Phylogenetic analysis of Pseudochlorodesmis strains reveals cryptic diversity above the family level in the siphonous green algae (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta)
Verbruggen, H.; Vlaeminck, C.; Sauvage, T.; Sherwood, A.R.; Leliaert, F.; De Clerck, O. (2009). Phylogenetic analysis of Pseudochlorodesmis strains reveals cryptic diversity above the family level in the siphonous green algae (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta). J. Phycol. 45(3): 726-731. dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-8817.2009.00690.x
In: Journal of Phycology. Blackwell Science: New York. ISSN 0022-3646; e-ISSN 1529-8817, more
The genus Pseudochlorodesmis (Bryopsidales) is composed of diminutive siphons of extreme morphological simplicity. The discovery of Pseudochlorodesmis-like juveniles in more complex Bryopsidales (e.g., the Halimeda microthallus stage) jeopardized the recognition of this genus. Confronted with this uncertainty, taxonomists transferred many simple siphons into a new genus, Siphonogramen. In this study, we used a multimarker approach to clarify the phylogenetic and taxonomic affinities of the Pseudochlorodesmis-Siphonogramen (PS) complex within the more morphologically complex bryopsidalean taxa. Our analyses reveal a new layer of diversity largely distinct from the lineages containing the structurally complex genera. The PS complex shows profound cryptic diversity exceeding the family level. We discuss a potential link between thallus complexity and the prevalence and profundity of cryptic diversity. For taxonomic simplicity and as a first step toward clarifying the taxonomy of these simple siphons, we propose to maintain Pseudochlorodesmis as a form genus and subsume Siphonogramen and Botryodesmis therein.
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