Hidden diversity in Antarctica: Molecular and morphological evidence of two different species within one of the most conspicuous ascidian species.

ABSTRACT: The Southern Ocean is one of the most isolated marine ecosystems, characterized by high levels of endemism, diversity, and biomass. Ascidians are among the dominant groups in Antarctic benthic assemblages; thus, recording the evolutionary patterns of this group is crucial to improve our current understanding of the assembly of this polar ocean. We studied the genetic variation within Cnemidocarpa verrucosa sensu lato, one of the most widely distributed abundant and studied ascidian species in Antarctica. Using a mitochondrial and a nuclear gene (COI and 18S), the phylogeography of fifteen populations distributed along the West Antarctic Peninsula and Burdwood Bank/MPA Namuncurá (South American shelf) was characterized, where the distribution of the genetic distance suggested the exi

SUBMITTER: Ruiz MB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7417227 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature