Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sophie Steinhagen, Louise Kramar, Gunilla B. Toth
Summary: The identification of tube-forming species in the genus Ulva is often problematic due to insufficient genetic and morphological data. A new species, Ulva capillata, was identified and described based on molecular and morphological evidence, highlighting the importance of molecular investigation for accurate species identification in this genus.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jones Santander-Neto, Getulio Rincon, Bruno Juca-Queiroz, Vanessa Paes da Cruz, Rosangela Lessa
Summary: This study reports 23 new records of Hexanchus griseus in the Tropical Southwestern Atlantic, particularly off the northeastern Brazilian coast. These new records are significant for the population status assessment and distribution mapping conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sophie Steinhagen, Samanta Hoffmann, Henrik Pavia, Gunilla B. Toth
Summary: Correct species identification is crucial for biodiversity assessment and conservation management. This study used molecular monitoring to analyze the species diversity and distribution of the green algal genus Ulva along the Atlantic-Baltic Sea salinity gradient. The study revealed the presence of 20 genetic entities, with 11 identified to species level. The presence of non-native species highlights the need for further monitoring to mitigate the formation of green tides.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Berivan Temiz, Esra Ozturk, Simon Blanchoud, Arzu Karahan
Summary: This study conducted a morphological and phylogeographic analysis of Botrylloides niger in the NEMS. 14 different morphotypes were found, with the orange-brown, orange, and brown-striped morphs being the most abundant. Four haplotypes were identified using mitochondrial COI as a DNA barcode marker. The temporal analysis showed the absence of colonies during winter and spring, with new colonies being established in summer and expanding in autumn. Demographic population analysis revealed a possible population subdivision at a sampling site, potentially caused by local freshwater input. This study represents an important step in understanding the diversity and propagation of this highly invasive species.
Article
Zoology
Chi-Ngai Tang
Summary: A new species of codling, Physiculus megastomus sp. nov., has been described based on specimens collected from northern and eastern Taiwan. This new species is classified in the genus Physiculus due to specific morphological characteristics and DNA barcoding, and is distinguished from congeners by its large mouth size and other specific features.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marta Gellert, Ferran Palero, Magdalena Blazewicz
Summary: Typhlotanaidae is one of the most diverse Tanaidacea families in deep-sea waters, but its diversity is underestimated and the evolutionary relationships within the family are mostly unknown. An integrative taxonomy approach combining morphology and genetic data was used to study deep-sea typhlotanaids from the NW Pacific, revealing new taxa and supporting the monophyly of known groups.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Jack Pilgrim, Panupong Thongprem, Helen R. Davison, Stefanos Siozios, Matthew Baylis, Evgeny Zakharov, Sujeevan Ratnasingham, Jeremy R. DeWaard, Craig R. Macadam, M. Alex Smith, Gregory D. D. Hurst
Summary: This study discovered an unexpected presence of Rickettsia in the Barcode of Life Data System, with Torix group Rickettsia accounting for a majority of unintended amplifications. Further analysis supported the hypothesis of aquatic hot spots for Torix infection, with significant proportions of Torix symbioses found in arthropod genome projects. The study highlights the importance of understanding the host effects and transmission strategies of these newly discovered associations involving Torix Rickettsia.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yan Xiao, Xing-Juan Li, Xiao-Long Jiang, Chun Li, Xiang-Peng Li, Wei-Ping Li, Dai-Ke Tian
Summary: This study investigated the population genetic structure and distribution dynamics of Begonia grandis in China using chloroplast DNA markers and species distribution modeling. The results showed high genetic diversity, strong genetic differentiation, and significant phylogeographical structure in B. grandis. The Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Three Gorges region, and Daba Mountains were identified as potential refugia for this species.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Sophie Steinhagen, Luisa Duesedau, Florian Weinberger
Summary: This study examined the molecular diversity and distribution of Blidingia species in the German State of Schleswig-Holstein for the first time, revealing three entities and clarifying the distribution of B. minima. The molecular data showed discrepancies with historical species concepts and highlighted the importance of a combination of molecular, morphological, and ontogenetic approaches in studying these green algae. The study also epitypified Blidingia minima and described a new species, Blidingia cornuta sp. nov., with unique characters in its ontogenetic development and morphology.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yayuan Xiao, Chunhou Li, Teng Wang, Lin Lin, Jiatong Guo, Qiumei Quan, Yong Liu
Summary: Parrotfish diversity in the South China Sea was investigated using DNA barcoding. A DNA barcode database was established, and genetic distance analysis showed close genetic relationships within South China Sea parrotfish. However, 6 out of 21 species could not be identified using DNA barcodes. This study complements the lack of parrotfish DNA barcode sequences and provides valuable information for further research on parrotfish diversity in the South China Sea.
Article
Ecology
Xiancheng Lin, Junde Dong, Qingsong Yang, Weiguo Zhou, Yan Wang, Ying Zhang, Manzoor Ahmad, Yingting Sun, Youshao Wang, Juan Ling
Summary: Seagrasses play a significant role in marine ecosystems, and DNA barcoding technology can effectively identify cryptic species.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oleg Shchepin, Yuri Novozhilov, Jan Woyzichovski, Manuela Bog, Ilya Prikhodko, Nadezhda Fedorova, Vladimir Gmoshinskiy, Mathilde Borg Dahl, Nikki H. A. Dagamac, Yuka Yajima, Martin Schnittler
Summary: This study investigated the intraspecific genetic diversity and phylogeography of Physarum albescens across the entire Northern Hemisphere, revealing that the widely distributed myxomycete species actually represents a complex of at least 18 cryptic species, some of which have limited geographical distribution. The research also found that members of the same species can coexist in different regions, and the presence of clonal specimens suggests the coexistence of sexual and asexual reproduction in natural myxomycete populations.
Article
Zoology
Ionut Stefan Iorgu, Elena Iulia Iorgu, Thomas Stalling, Gellert Puskas, Dragan Chobanov, Gergely Szovenyi, Liviu Aurel Moscaliuc, Rozalia Motoc, Ioan Tausan, Lucian Fusu
Summary: Previously considered as a thelytokous parthenogenetic species, Myrmecophilus acervorum, a widespread ant cricket, was found to have a mixed reproductive system with the presence of both sexes. This study provides detailed descriptions of the previously unknown males. New data on species distribution in southeast Europe are presented, including first records of M. balcanicus in Bulgaria and M. nonveilleri in Bulgaria and Hungary. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses revealed haplotypes in Europe, with six forming a parthenogenetic clade in populations west of the Carpathians. Surprisingly, Wolbachia infection was only found in populations with both sexes, not in parthenogenetic populations. Phylogenetic analyses with related species yielded congruent trees with well-supported groups. Species delineation tests delimited between four to seven putative species.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
L. Carugati, R. Melis, A. Cariani, A. Cau, V. Crobe, A. Ferrari, M. C. Follesa, M. L. Geraci, S. P. Iglesias, P. Pesci, F. Tinti, R. Cannas
Summary: Skates are difficult to identify due to their conservative body morphology, leading to taxonomic confusion and mislabelling. Accurate classification is crucial for reliable stock assessments and effective conservation plans, especially for endangered species.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Julio A. Diaz, Sergio Ramirez-Amaro, Francesc Ordines
Summary: The study identified 19 sponge species at the seamounts in the Mallorca Channel, including 3 new species and a new genus. Identification was done through morphological and molecular character analysis.
Article
Geology
L. Buff, M. G. Jackson, K. Konrad, J. G. Konter, M. Bizimis, A. Price, E. F. Rose-Koga, J. Blusztajn, A. A. P. Koppers, Santiago Herrera
Summary: The Cook-Austral volcanic lineament in the South Pacific Ocean is characterized by hotspot-related volcanic islands formed by multiple mantle plumes. This study suggests that the Arago and Macdonald hotspots have been active for at least 70 million years and extends into the Cretaceous-aged island chains. New evidence from seamounts and atolls supports the age progression theory of the Arago and Macdonald hotspot tracks.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Danielle M. DeLeo, Amanda Glazier, Santiago Herrera, Alexandria Barkman, Erik E. Cordes
Summary: The study reveals that dispersant elicits a stronger physiological response in corals compared to oil, but little is known about the specific impact of these anthropogenic pollutants at the cellular level. Different species and colonies of corals show unique responses to chemical stress, but there are commonalities in immune and cellular stress responses, altered energy metabolism, and oxidative stress across treatments and species.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Janessy Frometa, Peter J. Etnoyer, Andrea M. Quattrini, Santiago Herrera, Thomas W. Greig
Summary: MCEs, such as the Swiftia exserta in the northern Gulf of Mexico, suffered significant damage following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, highlighting the need for in-depth understanding of their biology, ecology, and genetic diversity for restoration. This study used mtMutS and nuclear 28S rDNA sequences to study population connectivity of impacted octocorals, revealing distinct haplotypes and phylogenetic relationships within the genus Swiftia.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katharine E. Prata, Cynthia Riginos, Ryan N. Gutenkunst, Kelly R. W. Latijnhouwers, Juan A. Sanchez, Norbert Englebert, Kyra B. Hay, Pim Bongaerts
Summary: Research has found that there is no genetic structure among certain species in mesophotic coral ecosystems and there are hidden cryptic taxa. High gene flow suggests the possibility of connectivity and replenishment among these species. The study also suggests that environmental selection along shallow to mesophotic depth gradients may drive divergence in certain depth-generalist species. The research highlights the importance of gene flow in connecting different taxa within this relatively diverse Caribbean genus.
Correction
Biology
Paris V. Stefanoudis, Leann M. Biancani, Sergio Cambronero-Solano, Malcolm R. Clark, Jonathan T. Copley, Erin Easton, Franziska Elmer, Steven H. D. Haddock, Santiago Herrera, Ilysa S. Iglesias, Andrea M. Quattrini, Julia Sigwart, Chris Yesson, Adrian G. Glover
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrea M. Quattrini, Santiago Herrera, J. Mike Adams, Jordi Grinyo, A. Louise Allcock, Andrew Shuler, Herman H. Wirshing, Erik E. Cordes, Catherine S. McFadden
Summary: This study used genomic sequencing to analyze data in order to understand diversification patterns and the role of environmental gradients in the evolution of octocorals in the genus Paramuricea. The study found that Paramuricea diversified on the continental slope of the deep North Atlantic around 1-2 million years ago, with diversification generally occurring from shallower, warmer waters to deeper, colder depths. The vertical structure of water masses was also found to be influential in shaping phylogeographic patterns in the North Atlantic Ocean.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Luke J. McCartin, Samuel A. Vohsen, Susan W. Ambrose, Michael Layden, Catherine S. McFadden, Erik E. Cordes, Jill M. McDermott, Santiago Herrera
Summary: The study investigated the persistence of marine environmental DNA under different physicochemical conditions through degradation experiments, revealing a two-phase degradation process of eDNA with varying degrees of control by temperature, pH, and oxygen concentration. Marine eDNA can persist at quantifiable concentrations for longer periods at lower temperatures and degrade more rapidly at higher temperatures.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jill M. McDermott, Ross Parnell-Turner, Thibaut Barreyre, Santiago Herrera, Connor C. Downing, Nicole C. Pittoors, Kelden Pehr, Samuel A. Vohsen, William S. Dowd, Jyun-Nai Wu, Milena Marjanovic, Daniel J. Fornari
Summary: Comprehensive knowledge of the distribution and characteristics of off-axis hydrothermal vent fields is crucial for understanding global chemical and heat fluxes, as well as the distribution of endemic fauna. However, current knowledge is biased towards on-axis surveys, and a lack of high-resolution bathymetric surveys in off-axis regions limits the identification of vent fields, potentially leading to an underestimation of the number of vents. This study presents the discovery of an active, high-temperature off-axis vent field, which may have greater stability in fluid composition compared to on-axis vents and suggests that high-temperature convective circulation cells extend further off-axis than previously realized.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
Annette F. Govindarajan, Luke McCartin, Allan Adams, Elizabeth Allan, Abhimanyu Belani, Rene Francolini, Justin Fujii, Daniel Gomez-Ibanez, Amy Kukulya, Fredrick Marin, Kaitlyn Tradd, Dana R. Yoerger, Jill M. McDermott, Santiago Herrera
Summary: Metabarcoding analysis of environmental DNA samples is a promising tool for marine biodiversity and conservation. A new large-volume eDNA sampler with in situ filtration was developed, capable of detecting a greater number of taxa compared to conventional methods. The study also highlights the importance of large-volume samples for detecting metazoans in mesopelagic and deep ocean environments.
DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART I-OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPERS
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Mariana Gnecco, Flavia L. D. Nunes, Fanny L. Gonzalez-Zapata, Luisa F. Duenas, Carla Zilberberg, Alberto Lindner, Juan A. Sanchez
Summary: The biodiversity on coral reefs depends not only on primary reef-builders, but also on associated taxa that create microhabitats for other species. This study assessed the genetic structure and evolutionary history of lace corals in the Atlantic, showing high speciose nature and genetic differentiation.
Article
Oceanography
Annette F. Govindarajan, Allan Adams, Elizabeth Allan, Santiago Herrera, Andone Lavery, Joel Llopiz, Luke McCartin, Dana R. Yoerger, Weifeng Zhang
Article
Environmental Sciences
Santiago Herrera, William W. W. Chadwick, Matthew G. G. Jackson, Jasper Konter, Luke McCartin, Nicole Pittoors, Emily Bushta, Susan G. Merle
Summary: Volcanic eruptions provide rare opportunities to observe the recolonization of areas covered by new lava flows, resetting the ecological succession clock to zero. This study examines the role of submarine volcanic eruptions as disturbance events and their impact on ecological succession in non-vent ecosystems, particularly on seamounts. The research focuses on the early stages of ecological succession in the summit caldera of the Vailulu'u submarine volcano in American Samoa.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Laura Rodriguez, Alberto Acosta, Fanny L. Gonzalez-Zapata, Matias Gomez-Corrales, Milena Marrugo, Elvira M. Alvarado-Ch, Luisa F. Duenas, Julio Andrade, Lina Gutierrez-Cala, Juan A. Sanchez
Summary: Confronting a sustained coral reef conservation crisis, a study was conducted on the benthic community, fish community, and genetic connectivity of main reef-building corals in Baru peninsula, Colombia. The study found a homogeneous fringing reef track with differences in coral composition between sites and depths. The reef system in the Non-Protected Area (NPA) exhibited high coral cover and can be considered a spatial refugia under climate change and Anthropocene conditions. The study suggests implementing a co-management scheme to protect this unique reef tract.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Diana Carolina Vergara-Florez, Ruben Abad, Karla B. Jaramillo, Jenny Rodriguez, Adriana Sarmiento, Juan Armando Sanchez
Summary: This study reports the first records of three Muricea species in Ecuador, expanding their known geographic distribution. The report contributes to increasing knowledge of marine diversity in Ecuador, making it significant.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Ruben Abad, Karla B. Jaramillo, Divar Castro, Juan A. Sanchez, Jenny Rodriguez
Summary: This study assessed the distribution of two common octocoral genera, Muricea and Leptogorgia, in the Equatorial Front region of the Tropical Eastern Pacific. The results revealed two hotspots of octocoral biodiversity, with Sea Surface Temperature being the main environmental factor influencing octocoral distribution. Muricea showed higher resilience to thermal fluctuations compared to Leptogorgia. The study discussed the potential roles of suitable substrates at specific depths, active photosynthetic radiation, and temperature in the occurrence of octocorals in these hotspots.
OCEANS-SWITZERLAND
(2022)