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Recognizing cryptic species: investigations into the molecular relatedness and morphological diversity of the species of the red algal genus plocamium (plocamiales, florideophyceae)
Author(s) -
Lehmkuhl K. V.,
Saunders G. W.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of phycology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.85
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1529-8817
pISSN - 0022-3646
DOI - 10.1111/j.0022-3646.2003.03906001_96.x
Subject(s) - biology , genus , type locality , cosmopolitan distribution , ribosomal dna , species complex , dna barcoding , evolutionary biology , type (biology) , zoology , ecology , phylogenetics , phylogenetic tree , genetics , gene
Small‐subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU) sequences used in combination with anatomical and morphological data have supported elevation of the Plocamiaceae to ordinal status. The Plocamiales currently includes two genera: the free‐living Plocamium Lamouroux; and the adelphoparasite, Plocamiocolax Setchell. Plocamium includes upwards of 40 species, which are widely distributed throughout the world's oceans. Most species are clearly defined anatomically and biogeographically. In this regard the type species, P. cartilagineum (L.) Dixon (type locality: reportedly Northern Europe), is an exception. Plocamium cartilagineum is considered cosmopolitan in distribution, with individuals varying in size, and in the number and habit of ramuli in their alternating series. We have sequenced the large‐subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU) for representatives of P. cartilagineum from France, Ireland, Norway and Scotland as well as isolates from Australia and the North Pacific. These data indicate that many cryptic species, four within Europe itself, are currently included within the concept of P. cartilagineum . We present molecular, biogeographical, ecological, and morphological/anatomical data characterizing these European forms and provide taxonomic revisions that reflect this diversity within P. cartilagineum .