The Integrative Taxonomy and Mitochondrial Genome Evolution of Freshwater Planarians (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida): The Discovery of a New Clade in Southern China.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The genus Dugesia (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida) includes a large diversity of free-living freshwater flatworms and is important for studies on regeneration and evolution. This study aims to describe a newly discovered asexual planarian species from southern China and explore its genetic characteristics and regenerative abilities.

Methods

An integrative taxonomic analysis was conducted using morphology, karyology, histology, molecular phylogeny (18S, 28S, COI, mitogenome), and genome size estimation via flow cytometry. Regeneration was assessed by standardized amputations, and long-term asexual propagation was observed under laboratory conditions for three years.

Results

Phylogenetic analyses using nuclear (18S, 28S rDNA) and mitochondrial (COI, mitog

SUBMITTER: Yang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12192195 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature