contribute to the contemporary distribution of these species in the region. Location, Native range: Atlantic North American coast; Invaded range: Pacific North American coast. Methods, We assessed indices of genetic diversity based on DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, determined the distribution of COI haplotypes among populations in both the invasive and putative native ranges of A. valida and J. marmorata and reconstructed phylogenetic relationships among COI haplotypes using both maximum parsimony and Bayesian approaches. Results, Phylogenetic inference indicates that inaccurate species-level identifications by morphological criteria are common among Jassa specimens. In addition, our data reveal the presence of three well supported but previously unrecognized clades of A. valida among specimens in the north-eastern Pacific. Different species of Jassa and different genetic lineages of Ampithoe exhibit striking disparity in geographic distribution across the region as well as substantial differences in genetic diversity indices. Main conclusions, Molecular genetic methods greatly improve the accuracy and resolution of identifications for invasive benthic marine amphipods at the species level and below. Our data suggest that multiple cryptic introductions of Ampithoe have occurred in the north-eastern Pacific and highlight uncertainty regarding the origin and invasion histories of both Jassa and Ampithoe species. Additional morphological and genetic analyses are necessary to clarify the taxonomy and native biogeography of both amphipod genera. [source]


    Genetic population structure of the net-winged midge, Elporia barnardi (Diptera: Blephariceridae) in streams of the south-western Cape, South Africa: implications for dispersal

    FRESHWATER BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2003
    M. J. Wishart
    SUMMARY 1.,The net-winged midges (Diptera: Blephariceridae), with highly specific habitat requirements and specialised morphological adaptations, exhibit high habitat fidelity and a limited potential for dispersal. Given the longitudinal and hierarchical nature of lotic systems, along with the geological structure of catchment units, we hypothesise that populations of net-winged midge should exhibit a high degree of population sub-structuring. 2.,Sequence variation in the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) region of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was examined to determine patterns of genetic variation and infer historical and contemporary processes important in the genetic structuring of populations of Elporia barnardi. The DNA variation was examined at sites within streams, between streams in the same range, and between mountain ranges in the south-western Cape of South Africa. 3.,Twenty-five haplotypes, 641 bp in length, were identified from the 93 individuals sampled. A neighbour-joining tree revealed two highly divergent clades (,5%) corresponding to populations from the two mountain ranges. A number of monophyletic groups were identified within each clade, associated with individual catchment units. 4.,The distribution of genetic variation was examined using analysis of molecular variance (amova). This showed most of the variation to be distributed among the two ranges (,80%), with a small percentage (,15%) distributed among streams within each range. Similarly, variation among streams on Table Mountain was primarily distributed among catchment units (86%). A Mantel's test revealed a significant relationship between genetic differentiation and geographical distance, suggesting isolation by distance (P < 0.001). 5.,Levels of sequence divergence between the two major clades, representing the two mountain ranges, are comparable with those of some intra-generic species comparisons. Vicariant events, such as the isolation of the Peninsula mountain chain and Table Mountain, may have been important in the evolution of what is now a highly endemic fauna. 6.,The monophyletic nature of the catchment units suggests that dispersal is confined to the stream environment and that mountain ridges provide effective physical barriers to dispersal of E. barnardi. [source]


    A phylogeny of Vetigastropoda and other "archaeogastropods": re-organizing old gastropod clades

    INVERTEBRATE BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
    Stephanie W. Aktipis
    Abstract. The phylogenetic relationships among the "archaeogastropod" clades Patellogastropoda, Vetigastropoda, Neritimorpha, and Neomphalina are uncertain; the phylogenetic placement of these clades varies across different analyses, and particularly among those using morphological characteristics and those relying on molecular data. This study explores the relationships among these groups using a combined analysis with seven molecular loci (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, histone H3, 16S rRNA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I [COI], myosin heavy-chain type II, and elongation factor-1, [EF-1,]) sequenced for 31 ingroup taxa and eight outgroup taxa. The deep evolutionary splits among these groups have made resolution of stable relationships difficult, and so EF-1, and myosin are used in an attempt to re-examine these ancient radiation events. Three phylogenetic analyses were performed utilizing all seven genes: a single-step direct optimization analysis using parsimony, and two-step approaches using parsimony and maximum likelihood. A single-step direct optimization parsimony analysis was also performed using only five molecular loci (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, histone H3, 16S rRNA, and COI) in order to determine the utility of EF-1, and myosin in resolving deep relationships. In the likelihood and POY optimal phylogenetic analyses, Gastropoda, Caenogastropoda, Neritimorpha, Neomphalina, and Patellogastropoda were monophyletic. Additionally, Neomphalina and Pleurotomariidae fell outside the remaining vetigastropods, indicating the need for further investigation into the relationship of these groups with other gastropods. [source]


    On bivalve phylogeny: a high-level analysis of the Bivalvia (Mollusca) based on combined morphology and DNA sequence data

    INVERTEBRATE BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2002
    Gonzalo Giribet
    Abstract. Bivalve classification has suffered in the past from the crossed-purpose discussions among paleontologists and neontologists, and many have based their proposals on single character systems. More recently, molecular biologists have investigated bivalve relationships by using only gene sequence data, ignoring paleontological and neontological data. In the present study we have compiled morphological and anatomical data with mostly new molecular evidence to provide a more stable and robust phylogenetic estimate for bivalve molluscs. The data here compiled consist of a morphological data set of 183 characters, and a molecular data set from 3 loci: 2 nuclear ribosomal genes (18S rRNA and 28S rRNA), and 1 mitochondrial coding gene (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I), totaling ,3 Kb of sequence data for 76 molluscs (62 bivalves and 14 outgroup taxa). The data have been analyzed separately and in combination by using the direct optimization method of Wheeler (1996), and they have been evaluated under 12 analytical schemes. The combined analysis supports the monophyly of bivalves, paraphyly of protobranchiate bivalves, and monophyly of Autolamellibranchiata, Pteriomorphia, Heteroconchia, Palaeoheterodonta, and Heterodonta s.l., which includes the monophyletic taxon Anomalodesmata. These analyses strongly support the conclusion that Anomalodesmata should not receive a class status, and that the heterodont orders Myoida and Veneroida are not monophyletic. Among the most stable results of the analysis are the monophyly of Palaeoheterodonta, grouping the extant trigoniids with the freshwater unionids, and the sister-group relationship of the heterodont families Astartidae and Carditidae, which together constitute the sister taxon to the remaining heterodont bivalves. Internal relationships of the main bivalve groups are discussed on the basis of node support and clade stability. [source]


    Incipient speciation of Catostylus mosaicus (Scyphozoa, Rhizostomeae, Catostylidae), comparative phylogeography and biogeography in south-east Australia

    JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY, Issue 3 2005
    Michael N Dawson
    Abstract Aim, Phylogeography provides a framework to explain and integrate patterns of marine biodiversity at infra- and supra-specific levels. As originally expounded, the phylogeographic hypotheses are generalities that have limited discriminatory power; the goal of this study is to generate and test specific instances of the hypotheses, thereby better elucidating both local patterns of evolution and the conditions under which the generalities do or do not apply. Location, Coastal south-east Australia (New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria), and south-west North America (California and Baja California). Methods, Phylogeographic hypotheses specific to coastal south-east Australia were generated a priori, principally from existing detailed distributional analyses of echinoderms and decapods. The hypotheses are tested using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and nuclear internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) DNA sequence data describing population variation in the jellyfish Catostylus mosaicus, integrated with comparable data from the literature. Results, Mitochondrial COI distinguished two reciprocally monophyletic clades of C. mosaicus (mean ± SD: 3.61 ± 0.40% pairwise sequence divergence) that were also differentiated by ITS1 haplotype frequency differences; the boundary between the clades was geographically proximate to a provincial zoogeographic boundary in the vicinity of Bass Strait. There was also limited evidence of another genetic inhomogeneity, of considerably smaller magnitude, in close proximity to a second hypothesized zoogeographic discontinuity near Sydney. Other coastal marine species also show genetic divergences in the vicinity of Bass Strait, although they are not closely concordant with each other or with reported biogeographic discontinuities in the region, being up to several hundreds of kilometres apart. None of the species studied to date show a strong phylogeographic discontinuity across the biogeographic transition zone near Sydney. Main conclusions, Patterns of evolution in the Bass Strait and coastal New South Wales regions differ fundamentally because of long-term differences in extrinsic factors. Since the late Pliocene, periods of cold climate and low sea-level segregated warm temperate organisms east or west of an emergent Bassian Isthmus resulting in population divergence and speciation; during subsequent periods of warmer and higher seas, sister taxa expanded into the Bass Strait region leading to weakly correlated phylogeographic and biogeographic patterns. The Sydney region, by contrast, has been more consistently favourable to shifts in species' ranges and long-distance movement, resulting in a lack of intra-specific and species-level diversification. Comparisons between the Sydney and Bass Strait regions and prior studies in North America suggest that vicariance plays a key role in generating coastal biodiversity and that dispersal explains many of the deviations from the phylogeographic hypotheses. [source]


    Maintenance of mitochondrial DNA copy number and expression are essential for preservation of mitochondrial function and cell growth

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2008
    Jaan-Yeh Jeng
    Abstract To examine whether a reduction in the mtDNA level will compromise mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial function, we created a cell model with depleted mtDNA. Stable transfection of small interfering (si)RNA of mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam) was used to interfere with Tfam gene expression. Selected stable clones showed 60,95% reduction in Tfam gene expression and 50,90% reduction in cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene expression. Tfam gene knockdown clones also showed decreased mtDNA-encoded cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX I) protein expression. However, no significant differences in protein expression were observed in nuclear DNA (nDNA)-encoded mitochondrial respiratory enzyme subunits. The cell morphology changed from a rhombus-like to a spindle-like form as determined in clones with decreased expressions of Tfam, mtRNA, and mitochondrial proteins. The mitochondrial respiratory enzyme activities and ATP production in such clones were significantly lower. The proportions of mtDNA mutations including 8-hydroxy-2,-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a 4,977-bp deletion, and a 3,243-point mutation were also examined in these clones. No obvious increase in mtDNA mutations was observed in mitochondrial dysfunctional cell clones. The mitochondrial respiratory activity and ATP production ability recovered in cells with increased mtDNA levels after removal of the specific siRNA treatment. These experimental results provide direct evidence to substantiate that downregulation of mtDNA copy number and expression may compromise mitochondrial function and subsequent cell growth and morphology. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 347,357, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Phylogeographic analysis of Pimoidae (Arachnida: Araneae) inferred from mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and nuclear 28S rRNA gene regions

    JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH, Issue 2 2008
    Q. Wang
    Abstract Using mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and nuclear DNA 28S rRNA data, we explored the phylogenetic relationships of the family Pimoidae (Arachnida: Araneae) and tested the North America to Asia dispersal hypothesis. Sequence data were analysed using maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference. A phylogenetic analysis suggested that vicariance, instead of dispersal, better explained the present distribution pattern of Pimoidae. Times of divergence events were estimated using penalized likelihood method. The dating analysis suggested that the emergence time of Pimoidae was approximately 140 million years ago (Ma). The divergence time of the North American and Asian species of Pimoa was approximately 110 Ma. Our phylogenetic hypothesis supports the current morphology-based taxonomy and suggests that the cave dwelling might have played an important role in the speciation of pimoids in arid areas. Kurzfassung Die verwandtschaftlichen Verhältnisse der Spinnenfamilie Pimoidae (Arachnida: Araneae) wurden mit Hilfe von mtDNA COI und nuDNA 28S rRNA-Daten untersucht und die Ausbreitungshypothese von Nordamerika nach Asien getestet. Sequenzen wurden mit Maximum Parsimonie und Bayesian Inferenz analysiert. Die Analyse zeigte, dass das rezente Verbreitungsmuster der Pimoidae durch Vikarianz besser erklärt wird als durch Ausbreitung. Zeiten für Aufspaltungsereignisse wurden geschätzt mit Hilfe der Bayesischen Molekularen Analyse. Diese legt eine Abspaltung der Pimoidae vor etwa 140 Millionen Jahren nahe. Die Aufspaltung zwischen Nordamerika und Asien hat demzufolge vor 110 Millionen Jahren stattgefunden. Unsere phylogenetische Analyse unterstützt die aktuelle auf Morphologie basierende Taxonomie und zeigt, dass das Höhlenleben eine größere Rolle bei der Speziation in trockenen als in feuchten Gebieten spielte. [source]


    Differentiation of golden-ringed dragonfly Anotogaster sieboldii (Selys, 1854) (Cordulegastridae: Odonata) in the insular East Asia revealed by the mitochondrial gene genealogy with taxonomic implications

    JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH, Issue 2 2008
    T. Kiyoshi
    Abstract Molecular phylogeographical analyses of Anotogaster sieboldii (Selys, 1854) were conducted to reveal the differentiation process of insular populations. The gene genealogy based on 845 bp of the mitochondrial genes (cytochrome oxidase subunit I and subunit II) indicated that A. sieboldii includes two deeply separated lineages. These two major lineages seem to have differentiated in Miocene before the formation of the insular East Asia. One lineage includes three inner clades that correspond to the populations of northern area (the Japanese main islands, Korean Peninsula, Yakushima), Amamioshima and Okinawajima. Populations of Central Ryukyu, including Amamioshima and Okinawajima, might have been divided from the northern populations in early Pleistocene. The other major lineage includes populations of the Yaeyama Group, Taiwan and East China. The former two populations were reconstructed as a reciprocal monophyletic group. Populations of Taiwan and Yaeyama Groups would have been separated from the continental ones in Pleistocene. These two highly divergent lineages should be recognized as distinct species. Furthermore, the mitochondrial lineages revealed six genetically distinct and geographically isolated assemblages: (1) northern populations, (2) Amamioshima, (3) Okinawajima, (4) Yaeyama Group, (5) Taiwan and (6) East China. Zusammenfassung An der Libelle Anotogaster sieboldii wurden molekulare phylogeographische Analysen durchgeführt, um ihre Differenzierungen in Insel-Populationen zu erkennen. Die Gen-Genealogie (basierend auf 845 bp mitochondrialer Gene (COI und COII) zeigte, dass A. sieboldii zwei weit getrennte Abstammungslinien enthält, die sich wahrscheinlich im Miozän vor der Bildung der ostasiatischen Inselwelt differenzierten. Eine Abstammungslinie schließt drei Gruppierungen ein, die den Populationen in den nördlichen Gebieten entsprechen: die japanischen Hauptinseln, die koreanische Halbinsel Yakushima, Amamioshima sowie Okinawajima. Die Populationen von Zentral-Ryukyu, einschließlich Amamioshima und Okinawajima, ist möglicherweise im frühen Pleistozän von den nördlichen Populationen getrennt worden. Die andere größere Abstammungslinie schließt die Populationen der Yaeyama-Gruppe, Taiwan und das Östliche China ein. Zwei dieser Populationen wurden als Teil einer entsprechenden monophyletischen Gruppe rekonstruiert; die Populationen von Taiwan und die Yaeyama-Gruppe sind danach im Pleistozän von den kontinentalen Populationen getrennt worden. Diese zwei sehr differierenden Abstammungslinien sollten als verschiedene Spezies betrachtet werden. Weiterhin werden sechs genetisch verschiedene und geographisch isolierte Gruppierungen deutlich: (1) die nördlichen Populationen, (2) Amamioshima, (3) Okinawajima, (4) die Yaeyama-Gruppe, (5) Taiwan und (6) die Population im östlichen China. [source]


    Molecular phylogeny of the freshwater sponges in Lake Baikal

    JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH, Issue 2 2003
    H. C. Schröder
    Abstract The phylogenetic relationship of the freshwater sponges (Porifera) in Lake Baikal is not well understood. A polyphyletic and/or monophyletic origin have been proposed. The (endemic) Baikalian sponges have been subdivided into two families: endemic Lubomirskiidae and cosmopolitan Spongillidae. In the present study, two new approaches have been made to resolve the phylogenetic relationship of Baikalian sponges; analysis of (1) nucleotide sequences from one mitochondrial gene, the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and of (2) one selected intron from the tubulin gene. Specimens from the following endemic Baikalian sponge species have been studied; Lubomirskia baicalensis , Baikalospongia intermedia, Baikalospongia recta , Baikalospongia bacillifera and Swartschewskia papyracea . They are all grouped to the family of Lubomirskiidae. Sequence comparisons were performed with the ubiquitously distributed freshwater sponge Spongilla lacustris (family Spongillidae) as well as with one marine sponge, Suberites domuncula . A sequence comparison, of the mitochondrial COI gene revealed a monophyletic grouping of the endemic Baikalian sponges with S. lacustris as the most related species to the common ancestor. The sequences of the COI gene from B. recta , B. intermedia , B. bacillifera and L. baicalensis were found to be identical and separated from those of S. lacustris and S. papyracea . In a second approach, the exon/intron sequences framing the intron-2 of the sponge tubulin gene were chosen for the phylogenetic analysis. The intron sequences were aligned and used for construction of a phylogenetic tree. This analysis revealed again a monophyletic grouping with S. lacustris as the closest related species to the common ancestor. It is concluded that the Baikalian sponges, which have been studied here, are of monophyletic origin. Furthermore, the data suggest that the endemic species S. papyracea is the phylogenetically oldest, extant, endemic Baikalian sponge species. Zusammenfassung Die phylogenetischen Beziehungen der Süßwasserschwämme [Porifera] des Baikalsees sind nur wenig verstanden; sowohl ein polyphyletischer als auch monophyletischer Urspung werden vermutet. Die Baikalschwämme werden in zwei Familien, Lubomirskiidae und Spongillidae, eingeteilt. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird versucht, die phylogenetischen Beziehungen der Baikalschwämme über zwei Wege aufzuklären: über (i) eine Analyse der Nukleotidsequenzen eines Teils des mitochondrialen Gens der Cytochromoxidase-Untereinheit I (COI) und (ii) eines ausgewählten Introns des Tubulingens. Folgende endemischen Spezies wurden untersucht: Lubomirskia baicalensis , Baikalospongia intermedia , Baikalospongia recta , Baikalospongia bacillifera und Swartschewskia papyracea . Sie werden alle der Familie der Lubomirskiidae zugerechnet. Die Sequenzen wurden mit den entsprechenden Sequenzen des ubiquitär vorkommenden Süßwasserschwammes Spongilla lacustris sowie des Meeresschwammes Suberites domuncula verglichen. Die Sequenzvergleiche der mitochondrialen COI-Gene zeigten, daß die Baikalschwämme monophyletischen Ursprungs sind und zusammen mit S. lacustris von einem gemeinsamen Vorfahren abstammen. Die Sequenzen des COI-Gens von B. recta , B. intermedia , B. bacillifera und L. baicalensis sind identisch und trennen sich phylogenetisch von S. lacustris und S. papyracea ab. Bei dem zweiten von uns gewählten Weg wurden die Sequenzen des zweiten Introns des Schwamm-Tubulingens zur phylogenetischen Analyse herangezogen. Auch dabei konnte gezeigt werden, daß die Baikalschwämme , zusammen mit S. lacustris als dem nächsten verwandten gemeinsamen Vorfahren , einen monophyletischen Ursprung haben. S. papyracea stellt den phylogenetisch ältesten endemischen Baikalschwamm dar. [source]


    Identification of mosquito bloodmeals using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I and cytochrome b gene sequences

    MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 4 2008
    J. S. TOWNZEN
    Abstract Primer pairs were designed and protocols developed to selectively amplify segments of vertebrate mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and cytochrome b (Cyt b) mtDNA from the bloodmeals of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae). The protocols use two pairs of nested COI primers and one pair of Cyt b primers to amplify short segments of DNA. Resultant sequences are then compared with sequences in GenBank, using the BLAST function, for putative host identification. Vertebrate DNA was amplified from 88% of our sample of 162 wild-caught, blood-fed mosquitoes from Oregon, U.S.A. and GenBank BLAST searches putatively identified 98% of the amplified sequences, including one amphibian, seven mammalian and 14 avian species. Criteria and caveats for putative identification of bloodmeals are discussed. [source]


    Genetic variation in the Desert Springsnail (Tryonia porrecta): implications for reproductive mode and dispersal

    MOLECULAR ECOLOGY, Issue 6 2005
    R. HERSHLER
    Abstract Allozymes and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) sequences were analysed to determine whether populations of the western North American gastropod Tryonia porrecta (from California, Nevada, Utah, and northwest Mexico) are strongly differentiated in accordance with traditional interpretation of regional fauna as ancient relicts inhabiting isolated fragments of late Tertiary palaeodrainages. These data were also used to assess whether this species, for which males have not been recorded, is a rare example of a molluscan parthenogen. Both data sets strongly supported monophyly of T. porrecta populations. Five of the nine sampled populations consisted of a single monoallelic allozyme genotype while the others contained two to 10 distinct genotypes. Allozymic data for genetically diverse Utah populations provided evidence of clonal and sexual reproduction. mtCOI haplotypes of T. porrecta formed two subgroups which differed by 1.99,2.60%. The common haplotype was found in seven populations with rare haplotypes observed in single populations. Based on these results and an available mtCOI molecular clock for related hydrobiid snails, T. porrecta is interpreted as a primarily parthenogenetic species that undergoes occasional sexual reproduction and has accumulated substantial diversity following its mid-Pliocene to mid-Pleistocene origin. Our results also suggest that the distribution of present-day populations of these gill-breathing snails did not result from fragmentation of an ancient, well-integrated drainage but instead reflects overland colonization of habitats which only recently became available following desiccation of late Quaternary pluvial lakes. [source]


    Mitochondrial DNA sequences reveal extensive cryptic diversity within a western American springsnail

    MOLECULAR ECOLOGY, Issue 10 2003
    Hsiu-Ping Liu
    Abstract We analysed cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and NADH dehydrogenase subunit I sequence variation among 29 populations of a widely ranging southwestern springsnail (Pyrgulopsis micrococcus) and 18 regional congeners. Cladistic analyses of these sequences depict P. micrococcus as a polyphyletic composite of five well-supported clades. Sequence divergences among these clades and subclades imply the possible occurrence of as many as seven or eight cryptic species in addition to P. micrococcus. Our finding that P. micrococcus contains multiple, genetically distinct and geographically restricted lineages suggests that diversification within this highly speciose aquatic genus has been structured in large part by the operation of terrestrial barriers to gene flow. However, these sequence data also indicate that recent dispersal among hydrographically separated areas has occurred within one of these lineages, which we attribute to passive transport on migratory waterbirds. [source]


    DNA barcoding of Cuban freshwater fishes: evidence for cryptic species and taxonomic conflicts

    MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES, Issue 3 2010
    ARIAGNA LARA
    Abstract Despite ongoing efforts to protect species and ecosystems in Cuba, habitat degradation, overuse and introduction of alien species have posed serious challenges to native freshwater fish species. In spite of the accumulated knowledge on the systematics of this freshwater ichthyofauna, recent results suggested that we are far from having a complete picture of the Cuban freshwater fish diversity. It is estimated that 40% of freshwater Cuban fish are endemic; however, this number may be even higher. Partial sequences (652 bp) of the mitochondrial gene COI (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) were used to barcode 126 individuals, representing 27 taxonomically recognized species in 17 genera and 10 families. Analysis was based on Kimura 2-parameter genetic distances, and for four genera a character-based analysis (population aggregation analysis) was also used. The mean conspecific, congeneric and confamiliar genetic distances were 0.6%, 9.1% and 20.2% respectively. Molecular species identification was in concordance with current taxonomical classification in 96.4% of cases, and based on the neighbour-joining trees, in all but one instance, members of a given genera clustered within the same clade. Within the genus Gambusia, genetic divergence analysis suggests that there may be at least four cryptic species. In contrast, low genetic divergence and a lack of diagnostic sites suggest that Rivulus insulaepinorum may be conspecific with Rivulus cylindraceus. Distance and character-based analysis were completely concordant, suggesting that they complement species identification. Overall, the results evidenced the usefulness of the DNA barcodes for cataloguing Cuban freshwater fish species and for identifying those groups that deserve further taxonomic attention. [source]


    DNA barcodes for globally threatened marine turtles: a registry approach to documenting biodiversity

    MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES, Issue 2 2010
    EUGENIA NARO-MACIEL
    Abstract DNA barcoding is a global initiative that provides a standardized and efficient tool to catalogue and inventory biodiversity, with significant conservation applications. Despite progress across taxonomic realms, globally threatened marine turtles remain underrepresented in this effort. To obtain DNA barcodes of marine turtles, we sequenced a segment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene from all seven species in the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean basins (815 bp; n = 80). To further investigate intraspecific variation, we sequenced green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from nine additional Atlantic/Mediterranean nesting areas (n = 164) and from the Eastern Pacific (n = 5). We established character-based DNA barcodes for each species using unique combinations of character states at 76 nucleotide positions. We found that no haplotypes were shared among species and the mean of interspecific variation ranged from 1.68% to 13.0%, and the mean of intraspecific variability was relatively low (0,0.90%). The Eastern Pacific green turtle sequence was identical to an Australian haplotype, suggesting that this marker is not appropriate for identifying these phenotypically distinguishable populations. Analysis of COI revealed a north,south gradient in green turtles of Western Atlantic/Mediterranean nesting areas, supporting a hypothesis of recent dispersal from near equatorial glacial refugia. DNA barcoding of marine turtles is a powerful tool for species identification and wildlife forensics, which also provides complementary data for conservation genetic research. [source]


    DNA barcoding Central Asian butterflies: increasing geographical dimension does not significantly reduce the success of species identification

    MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES, Issue 5 2009
    VLADIMIR A LUKHTANOV
    Abstract DNA barcoding employs short, standardized gene regions (5' segment of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I for animals) as an internal tag to enable species identification. Prior studies have indicated that it performs this task well, because interspecific variation at cytochrome oxidase subunit I is typically much greater than intraspecific variation. However, most previous studies have focused on local faunas only, and critics have suggested two reasons why barcoding should be less effective in species identification when the geographical coverage is expanded. They suggested that many recently diverged taxa will be excluded from local analyses because they are allopatric. Second, intraspecific variation may be seriously underestimated by local studies, because geographical variation in the barcode region is not considered. In this paper, we analyse how adding a geographical dimension affects barcode resolution, examining 353 butterfly species from Central Asia. Despite predictions, we found that geographically separated and recently diverged allopatric species did not show, on average, less sequence differentiation than recently diverged sympatric taxa. Although expanded geographical coverage did substantially increase intraspecific variation reducing the barcoding gap between species, this did not decrease species identification using neighbour-joining clustering. The inclusion of additional populations increased the number of paraphyletic entities, but did not impede species-level identification, because paraphyletic species were separated from their monophyletic relatives by substantial sequence divergence. Thus, this study demonstrates that DNA barcoding remains an effective identification tool even when taxa are sampled from a large geographical area. [source]


    DNA barcoding of the endemic New Zealand leafroller moth genera, Ctenopseustis and Planotortrix

    MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES, Issue 3 2009
    PIA LANGHOFF
    Abstract Molecular techniques such as DNA barcoding have become popular in assisting species identification especially for cryptic species complexes. We have analysed data from a 468-bp region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene from 200 specimens of 12 species of endemic New Zealand leafroller moths (Tortricidae) from the genera Planotortrix and Ctenopseustis to assess whether the DNA barcoding region can distinguish these species. Among the 200 sequences analysed, 72 haplotypes were recovered, with each genus forming a separate major clade. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic methods were used to test whether species fell into reciprocally monophyletic clades. The optimal phylogeny showed that four species within the genus Ctenopseustis (C. obliquana, C. herana, C. filicis and C. fraterna) and three within Planotortrix (P. octo, P. excessana and P. avicenniae) are polyphyletic. Shimodaira,Hasegawa tests rejected a null hypothesis of monophyly for the species C. obliquana, C. herana, P. octo and P. excessana. Comparisons of within and between species levels of sequence divergence for the same set of seven species showed cases where maximum levels of within-species divergence were greater than some levels of between-species divergence. DNA barcoding using this region of the COI gene is able to distinguish the two genera and some species within each genus; however, many species cannot be identified using this method. Finally, we discuss the possible reasons for this polyphyly, including incomplete lineage sorting, introgression, horizontal gene transfer and incorrect taxonomy. [source]


    A set of primers conserved in genus Parnassius (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae) for amplification and sequencing of 1016 bp fragment of cytochrome oxidase subunit I from museum specimens

    MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES, Issue 3 2008
    MACIEJ K. KONOPINSKI
    Abstract Four short, overlapping amplicons covering a 1016 bp fragment of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I were developed. All four fragments were successfully amplified and sequenced in eight species of butterflies belonging to the genus Parnassius including over 100-year-old DNA from pinned museum specimens. The fragment contains sufficient variation for both inter- and intraspecific analyses. A total of 105 sites were polymorphic within 52 haplotypes found in 186 samples from Parnassius mnemosyne. [source]


    Identification of Dictyothrips betae as the vector of Polygonum ring spot virus

    ANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2010
    M. Ciuffo
    Dictyothrips betae (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is the predominant thrips species on Polygonum convolvulus and Polygonum dumetorum plants infected with a recently described tospovirus species, Polygonum ring spot virus (PolRSV). Laboratory transmission experiments (leaf disk assays) with adults collected directly in the field demonstrated the competence of this thrips to transmit PolRSV, although only at a rate of 4%. However, this increased to 16% using newly emerged larvae fed on infected leaves. Frankliniella occidentalis and Thrips tabaci failed to transmit PolRSV in leaf disk assays. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with specific primers for the N protein and Western blot analysis of adult thrips to detect the N protein confirmed the presence of the virus in D. betae individuals after feeding for at least 5 days on healthy plants. For molecular identification purposes partial sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), nuclear 28S ribosomal DNA and the elongation factor-1, (EF-1,) from D. betae were cloned. COI sequence was also used for deriving a phylogenetic tree, including D. betae. The results confirmed a relationship between this species and tospovirus-transmitting insects of the genus Thrips. [source]


    Description of Crypsiphona tasmanica sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Geometrinae), with notes on limitations in using DNA barcodes for delimiting species

    AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 2 2009
    Erki Õunap
    Abstract External morphological differences were found between Tasmanian and mainland Australian specimens of what was previously considered a single species, the Redlined Geometrid, Crypsiphona ocultaria (Donovan). Examination of genitalia showed constant differences, suggesting that Tasmanian and mainland Australian populations represent distinct species. This hypothesis was tested using DNA sequences from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and nuclear elongation factor 1-alpha (EF-1,) gene. Tasmanian Crypsiphona Meyrick populations were found to represent a distinct species, described here as C. tasmanica sp. nov. The results show that a phylogeny-based approach allows the delimitation of C. ocultaria (Donovan) and C. tasmanica sp. nov., but distance-based delimitation is problematic due to substantial overlap in intra- and interspecific genetic distances. Using nucleotide data in character-based species delimitations might be possible for discriminating between C. ocultaria and C. tasmanica, but our current knowledge does not allow the assignment of characters required for this purpose. [source]


    ,After Africa': the evolutionary history and systematics of the genus Charaxes Ochsenheimer (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in the Indo-Pacific region

    BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY, Issue 2 2010
    CHRIS J. MÜLLER
    The predominantly Afrotropical genus Charaxes is represented by 31 known species outside of Africa (excluding subgenus Polyura Billberg). We explored the biogeographic history of the genus using every known non-African species, with several African species as outgroup taxa. A phylogenetic hypothesis is proposed, based on molecular characters of the mitochondrial genes cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase 5 (ND5), and the nuclear wingless gene. Phylogenetic analyses based on maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference of the combined dataset implies that the Indo-Pacific Charaxes form a monophyletic assemblage, with the exception of Charaxes solon Fabricius. Eight major lineages are recognized in the Indo-Pacific, here designated the solon (+African), elwesi, harmodius, amycus, mars, eurialus, latona, nitebis, and bernardus clades. Species group relationships are concordant with morphology and, based on the phylogeny, we present the first systematic appraisal and classification of all non-African species. A biogeographical analysis reveals that, after the genus originated in Africa, the evolutionary history of Charaxes in the Indo-Pacific, in particular Wallacea, may be correlated with the inferred geological and climatic history of the region. We propose that Wallacea was the area of origin of all Charaxes (excluding C. solon) occurring to the east of Wallace's [1863] Line. The earliest Indo-Pacific lineages appear to have diverged subsequent to the initial fragmentation of a palaeo-continent approximately 13 million years ago. Further diversification in Indo-Pacific Charaxes appears primarily related to climatic changes during the Pliocene and possibly as recently as the Pleistocene. Although both dispersal and vicariance have played important roles in the evolution of the genus within the region, the latter has been particularly responsible for diversification of Charaxes in Wallacea. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 100, 457,481. [source]


    Hidden Mediterranean biodiversity: molecular evidence for a cryptic species complex within the reef building vermetid gastropod Dendropoma petraeum (Mollusca: Caenogastropoda)

    BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY, Issue 4 2009
    MARTA CALVO
    The reef building vermetid gastropod Dendropoma petraeum inhabits the warmest waters of the Mediterranean Sea and is considered a threatened marine species. The aim of this study was to characterize its genetic structure throughout its whole distribution range using mitochondrial and nuclear sequence data. Because of its sessile adult lifestyle and lack of a pelagic larval stage, we expected a markedly subdivided population structure with limited levels of gene flow. Fragments of the mitochondrial genes cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S rRNA (16S), were sequenced, along with the nuclear ribosomal cluster (internal transcribed spacer; ITS) in specimens from 18 localities. Our analyses identified four highly distinct phylogroups separated by a mean divergence of > 14% according to the COI sequence data or > 9% according to 16S, but differing only slightly in morphology. The nuclear data (ITS) indicated a lower substitution rate (divergence among groups of around 1%). These large genetic distances among the four lineages clearly point to the existence of a cryptic species complex within D. petraeum comprising at least four species. Differences in the characteristics of intracapsular larval development and protoconch were also detected among these lineages. The allopatric distribution of these cryptic species supports a predominantly vicariant-based cladogenetic pattern for the genus Dendropoma in the Mediterranean. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 96, 898,912. [source]


    Complex phylogeographical patterns, introgression and cryptic species in a lineage of Malagasy dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

    BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY, Issue 4 2009
    H. WIRTA
    Many taxa, including dung beetles, exhibit small-scale microendemism in Madagascar, which has contributed to the high level of species' diversity on the island. Species in the genus Nanos are numerically dominant in the dung beetle communities in rainforests in eastern Madagascar, but typically just one species occurs in any one locality. The two northern species, N. clypeatus and N. dubitatus, cannot be distinguished by either a mitochondrial or a nuclear genetic marker (cytochrome oxidase subunit I and internal transcription spacer 2). One population of the southern N. viettei is genetically highly divergent, although morphologically indistinguishable. Genetic data indicate that introgression occurred from N. dubitatus to N. viettei 1,2 Mya, and these species may continue to hybridize. Complex genetic patterns have mostly evolved within the last 2 Myr. During this time, the glacial cycles in the northern hemisphere were reflected in the oscillating climatic conditions in Africa, which repeatedly fragmented and re-united the rainforests in eastern Madagascar, possibly leading to the observed complex phylogeographical patterns in Nanos. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 96, 942,955. [source]


    Deep genetic divergences among morphologically similar and parapatric Skistodiaptomus (Copepoda: Calanoida: Diaptomidae) challenge the hypothesis of Pleistocene speciation

    BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY, Issue 1 2009
    RYAN A. THUM
    We used mitochondrial [cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (CO I), cytochrome b, and 16S] and nuclear [internal transcribed spacer (ITS) phylogenies of Skistodiaptomus copepods to test hypotheses of Pleistocene divergence and speciation within the genus. Mitochondrial (mt)DNA sequence divergences do not support hypotheses for Pleistocene speciation and instead suggest much more ancient speciation events in the genus. Skistodiaptomus oregonensis and Skistodiaptomus pygmaeus (i.e. two morphologically similar and parapatric species) exhibited uncorrected mtDNA sequence divergences exceeding 20%. Similarly, we identified three divergent clades of Skistodiaptomus pallidus that exhibited mtDNA sequence divergences exceeding 15%, suggesting that even intraspecific divergence within this morphospecies predates the Pleistocene. We found clear evidence of CO I pseudogenes in S. pygmaeus, but their presence did not lead to significant overestimates of sequence divergences for this gene. Substitution saturation and strong purifying selection have most likely led to underestimates of sequence divergences and divergence times among Skistodiaptomus. The widespread phenomenon of morphological stasis among genetically divergent copepod groups indicates that speciation often occurs with little or no morphological change. Instead, morphological evolution may occur idiosyncratically after speciation and create discordant patterns of morphological similarity, shared ancestry and divergence time. Cryptic species complexes are therefore common in copepods, and morphological species concepts underestimate their true species diversity. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 96, 150,165. [source]


    Phylogeography and morphological variability in land snails: the Sicilian Marmorana (Pulmonata, Helicidae)

    BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY, Issue 4 2008
    VIVIANA FIORENTINO
    Land snails have long been recognized as suitable organisms for studying phenotypic differentiation and phylogeny in relation to geographical distribution. Morphological data (shell and anatomy biometry on different geographical scales) and partial sequences from mitochondrial genes (cytochrome oxidase subunit I, 16S rDNA) were used to test whether morphological patterns match phylogeny in a diversified group of Sicilian rock-dwelling land snails belonging to the genus Marmorana. The taxonomic implications of the three character sets (shell and anatomical biometry and molecular data) were also considered. The inferred phylogenetic relationships do not match morphological (shell and genitalia) patterns. This result may significantly modify the current taxonomy. Mitochondrial based reconstructions define several supported clades well correlated with geographic distribution and populations were found to be distributed parapatrically. The progressive decline in mitochondrial DNA sequence similarity over a distance of 250 km is consistent with a model of isolation by distance, a pattern previously recognized for other groups of land snails. For one clade of Marmorana, colonization along Mediterranean trade routes appears to be a possibility. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 94, 809,823. [source]


    Disentangling causes of disjunction on the South Island of New Zealand: the Alpine fault hypothesis of vicariance revisited

    BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY, Issue 3 2007
    MARTIN HAASE
    Many elements of the flora and fauna of New Zealand's South Island show disjunct distributions with conspecific populations or closely-related species that occur in the north-west and south separated by a central gap. Three events have been implicated to account for this pattern: Pleistocene glaciations, Pliocene mountain building, or displacement along the Alpine fault, the border of the Pacific and Australian plates stretching diagonally across the South Island from south-west to north-east that formed during the Miocene. Disjunct distributions of species level taxa are probably too young to be due to Alpine fault vicariance. It has therefore been suggested that the biogeographical impact of the Alpine fault, if any, should be apparent on deeper phylogenetic levels. We tested this hypothesis by reconstructing the phylogenetic relationships of the hydrobiid gastropods of New Zealand based on mitochondrial DNA fragments of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (CO I) and 16S rDNA. The creno- and stygobiont species of this family are typically poor dispersers. Therefore, ancient patterns of distribution may be conserved. The phylogenetic reconstructions were in accordance with the Alpine fault hypothesis uniting genera occurring on either side of the fault. Divergence estimates based on a molecular clock of CO I indicated splits predating the Pliocene uplift of the Alps. © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2007, 91, 361,374. [source]


    Phylogenetic relationships of the spider family Tetragnathidae (Araneae, Araneoidea) based on morphological and DNA sequence data

    CLADISTICS, Issue 2 2009
    Fernando Álvarez-Padilla
    The monophyly of Tetragnathidae including the species composition of the family (e.g., Are Nephila and their relatives part of this lineage?), the phylogenetic relationships of its various lineages, and the exact placement of Tetragnathidae within Araneoidea have been three recalcitrant problems in spider systematics. Most studies on tetragnathid phylogeny have focused on morphological and behavioral data, but little molecular work has been published to date. To address these issues we combine previous morphological and behavioral data with novel molecular data including nuclear ribosomal RNA genes 18S and 28S, mitochondrial ribosomal RNA genes 12S and 16S and protein-coding genes from the mitochondrion [cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI)] and from the nucleus (histone H3), totaling ca. 6.3 kb of sequence data per taxon. These data were analyzed using direct optimization and static homology using both parsimony and Bayesian methods. Our results indicate monophyly of Tetragnathidae, Tetragnathinae, Leucauginae, the "Nanometa clade" and the subfamily Metainae, which, with the exception of the later subfamily, received high nodal support. Morphological synapomorphies that support these clades are also discussed. The position of tetragnathids with respect to the rest of the araneoid spiders remains largely unresolved but tetragnathids and nephilids were never recovered as sister taxa. The combined dataset suggests that Nephilidae is sister to Araneidae; furthermore, the sister group of Nephila is the clade composed by Herennia plus Nephilengys and this pattern has clear implications for understanding the comparative biology of the group. Tetragnathidae is most likely sister to some members of the "reduced piriform clade" and nephilids constitute the most-basal lineage of araneids. [source]


    A new model Gondwanan taxon: systematics and biogeography of the harvestman family Pettalidae (Arachnida, Opiliones, Cyphophthalmi), with a taxonomic revision of genera from Australia and New Zealand

    CLADISTICS, Issue 4 2007
    Sarah L. Boyer
    The phylogeny of the temperate Gondwanan harvestman family Pettalidae is investigated by means of a new morphological matrix of 45 characters, and DNA sequence data from five markers, including two nuclear ribosomal genes (18S rRNA and 28S rRNA), one nuclear protein coding gene (histone H3), and two mitochondrial genes,one protein coding (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) and one ribosomal (16S rRNA). Phylogenetic analyses using an array of homology schemes (dynamic and static), criteria (parsimony and maximum likelihood), and sampling strategies (optimal trees versus Bayesian phylogenetics) all agree on the monophyly of Pettalidae as well as several of its subclades, each of which is restricted to a modern landmass. While most genera as traditionally defined are monophyletic, Rakaia and Neopurcellia, distributed across Queensland (Australia) and New Zealand, are not. Instead, the species from Queensland, previously described under three genera, constitute a well-supported clade, suggesting that in this case biogeography prevails over traditional taxonomy. A taxonomic emendation of the genera from Queensland and New Zealand is presented, and the new genus Aoraki is erected to include the species of the New Zealand denticulata group. A biogeographical hypothesis of the relationships of the former temperate Gondwana landmasses (with the exception of Madagascar) is presented, although ambiguity in the deep nodes of the pettalid tree renders such inference provisional. The data suggest that neither the South African fauna, the New Zealand fauna nor the Australian fauna is monophyletic but instead monophyly is found at smaller geographic scales (e.g., Western Australia, Queensland, NE South Africa). © The Willi Hennig Society 2007. [source]


    Phylogeny of the American silverfish Cubacubaninae (Hexapoda: Zygentoma: Nicoletiidae): a combined approach using morphology and five molecular loci

    CLADISTICS, Issue 1 2007
    Luis Espinasa
    Relationships within the subfamily Cubacubaninae, the dominant subfamily of Nicoletiidae in America, are appraised based on parsimony analysis of 20 morphological characters and sequence data from five loci (nuclear 18S and 28S rRNA, mitochondrial 16S rRNA, nuclear protein coding gene histone H3, and mitochondrial protein coding gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I). The data, analyzed under direct optimization for a range of analytical parameter sets, indicated that species may show some biogeographical structure. It also indicated that the presence of articulated submedian appendages on urosternum IV is not a valid discriminating character in taxonomy. Species within the traditional genera Anelpistina, Cubacubana and Neonicoletia were found to belong to a group in which no clear morphological or molecular distinction was present. It is proposed that members of these three genera should be united within a single taxon. On the contrary, the genus Prosthecina is well supported by the data. © The Willi Hennig Society 2006. [source]


    Gnathostomulid phylogeny inferred from a combined approach of four molecular loci and morphology

    CLADISTICS, Issue 1 2006
    Martin V. Sørensen
    The phylogeny of the obscure metazoan phylum Gnathostomulida has previously only been addressed with cladistic analyses of morphological data. In the present study DNA sequence data from four molecular loci, including 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, histone H3 and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, are added to a revised morphological data matrix. The data set represents 23 gnathostomulid species that are analyzed under direct optimization using parsimony as the optimality criterion. The results obtained from analyzing the four molecular loci and combined morphological and molecular data under different parameter sets are generally very congruent, and differ only on minor points. The results clearly support gnathostomulid monophyly, as well as the basal division of Gnathostomulida into Filospermoidea and Bursovaginoidea. Filospermoidea were represented by species of Haplognathia and Cosmognathia, and generic monophyly is supported for both groups. Within Bursovaginoidea, Conophoralia (= Austrognathiidae) and Scleroperalia appear as sister groups. Monophyly of Mesognathariidae was confirmed as well, whereas the relationships between species of Gnathostomulidae and Onychognathiidae were contradicted by the molecular data when compared to morphological observations. ©The Willi Hennig Society 2006. [source]