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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

It's not what it looks like: molecular data fails to substantiate morphological differences in two sea hares (Mollusca, Heterobranchia, Aplysiidae) from southern Brazil

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Author(s):
Saad, Luiza de Oliveira [1] ; Cunha, Carlo Magenta [2] ; Delevati Colpo, Karine [3, 4] ; Valdes, Angel [5]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, BR-11330900 Sao Vicente, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Museu Zool MZSP, BR-04263000 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Univ Buenos Aires, CONICET, FCEyN, Dept Biodivers & Expt Biol, Buenos Aires, DF - Argentina
[4] Univ Buenos Aires, Biol Reprod & Growth Crustaceans, Buenos Aires, DF - Argentina
[5] Calif State Polytech Univ Pomona, Dept Biol Sci, Pomona, CA 91768 - USA
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: HELGOLAND MARINE RESEARCH; v. 68, n. 4, p. 523-530, DEC 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 1
Abstract

Species of sea hares have been recognized traditionally based on morphological traits, mainly the radula, external coloration, and reproductive anatomy. However, recent studies have shown substantial color variation in some sea slug species. Molecular data have been successfully used to differentiate morphologically similar species of ``opisthobranchs'' and resolve questions on the taxonomic value of color. The objective of this paper is to use molecular data in an attempt to elucidate whether specimens of Aplysia brasiliana with distinct colorations and morphologies are actually the same species. To this end, DNA from 14 specimens of A. brasiliana was extracted, including five specimens identified as a distinct morphotype from typical A. brasiliana. Although the two morphotypes have consistent differences in their external morphology and radula, the molecular data confirmed that there are no significant genetic differences between them. This is another example of the need to re-evaluate taxonomic decisions based on morphology in light of molecular evidence. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 10/11253-9 - Phylogenetic analyses of Aplysiomorpha (Mollusca, Opisthobranchia), based on comparative morphology and systematics review of the Brazilian species
Grantee:Carlo Magenta Cunha
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
FAPESP's process: 11/01493-5 - Malacofauna in mangroves of state of São Paulo
Grantee:Luiza de Oliveira Saad
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
FAPESP's process: 13/01000-4 - Molecular characterization of two different morphotypes of Aplysia brasiliana collected in the bay of Santos, SP
Grantee:Luiza de Oliveira Saad
Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation