Abstract
Taxonomy plays a central role in biological sciences. It provides a communication system for scientists as it aims to enable correct identification of the studied organisms. As a consequence, species descriptions should seek to include as much available information as possible at species level to follow an integrative concept of ‘taxonomics’. Here, we describe the cryptic species Epimeria frankei sp. nov. from the North Sea, and also redescribe its sister species, Epimeria cornigera. The morphological information obtained is substantiated by DNA barcodes and complete nuclear 18S rRNA gene sequences. In addition, we provide, for the first time, full mitochondrial genome data as part of a metazoan species description for a holotype, as well as the neotype. This study represents the first successful implementation of the recently proposed concept of taxonomics, using data from high-throughput technologies for integrative taxonomic studies, allowing the highest level of confidence for both biodiversity and ecological research.
Highlights
The biological discipline of taxonomy formally describes, classifies and names extant and extinct species[1]
We describe a cryptic species in the amphipod genus Epimeria from the North Sea, Epimeria frankei sp. nov. and redescribe its sister species, Epimeria cornigera (Fabricius, 1779)
Intraspecific Kimura 2-parameter model (K2P) distances ranged from 0% to 0.65% for Epimeria cornigera and 0% to 3.16% for Epimeria frankei
Summary
The biological discipline of taxonomy formally describes, classifies and names extant and extinct species[1]. The application of high-throughput sequencing technologies allows even more detailed characterizations of species, by incorporating complete genome sequence data[35], as it has already been successfully implemented for a number of Bacteria and Archaea[36,37,38] Due to their high taxonomic diversity, ecological significance and many different life styles across aquatic and terrestrial environments, amphipod crustaceans represent excellent model organisms to study speciation and radiation of organisms. This previously unmatched level of information for a taxonomic description represents the first implementation of the recently proposed concept of taxonomics, using comprehensive data based on modern molecular technologies for taxonomic studies[35,48]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
