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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Molecular phylogeny for the Neotropical freshwater stingrays (Myliobatiformes: Potamotrygoninae) reveals limitations of traditional taxonomy

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Author(s):
Fontenelle, Joao Pedro [1, 2] ; Lovejoy, Nathan R. [1, 2] ; Kolmann, Matthew A. [3] ; Marques, Fernando P. L. [4]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Toronto Scarborough, Dept Biol Sci, 1265 Mil Trail, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4 - Canada
[2] Univ Toronto Scarborough, Dept Phys & Environm Sci, 1265 Mil Trail, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4 - Canada
[3] Univ Michigan, Museum Paleontol, Biol Sci Bldg, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 - USA
[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Dept Zool, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: Biological Journal of the Linnean Society; v. 134, n. 2, p. 381-401, OCT 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

The subfamily Potamotrygoninae, the only extant clade of elasmobranchs exclusive to freshwater environments, encompasses four genera and 38 species distributed across almost every major South American river basin. Despite their importance in the ornamental fish trade, the taxonomy and evolutionary relationships within potamotrygonines have not yet been resolved. Here, we present a comprehensive molecular phylogeny for the Neotropical freshwater stingrays, based on extensive species and population sampling (35 species and > 350 individuals from drainages across South America). Our phylogeny corroborates the monophyly of the genera Paratrygon and Heliotrygon and the monophyly of the Potamotrygon + Plesiotrygon clade. Within the Potamotrygon + Plesiotrygon clade, we identify a core Potamotrygon clade characterized by short branches, low nodal support and incongruence with current species-level taxonomy. In the core Potamotrygon clade, specimens of widespread species, such as Potamotrygon motoro and Potamotrygon orbignyi, do not form monophyletic lineages; instead, specimens from these species are often closely related to those of other species from the same river basins. These patterns could be caused by inaccurate taxonomy, hybridization, incomplete lineage sorting and rapid diversification. We discuss the conservation of Neotropical freshwater stingrays from a phylogenetic perspective and suggest ways to prioritize potamotrygonid conservation efforts with respect to endemism and evolutionary distinctiveness. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 08/09436-8 - Phylogenetic position and patterns of diversification in Rhinebothroides (Eucestoda: Tetraphillidea: Phyllobothriidae)
Grantee:Fernando Portella de Luna Marques
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 11/12249-8 - Diversification and species boundaries of Rhinebothrium (Cestoda; Rhinebothriidea) in South American
Grantee:Fernando Portella de Luna Marques
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants - Publications - Scientific article
FAPESP's process: 05/01299-3 - Phylogeny and phylogeography of Monogenoidea (Platyhelminthes: Cercomeromorpha) parasites of Potamotrygonidae (Condrichthyes: Rajiformes: Myliobatoidei)
Grantee:Fernando Portella de Luna Marques
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants