Species-delimitation and phylogenetic analyses of some cosmopolitan species of Hypnea (Rhodophyta) reveal synonyms and misapplied names to H.cervicornis, including a new species from Brazil

Author(s)

de Jesus, Priscila Barreto ; Nauer, Fabio ; Lyra, Goia de Mattos ; Cassano, Valeria ; Oliveira, Mariana Cabral ; de Castro Nunes, Jose Marcos ; Schnadelbach, Alessandra Selbach

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY; v. 52, n. 5, p. 774-792, OCT 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 14

Abstract

Hypnea has an intricate nomenclatural history due to a wide pantropical distribution and considerable morphological variation. Recent molecular studies have provided further clarification on the systematics of the genus; however, species of uncertain affinities remain due to flawed taxonomic identification. Detailed analyses coupled with literature review indicated a strong relationship among H.aspera, H.cervicornis, H.flexicaulis, and H.tenuis, suggesting a need for further taxonomic studies. Here, we analyzed sequences from two molecular markers (COI-5P and rbcL) and performed several DNA-based delimitation methods (mBGD, ABGD, SPN, PTP and GMYC). These molecular approaches were contrasted with morphological and phylogenetic evidence from type specimens and/or topotype collections of related species under a conservative approach. Our results demonstrate that H.aspera and H.flexicaulis represent heterotypic synonyms of H.cervicornis and indicate the existence of a misidentified Hypnea species, widely distributed on the Brazilian coast, described here as a new species: H.brasiliensis. Finally, inconsistencies observed among our results based on six different species delimitation methods evidence the need for adequate sampling and marker choice for different methods. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/11833-3 - Diversity and phylogeny of red algae (Rhodophyta) of economic and ecological importance
• Grantee: Mariana Cabral de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants