Systematics of 'lithistid' tetractinellid demosponges from the Tropical Western Atlantic-implications for phylodiversity and bathymetric distribution.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Among all present demosponges, lithistids represent a polyphyletic group with exceptionally well-preserved fossils dating back to the Cambrian. Knowledge of their recent diversity, particularly in the Tropical Western Atlantic Ocean (TWA) where they are common in deep waters, is scarce making any comparison between present and past major 'lithistid' faunas difficult. In addition, the lack of sufficient molecular and morphological data hamper any predictions on phylogenetic relationships or phylodiversity from this region. The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI, Fort Pierce, Florida) holds the largest collection of TWA lithistid sponges worldwide, however, the majority remain to be taxonomically identified and revised.

Principal findings

In this study we p

SUBMITTER: Schuster A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8020874 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature