Statistical parsimony networks and species assemblages in Cephalotrichid nemerteans (nemertea).

ABSTRACT:

Background

It has been suggested that statistical parsimony network analysis could be used to get an indication of species represented in a set of nucleotide data, and the approach has been used to discuss species boundaries in some taxa.

Methodology/principal findings

Based on 635 base pairs of the mitochondrial protein-coding gene cytochrome c oxidase I (COI), we analyzed 152 nemertean specimens using statistical parsimony network analysis with the connection probability set to 95%. The analysis revealed 15 distinct networks together with seven singletons. Statistical parsimony yielded three networks supporting the species status of Cephalothrix rufifrons, C. major and C. spiralis as they currently have been delineated by morphological characters and geographical location.

SUBMITTER: Chen H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2943479 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature