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Widely distributed red algae often represent hidden introductions, complexes of cryptic species or species with strong phylogeographic structure.

Diaz-Tapia, P., Maggs, C., Macaya, E.C. and Verbruggen, H., 2018. Widely distributed red algae often represent hidden introductions, complexes of cryptic species or species with strong phylogeographic structure. Journal of Phycology, 54 (6), 829-839.

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DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12778

Abstract

Despite studies suggesting that most seaweeds are poor dispersers, many red algal species are reported to have circumglobal distributions. Such distributions have mostly been based on morphological identifications, but molecular data have revealed a range of issues with morphologically defined species boundaries. Consequently, the real distribution of such reportedly circumglobal species must be questioned. In this study, we analyzed molecular datasets (rbcL gene) of nine species in the Rhodomelaceae for which samples were available from widely spaced geographical locations. Three overall patterns were identified: 1) species showing strong phylogeographic structure (i.e., phylogenetic similarity correlates with geographical provenance), often to the point that populations from different locations could be considered as different species (Lophosiphonia obscura, Ophidocladus simpliciusculus, Polysiphonia villum and Xiphosiphonia pinnulata); 2) species with a broad distribution that is explained, in part, by putative human-mediated transport (Symphyocladia dendroidea and Polysiphonia devoniensis); and 3) non-monophyletic complexes of cryptic species, most with a more restricted distribution than previously thought (Herposiphonia tenella, S. dendroidea and the X. pennata complex that includes the species X. pinnulata and S. spinifera). This study shows that widely distributed species are the exception in marine red algae, unless they have been spread by humans. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Item Type:Article
ISSN:0022-3646
Uncontrolled Keywords:Herposiphonieae; Polysiphonieae; Pterosiphonieae; Rhodomelaceae; introductions; new record; phylogeography ; rbcL ; species boundaries ; species complexes
Group:Faculty of Science & Technology
ID Code:31291
Deposited By: Symplectic RT2
Deposited On:01 Oct 2018 09:24
Last Modified:14 Mar 2022 14:12

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