Phylogenetic and phylogeographic approach, based on molecular data, on representative of Ceramiales and Gelidiales (Rhodophyta) from Brazil

Abstract

AbstractThe Brazilian coast, with approximately 8.000 km of extension, harbors a rich red algal biodiversity. However, studies involving Rhodophyta molecular systematics are still in their infancy. Many taxonomic groups do not have a natural classification and molecular markers are still incipient for the many species that occur on the Brazilian shore. This scenario is changing with the development of the projects: "Brazilian initiative of marine organisms molecular identification" (CNPq) and "São Paulo State red macroalga (Rhodophyta) diversity, based on "barcoding", morphology and geographic distribution (RHODO-SP)", within the thematic project (FAPESP Proc. 2007/51270-7), which are providing subsidies for intraspecific studies implementation, where this situation is more critical. This project will address the biodiversity of some Florideophyceae representatives: Laurencia dendroidea, Palisada flagellifera, P. perforata (Ceramiales), Pterocladiella capillacea e Gelidium floridanum (Gelidiales), under a broader perspective, including phylogenetic and phylogeography in addition to traditional taxonomy. Based on these data, population distribution patterns will be outlined, to access intra-specific diversity and to recognize biogeographical barriers within the marine environment, relating them to speciation mechanisms as reproductive isolation and gene flow within population. In this context, evaluate phenotypic plasticity and convergence of morphological characters. This will be the first project to address the phylogeography of marine Florideophyceae specimens from the Brazilian coast. (AU)