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The order Axinellida (Porifera: Demospongiae) in California
Thomas L Turner1, M Sabrina Pankey2
11Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology Department, University of California, Santa Barbara.. tlturner@ucsb.edu.
Zootaxa
|April 12, 2023
Summary
This study revises California
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Taxonomy
- Zoology
Background:
- Sponges are abundant and diverse in California.
- Many common sponge species in the region are poorly understood.
- The order Axinellida in California lacks comprehensive taxonomic study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To revise the taxonomy of the order Axinellida in California.
- To identify and describe new species within this order.
- To provide a key for differentiating species.
Main Methods:
- Combined analysis of fresh sponge collections and existing museum specimens.
- Morphological examination and species description.
- DNA sequencing for phylogenetic analysis.
Main Results:
- Seven new species of Axinellida are described: Endectyon (Endectyon) hispitumulus, Eurypon curvoclavus, Aulospongus viridans, Aulospongus lajollaensis, Halicnemia litorea, Halicnemia montereyensis, and Halicnemia weltoni.
- One new combination and two junior synonym reductions result in a total of 13 recognized species.
- A dichotomous key for species identification is provided.
- DNA data from 9 species were integrated into global phylogenies.
Conclusions:
- The revision clarifies the diversity and identity of Axinellida in California.
- This work provides a foundation for future research on California sponges.
- Updated phylogenies enhance understanding of the order's global evolutionary relationships.
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