Shape-shifting corals: molecular markers show morphology is evolutionarily plastic in Porites.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Corals are notoriously difficult to identify at the species-level due to few diagnostic characters and variable skeletal morphology. This 'coral species problem' is an impediment to understanding the evolution and biodiversity of this important and threatened group of organisms. We examined the evolution of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and mitochondrial markers (COI, putative control region) in Porites, one of the most taxonomically challenging and ecologically important genera of reef-building corals.

Results

Nuclear and mitochondrial markers were congruent, clearly resolving many traditionally recognized species; however, branching and mounding varieties were genetically indistinguishable within at least two clades, and specimens match

SUBMITTER: Forsman ZH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2656472 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature