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A molecular framework for the phylogeny of the Pseudocerotidae (Platyhelminthes, Polycladida)

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Abstract

Systematic relationships within the cotylean family Pseudocerotidae were examined using nucleotide sequences of the D3 expansion segment of the 28S rDNA gene. A previously suggested separation of Pseudoceros and Pseudobiceros based on the number of male reproductive systems was confirmed. Regardless of the algorithm employed, Pseudoceros always formed a monophyletic clade. Pseudobiceros appeared to be paraphyletic; however, a constrained maximum parsimony tree was not significantly longer (2 steps, α = 0.05). Additionally, the genera Maiazoon, Phrikoceros and Tytthosoceros were validated as taxonomic entities, and their relationships to other genera within the family were determined. Molecular data also supported species separations based on colour patterns. An intraspecific genetic distance of 1.14% was found for Pseudoceros bifurcus, whereas the intrageneric distance was 3.58%. Genetic distances among genera varied, with the closest distance being 2.048% between Pseudobiceros and Maiazoon, and the largest distance (8.345%) between Pseudoceros and Tytthosoceros.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology and Center for Marine Biology, Rudman Hall, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH-03824, U.S.A.

    M. K. Litvaitis

  2. School of Resource Science and Management, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia

    L. J. Newman

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  1. M. K. Litvaitis
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  2. L. J. Newman
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Litvaitis, M.K., Newman, L.J. A molecular framework for the phylogeny of the Pseudocerotidae (Platyhelminthes, Polycladida). Hydrobiologia 444, 177–182 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1017503124908

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