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Revisiting species delimitation within the genus Oxystele using DNA barcoding approach
Herman Van Der Bank1, Dai Herbert2, Richard Greenfield1
1Department of Zoology, African Centre for DNA Barcoding (ACDB), Kingsway Campus, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa.
Zookeys
|January 24, 2014
Summary
DNA barcoding of southern African Oxystele snails reveals five distinct molecular groups, clarifying species boundaries and highlighting discrepancies with traditional identification methods for these abundant marine gastropods.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Genomics
- Taxonomy
Background:
- The genus Oxystele, endemic to southern Africa, comprises abundant marine gastropods crucial to rocky intertidal biodiversity.
- Species delimitation within Oxystele, particularly the O. impervia / O. variegata complex, remains contentious.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess species boundaries within the genus Oxystele using molecular data.
- To investigate the taxonomic status of O. impervia and O. variegata.
Main Methods:
- DNA barcoding was employed, analyzing the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene.
- Phylogenetic tree reconstruction was performed on 56 specimens.
Main Results:
- Five molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) were delimited within the genus.
- Distinct genetic separation was observed between O. impervia and O. variegata.
- Significant discrepancies were found between molecularly defined MOTUs and morphology-based species identifications.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a molecular framework for Oxystele species delimitation, distinguishing O. impervia and O. variegata.
- Morphological and molecular data show inconsistencies, suggesting complex evolutionary histories or cryptic speciation.
- Further research incorporating additional genetic markers and integrative taxonomic approaches is recommended for a comprehensive understanding of Oxystele diversity.
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