DNA barcoding reveals cryptic diversity, taxonomic conflicts and novel biogeographical insights in Cystoseira s.l. (Phaeophyceae)

João Neiva, Ricardo Bermejo, Alba Medrano, Pol Capdevila, David Milla-Figueras, Pedro Afonso, Enric Ballesteros, Brahim Sabour, Donatella Serio, Eduardo Nóbrega, João Soares, José Valdazo, Fernando Tuya, Martina Mulas, Álvaro Israel, Sofia S. Sadogurska, Michael D. Guiry, Gareth A. Pearson, Ester A. Serrão

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Cystoseira sensu lato (s.l.)–encompassing the genera Cystoseira sensu stricto (s.s.), Ericaria and Gongolaria–is a diverse group of forest-forming brown macroalgae endemic to the warm-temperate North-east Atlantic. These algae have immense biogeographic and ecological significance and have been experiencing recent regional declines. Most Cystoseira s.l. display important morphological plasticity and can be confused with similar species. Therefore, species boundaries, geographic ranges and phylogenetic affinities remain imprecise for most. In the face of persistent taxonomic difficulties, several authors underlined the necessity for new molecular-based approaches, but studies so far lacked representativity, resolution and standardization. To fill in these gaps, in this study we sequenced a comprehensive collection of Cystoseira s.l. spanning its entire North-east Atlantic range for a ~1200 bp cox1 barcode, and sequenced selected individuals representing major genetic entities for a few additional plastid markers. Phylogeographic, phylogenetic and species delimitation methods revealed 27 Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units, including unaccounted cryptic diversity, and elucidated with unprecedented resolution species compositions and phylogenetic relationships within each genus. Some entities within the lineages Cystoseira compressa/humilis, Ericaria brachycarpa/crinita, E. selaginoides and tophulose Gongolaria, as well as among free-living algae, conflicted with a priori taxonomic assignments, and required the redefinition, reinstatement and recognition of new taxa. For some, diagnostic mutations and biogeography were more useful for species identifications than morphological characters or conventional barcoding gaps. A few species showed narrow geographic ranges and others were the sole representatives of their respective lineages. Several sister-species showed Atlantic vs Mediterranean complementary ranges. Phylogenetic signal of cox1 was nevertheless insufficient to confidently determine patterns of lineage splitting in several lineages and species complexes and did not improve significantly with additional plastid markers. We discuss novel systematics and biogeography insights considering the advantages and shortcomings of the barcoding approach employed, and how this comprehensive baseline study can be expanded to address multiple questions still left unanswered. HIGHLIGHTS Identification of major genetic entities of Cystoseira s.s., Ericaria and Gongolaria. A comprehensive reference cox1 barcode library for Cystoseira s.l. Updated systematics and biogeography of Cystoseira s.l.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)351-375
Number of pages25
JournalEuropean Journal of Phycology
Volume58
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 British Phycological Society.

Keywords

  • Cox1 barcoding
  • North-east Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea
  • Sargassaceae
  • macroalgae
  • marine forests
  • molecular taxonomy
  • species delimitation methods

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aquatic Science
  • Plant Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'DNA barcoding reveals cryptic diversity, taxonomic conflicts and novel biogeographical insights in Cystoseira s.l. (Phaeophyceae)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this