Implementation of molecular tools in taxonomic studies of Ergasilidae (Copepoda: Cyclopoida) in Brazil

• Grant number: 22/16672-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: May 01, 2023
• End date: April 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology - Taxonomy of Recent Groups
• Principal Investigator: Reinaldo José da Silva
• Grantee: Rodrigo Bravin Narciso
• Supervisor: Nicholas Jacobus Smit
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: North-West University, Potchefstroom (NWU), South Africa
• Associated to the scholarship: 19/26831-2 - Diversity and systematics of ergasilids parasites of fishes from Pardo River, Middle Paranapanema, São Paulo State, BP.DR

Abstract

Crustaceans inhabit a wide variety of habitats ranging from marine to terrestrial and exhibit different lifestyles from free-living to parasitism. In freshwater, the family of parasitic copepods Ergasilidae Burmeister, 1835 stands out as one of the most specious taxa with more than 270 species worldwide. Traditionally, taxonomic studies in Ergasilidae are based on morphological data as the descriptions and/or illustrations of important diagnostic features such as antennae, parts of the buccal apparatus, and swimming legs. In the last two decades, molecular approaches have become increasingly essential for carrying out taxonomic studies within this group. As new individuals are sequenced (mainly for the 18 S and 28S rDNA genes) it will be possible to propose more reliable descriptions (e. g.: avoiding problems with cryptic species), but it will also be favorable for the establishment of more robust phylogenetic relationships between the members of this family. Despite the recent increase in the number of descriptions based on integrative approaches (i. e.: including morphological and molecular data), the vast majority of ergasilids have never had their genes sequenced. The objective of this project is to implement the use of molecular methods together with morphological data for the complete taxonomic identification and description of new species of ergasilids found parasitizing fishes from the Pardo River, Brazil. These data are extremely important for establishing more robust phylogenetic analyzes as well as being an indispensable tool to understand the real biodiversity within Ergasilidae. The North-West University internships in South Africa will provide the student with knowledge of important tools that will contribute to the increment of molecular studies of ergasilids in Brazil. Additionally, the internship will be of great importance for the establishment of future connections between the two universities, which will enable the emergence of even more comprehensive studies in the areas of Parasitology and/or Copepodology in future studies. (AU)