Genome size evolution at the speciation level: the cryptic species complex Brachionus plicatilis (Rotifera).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Studies on genome size variation in animals are rarely done at lower taxonomic levels, e.g., slightly above/below the species level. Yet, such variation might provide important clues on the tempo and mode of genome size evolution. In this study we used the flow-cytometry method to study the evolution of genome size in the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis, a cryptic species complex consisting of at least 14 closely related species.

Results

We found an unexpectedly high variation in this species complex, with genome sizes ranging approximately seven-fold (haploid '1C' genome sizes: 0.056-0.416 pg). Most of this variation (67%) could be ascribed to the major clades of the species complex, i.e. clades that are well separated according to most species definitions. However

SUBMITTER: Stelzer CP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3087684 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature