Phylogenetic relationships of the Geoplaninae land planarians (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida) assessed with a total evidence approach, with the description of a new species of Gigantea

Author(s)

Lago-Barcia, Domingo ; Alvarez-Presas, Marta ; Riutort, Marta ; Oceguera-Figueroa, Alejandro ; Carbayo, Fernando

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution; v. 184, p. 12-pg., 2023-05-02.

Abstract

Several studies have focused on the phylogenetic relationships within the Geoplaninae land planarians (Tricla-dida). In those studies, ancient phylogenetic relationships remained obscure. In this work, the phylogeny of Geoplaninae is assessed through three different datasets, namely morphological, molecular, and both datasets combined, i.e, a total evidence approach (TE). The data matrix consisted of six DNA regions, including a newly developed marker (DOM5), and a morphological matrix with 37 characters. The study produced the best -resolved hypothesis so far for the phylogeny of Geoplaninae, although ancient clades still remain elusive. The effect of the morphological data on the TE tree topology and clade support is seemingly negligible. The phylogenetic tree also suggests that most of the diagnostic morphological characters of the genera are homo-plastic, while unambiguous unique synapomorphies can characterize some supra-generic informal groupings. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/12357-7 - Integrative taxonomic studies of Neotropical land planarians (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida), with emphasis on the Brazilian and Chilean diversity, and their areas of endemisms in the Atlantic Forest
• Grantee: Fernando Jesús Carbayo Baz
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants