Abstract
In this study, we applied DNA barcoding tool for the molecular identification of horn snails Telescopium telescopium (Linnaeus, 1758) using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (mt-COI) gene and investigated their evolutionary relationships along with bio-geographical variations. Results of this study indicate the strong probability of T. telescopium species taxonomic confirmation using mt-COI sequences. The phylogeny analysis suggests that Telescopium sp. was monophyletic with disseminated nodes and it revealed that the evolution of group II originated from group I. Furthermore, the substantial genetic distance was noticed among the mt-COI sequences (0.005 to 0.184) of the sample groups. The large divergence observed between the populations along the southwest coast of India, and Australia indicates limited gene flow among the two continents. Our study suggests that the genera of Telescopium sp. are globally ubiquitous and showed inter-region differentiation at the genetic level. We conclude that mt-COI gene can be used to identify gastropod T. telescopium species in addition to existing diagnostic tools, even at the regional level.
Highlights
Indian coastal waters are receiving more attention from the scientific community due to their enormous fishery and shellfish potential resources [1]
The individual snails were collected in Bay of Bengal waters formed many subclades with the higher value of genetic divergence (1.0–10.5%), these results demonstrated that more intra-subpopulation of horn snail was appeared and diversified in the new mangrove environment shortly and evolved
The outcome of this study established a significant contribution to DNA barcode reference sequences of horn snails and demonstrated the inter-generic relationship for effectively monitoring their ecological association with mangrove fauna
Summary
Indian coastal waters are receiving more attention from the scientific community due to their enormous fishery and shellfish potential resources [1]. In the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal waters hosts an extent range of molluscan (bivalves and gastropods) faunal distribution, species diversity and they are ecologically important to many communities [2]. This group diversity is highly underestimated [3]. Some species in Indian coast remain uncertain; there is a need to incorporate molecular methods. Molecular markers especially mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I (mt-COI) are considered as a better choice for species discrimination due to non-recombinant and environment independent nature [4]. The application of DNA barcoding brings substantial benefits to other fields, such as border biosecurity [5], biodiversity conservation [6], ecological monitoring [7]
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.
