Molecular delimitation of species of the genus Phenacorhamdia Dahl, 1961 (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae)

• Grant number: 22/06543-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2022
• End date: July 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Animal Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Claudio de Oliveira
• Grantee: Yasmim Cibeli Simão Souza
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/13433-6 - Phylogeny and molecular identification of fishes of the superorder Ostariophysi (Chordata: Actinopterygii) using genomic approaches, AP.TEM

Abstract

Taxonomy is the discipline within biology responsible for the study of the diversity of organisms. Thus, the central priority in taxonomy research is the discovery and delimitation of species, which is the process of identifying and delineating distinct organic entities in nature. The rigor in the delimitation can be increased when complementary data of a different nature are used, such as example, molecular data. The advance in sequencing combined with the emergence of new models of molecular delimitation of species has allowed the discovery of many new species for science and has also contributed enormously to the resolution of old taxonomic dilemmas existing in complex groups. Phenacorhamdia is a genus of Heptateridae whose species are widely distributed in South America. Currently, the genus is composed of 14 valid species. Despite being a genus that has been known for a long time, its taxonomy is still quite incipient. In this way, the objective of the project will be to evaluate, through methods of molecular delimitation of species, how many and which independent genetic lineages exist within the genus Phenacorhamdia, thus advancing the understanding of its diversity, and to verify if there is congruence between the species. recognized morphological traits and the genetic lineages found. (AU)