Investigating barriers: a phylogeographic analysis of two species of the genus Hypnea (Rhodophyta)

• Grant number: 23/12253-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2023
• End date: October 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Botany
• Principal Investigator: Mariana Cabral de Oliveira
• Grantee: Davi Amorim de Andrade
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Species of the genus Hypnea (Cystocloniaceae, Rhodophyta) are common on the coast of Brazil, presenting ecological importance and economic potential. Currently, 11 species are cited, three of which are widely distributed along the Brazilian coast, H. pseudomusciformis, H. brasiliensis and H. cervicornis. Previous phylogeographic and ecophysiological studies have shown that H. pseudomusciformis has distinct populations occurring in the north and south of Espírito Santo. The objective of the present project is to investigate the phylogeographical distribution pattern of the other two species with wide distribution on the Brazilian coast H. brasiliensis and H. cervicornis. Samples that were previously collected (from Ceará to Santa Catarina) will have the plastid rbcL and mitochondrial COI-5P markers sequenced and analyzed phylogenetically and in haplotype networks. The investigation of the phylogeographical pattern of these species of the genus Hypnea can help to define possible biogeographical barriers and verify the occurrence of patterns of historical, ecological, genetic and biogeographical importance of this important genus for the Brazilian coast.