The multilevel organismal diversity approach deciphers difficult to distinguish nudibranch species complex.

ABSTRACT: Species identification is a key procedure for broad-scoped ecological, phylogeographic and evolutionary studies. However, to perform a taxonomic study in the molecular era is a complicated task that has many pitfalls. In the present study we use particular examples of common but difficult to distinguish European species within the genus of Polycera (Nudibranchia, Mollusca) to discuss the general issues of the "cryptic species" problem that has broad biological and interdisciplinary importance and can significantly impede ecological, evolutionary, and other biodiversity-related research. The largest dataset of molecular and morphological information for European nudibranchs ever applied encompasses a wide geographical area and shapes a robust framework in this study. Four species are recogn

SUBMITTER: Korshunova TA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8443629 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature