Systematics of ‘lithistid’ tetractinellid demosponges from the Tropical Western Atlantic—implications for phylodiversity and bathymetric distribution

PeerJ

article

Astrid Schuster¹  Shirley A. Pomponi³  Andrzej Pisera⁴  Paco Cárdenas⁵  Michelle Kelly⁶  Gert Wörheide¹  Dirk Erpenbeck¹ 

[1] Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München;Current affiliation: Department of Biology, Nordcee, Southern University of Denmark;Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University;Institute of Paleobiology, Polish Academy of Sciences;Pharmacognosy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University;National Centre for Coasts and Oceans, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research;GeoBio-Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München;SNSB-Bayerische Staatssammlung für Paläontologie und Geologie

关键词: Tetractinellida;    Integrative taxonomy;    Tropical Western Atlantic;    Lithistiddemosponges;   

DOI  :  10.7717/peerj.10775

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Inra

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundAmong all present demosponges, lithistids represent a polyphyletic group with exceptionally well-preserved fossils dating back to the Cambrian. Knowledge of their recent diversity, particularly in the Tropical Western Atlantic Ocean (TWA) where they are common in deep waters, is scarce making any comparison between present and past major ‘lithistid’ faunas difficult. In addition, the lack of sufficient molecular and morphological data hamper any predictions on phylogenetic relationships or phylodiversity from this region. The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI, Fort Pierce, Florida) holds the largest collection of TWA lithistid sponges worldwide, however, the majority remain to be taxonomically identified and revised.Principal FindingsIn this study we provide sequences of 249 lithistid demosponges using two independent molecular markers (28S rDNA (C1-D2) and cox1 mtDNA). In addition, a morphological documentation of 70 lithistid specimens is provided in the database of the Sponge Barcoding Project (SBP). This integrated dataset represents the largest and most comprehensive of the TWA lithistids to date. The phylogenetic diversity of ‘lithistid’ demosponges in the Bahamas and Jamaica are high in comparison to other TWA regions; Theonellidae and Corallistidae dominate the fauna, while Neopeltidae and Macandrewiidae are rare. A proposed tetractinellid suborder, one undescribed genus and several undescribed species are recognized and the Pacific ‘lithistid’ genera, Herengeria and Awhiowhio, are reported from the TWA for the first time. The higher-taxa relationships of desma-bearing tetractinellids are discussed and topics for revision suggested.ConclusionThis first integrative approach of TWA ‘lithistid’ demosponges contributes to a better understanding of their phylogenetic affinities, diversity and bathymetric distribution patterns within the TWA. As in the Pacific, the TWA ‘lithistid’ demosponges dominate deep-water habitats. Deeper taxonomic investigations will undoubtedly contribute to a better comparison between present major ‘lithistid’ faunas and their fossil record in the Mesozoic.

【 授权许可】

CC BY