Molecular phylogeny of genera of gastropod from degrading environments: Thaisella Clench, 1947 and Megalobulimus Miller, 1878 (Caenogastropoda and Heterobranchia) to unravel their taxonomic complexities.

• Grant number: 23/11780-9
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology - Taxonomy of Recent Groups
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Ricardo Lopes de Simone
• Grantee: Luiz Ricardo Lopes de Simone
• Host Institution: Museu de Zoologia (MZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Jaqueline Battilana ; Rodrigo Brincalepe Salvador

Abstract

Mollusca comprises one of the most heterogeneous zoological groups on the planet, inhabiting almost all natural environments. Among the most representative lineages in marine and terrestrial diversity, two gastropod genera stand out for their taxonomic complexity, Thaisella (marine) and Megalobulimus (terrestrial). Both have in common the fact of having widely distributed species, but regionally variable, comprising potential species "complexes". As these species are fundamental for the maintenance of the ecosystem in which they are inserted, the project aims to investigate the genetic diversity of these "complexes" of species, through material deposited in collections and from field collection. Partial sequencing of mitochondrial genes [cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), 16s rRNA] and a nuclear gene (28s rRNA) will be used as a molecular tool. Research is part of two ongoing doctoral projects, and is urgently needed to better understand the population genetics and biogeography of the groups. It is expected, therefore, that the aid of this molecular tool, added to the morpho-anatomical study in progress, will allow the taxonomic resolution of key species of both genera, since the traditional approach of taxonomic studies has not satisfactorily resolved the identifications. (AU)