Abstract
Abstract The taxonomic separation of Chaetomorpha linum and Chaetomorpha atrovirens was evaluated by morphological analyses of field and herbarium specimens, and through starch gel electrophoretic analysis of genetic similarities. Chaetomorpha aerea and Chaetomorpha melagonium were also assessed electrophoretically and compared with the above species. C. linum and C. atrovirens appear to be distinct species based upon their morphological discontinuity and low degree of electrophoretic similarity. The two species are separable by their mean length/width ratios (LWR). C. linum has a mean LWR of less than 1.5 and filament widths of 150–450 μm, while C. atrovirens has a LWR in excess of 2.0 and filament widths of 200–400 μm. Electrophoretic information regarding the separation of C. linum and C. aerea is presented and possible phylogenetic relationships between C. linum, C. atrovirens, C. melagonium and C. aerea are discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
