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Molecular Systematics Of The Freshwater Mussel Genus Potamilu (Bivalvia: Unionidae), Kevin J. Roe, Charles Lydeard
Molecular Systematics Of The Freshwater Mussel Genus Potamilu (Bivalvia: Unionidae), Kevin J. Roe, Charles Lydeard
Kevin J. Roe
Few explicit hypotheses for the relationships of unionid mussels exist. The absence of explicit phylogenetic hypotheses is problematic and is in part responsible for the lack of taxonomic stability seen in this group. In this paper we examine the relationships of mussels in the genus Potamilus, based upon the DNA sequences of a 600 base pair portion of the first subunit of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COI) gene. We also examine the genetic distinctiveness of populations of the inflated heelsplitter P. inflatus. The molecular phylogeny indicates that Potamilus is paraphyletic with Leptodea fragilis and Lampsilis ornata nested between P. …
Species Delineation And The Identification Of Evolutionarily Significant Units: Lessons From The Freshwater Mussel Genus Potamilus (Bivalvia: Unionidae), Kevin J. Roe, Charles Lydeard
Species Delineation And The Identification Of Evolutionarily Significant Units: Lessons From The Freshwater Mussel Genus Potamilus (Bivalvia: Unionidae), Kevin J. Roe, Charles Lydeard
Kevin J. Roe
Accurate identification of biological entities is critical to the timely and efficient preservation of biodiversity. Concepts that define segments of biological diversity--species and evolutionarily significant units (ESUs)--should reflect our current knowledge of the biological world. Conflation of different hierarchical definitions of taxa has the potential to obscure distinct biological entities in need of protection. The concept of the ESU has been criticized because it includes within its definition distinct biological entities that otherwise would be recognized as species. Herein we evaluate several versions of the evolutionary significant unit concept and provide as a case study an analysis of geographic variation …