Abstract
Arenicolids comprise a group of four genera in which about 30 nominal species are described. Whereas the biology of many arenicolids is well known, the phylogenetic relationships of these worms are inadequately studied. A close relationship of Arenicolidae and Maldanidae is generally accepted. The phylogenetic relationships of arenicolid taxa were reconstructed based on sequence data of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene, the nuclear 18S rRNA gene, and a small fraction of the nuclear 28S rRNA gene. Members of all described arenicolid genera are included in the data set. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using Maximum Likelihood, Bayesian inference, and Maximum Parsimony. The monophyly of the Maldanidae, as well as of the Arenicolidae is supported by all conducted analyses. Two well supported major clades are highest ranked sister taxa in the Arenicolidae: one containing all Abarenicola species and one containing Arenicola, Arenicolides, and Branchiomaldane. Evidence is given for a closer relationship between the two investigated Branchiomaldane species and Arenicolides ecaudata in the combined analysis. In the light of the molecular data the best explanation for structural and morphological observations is that Branchiomaldane evolved by progenesis.
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.
