An assessment of the status of Polycirridae genera (Annelida: Terebelliformia) and evolutionary transformation series of characters within the family

Author(s)

Fitzhugh, Kirk ; de Matos Nogueira, Joao Miguel ; Carrerette, Orlemir ; Hutchings, Pat

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY; v. 174, n. 4, p. 36-pg., 2015-08-01.

Abstract

A phylogenetic analysis was performed to determine the monophyly of non-monotypic genera of the terebelliform family Polycirridae, i.e. Polycirrus, Amaeana, Lysilla, and Hauchiella, and the evolution of characters among members of this clade. The monotypic genera, Enoplobranchus and Biremis, were also included, together with members of both known species in Hauchiella. Representative species were included for remaining genera: 14 species of Polycirrus, six species of Amaeana, and six species of Lysilla. Out-groups consisted of representatives of Spionidae, Cirratulidae, and Sabellariidae, as well as several species of Telothelepodidae. A total of 40 in- and out-group species were coded for 50 subjects (characters') and 117 subject-predicate relationships (states'). Although results are consistent with recent phylogenetic studies within Terebelliformia that suggest Polycirridae monophyly, only Hauchiella was found to be monophyletic, albeit part of the more inclusive clade comprising remaining polycirrid genera. Evolutionary transformation series are discussed for selected characters in relation to the non-monophyly of Polycirrus, Lysilla, and Amaeana. Implications for the use of supraspecific taxa as taxonomic surrogates' are highlighted. The definition of Polycirridae is emended.(c) 2015 The Linnean Society of London (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/11250-0 - Terebelliformia (Polychaeta) from the Lizard Island Group, great barrier reef, Australia
• Grantee: João Miguel de Matos Nogueira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• FAPESP's process: 13/02066-9 - Study of material of Terebellidae, Trichobranchidae and Sabellidae deposited at the Australian Museum and confirmation of identifications from the doctoral thesis Diversity of Terebellidae, Trichobranchidae and Sabellidae along the Brazilian Coast[...]
• Grantee: Orlemir Carrerette dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 07/52733-0 - The phylogeny of the Terebellidae (Polychaeta) using morphological data
• Grantee: João Miguel de Matos Nogueira
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Meeting - Abroad