Fast and Reliable Identification of Ammonia Phylotypes T1, T2 and T6 Using a Stereomicroscope: Implication for Large-Scale Ecological Surveys and Monitoring Programs

Jean-Charles Pavard,Julien Richirt,Pascal Bouchet,Vincent M P Bouchet,Laurent Seuront,Lucie Courcot

doi:10.3390/w13243563

Abstract

Among benthic foraminifera, the genus Ammonia is characterized by high morphological variability which makes it particularly challenging to recognize using traditional morphology-based taxonomy. Despite the joint efforts made by both molecular and morphological taxonomists, it is still hard to identify different phylotypes based on their morphology. A new method was developed recently to discriminate three NE Atlantic phylotypes of Ammonia (T1, T2, and T6). This method is based on two morphometrical parameters using scanning electron microscope (SEM) images (i.e., the average pore diameter and the elevation of sutures on the spiral side), resulting individuals being correctly assigned to their phylotype in more than 90% of cases. In this study, we assess the possibility of implementing these criteria using a stereomicroscope. Phylotype assignations by SEM and stereomicroscopic identifications are in accordance for 62.6% of the scrutinized foraminifera and increase up to 79.5% when only the phylotype T6 is considered. Though the stereomicroscopic identification of Ammonia phylotypes based on these two morphological parameters needs to be cross-validated using molecular tools, this approach noticeably allows the identification of an individual 3 to 7 times faster than using a SEM. The ratio between accuracy and efficiency, an issue that is also attributable to the use of the rose Bengal staining method, suggests prioritizing the use of stereomicroscope identifications in large foraminiferal surveys. Finally, in the context that Ammonia phylotype T6 potentially being an alien species in Europe, this method will help to quickly identify Ammonia phylotypes; hence contributing to monitor the presence of T6 in different regions and then, offering interesting research perspectives to assess the timing and/or the progression of the possible invasion.

Highlights

Ammonia was probably the first benthic foraminifera genus described [1], even before the creation of the phylum by d’Orbigny in 1826
Despite the considerable efforts made by taxonomists to link morphology-based and molecular-based taxonomy [3,4,5], the complexity of the taxonomy of Ammonia has not yet been totally disentangled and the genus still suffers from taxonomical uncertainties [2,4]
The present study investigated the possibility of discriminating the Ammonia phylotypes T1, T2, and T6 using only a stereomicroscope, following the suggestion of Richirt et al [12]

Summary

Introduction

Ammonia was probably the first benthic foraminifera genus described [1], even before the creation of the phylum by d’Orbigny in 1826. It is known that Ammonia can adapt to diverse environments and tolerate a wide range of different stresses such as salinity, organic matter enrichment, hypoxia, or trace metals [6,7,8,9,10]. These species may have different optimal requirements in those ranges and reducing taxonomical uncertainties is crucial for every aspect of biology and ecology of the Ammonia species in order to better define requirements for each species

Methods

Results

Conclusion