Molecules match morphology: mitochondrial DNA supports Bayer's Lytreia-Bebryce-Heterogorgia (Alcyonacea : Octocorallia) clade hypothesis

作者：Vargas Sergio^*; Eitel Michael; Breedy Odalisca; Schierwater Bernd

来源：Invertebrate Systematics, 2010, 24(1): 23-31.

DOI：10.1071/IS09033

• Bebryce
• Heterogorgia
• Lytreia
• molecular phylogenetics
• Octocorallia
• sclerite evolution

Several studies attempting to clarify the taxonomy and systematics of Octocorallia have highlighted the important role of molecular characters in corroborating or rejecting previous hypotheses based on morphological variation. One such hypothesis is that of a close phylogenetic relationship between the genera Lytreia, Bebryce and Heterogorgia proposed by Bayer based on morphological studies of the genera. Herein, we tested Bayer's hypothesis using the mitochondrial marker mshI. We deduced a molecular phylogeny including members of the families Gorgoniidae and 'Paramuriceidae' that corroborated the existence of Bayer's Lytreia-Bebryce-Heterogorgia clade. In addition, we provide a morphological assessment of the three genera as well as diagnoses for each of them. We also discuss, based on the phylogenetic results obtained, the evolution of sclerite morphology within Bayer's Lytreia-Bebyce-Heterogorgia clade. Finally, we propose a Tethyan origin for the Lytreia-Bebryce-Heterogorgia clade.

• 出版日期2010