Morphological and phylogenetic data do not support the split of Alexandrium into four genera

A recently published study analyzed the phylogenetic relationship between the genera Centrodinium and Alexandrium, confirming an earlier publication showing the genus Alexandrium as paraphyletic. This most recent manuscript retained the genus Alexandrium, introduced a new genus Episemicolon, resurrected two genera, Gessnerium and Protogonyaulax, and stated that: “The polyphyly [sic] of Alexandrium is solved with the split into four genera”. However, these reintroduced taxa were not based on monophyletic groups. Therefore this work, if accepted, would result in replacing a single paraphyletic taxon with several non-monophyletic ones. The morphological data presented for genus characterization also do not convincingly support taxa delimitations. The combination of weak molecular phylogenetics and the lack of diagnostic traits (i.e., autapomorphies) render the applicability of the concept of limited use. The proposal to split the genus Alexandrium on the basis of our current knowledge is rejected herein. The aim here is not to present an alternative analysis and revision, but to maintain Alexandrium. A better constructed and more phylogenetically accurate revision can and should wait until more complete evidence becomes available and there is a strong reason to revise the genus Alexandrium. The reasons are explained in detail by a review of the available molecular and morphological data for species of the genera Alexandrium and Centrodinium. In addition, cyst morphology and chemotaxonomy are discussed, and the need for integrative taxonomy is highlighted.

 

Keyword(s)

Taxonomy, Phylogenetics, Paraphyletic, Saxitoxin, Spirolides, Harmful algal blooms

Full Text

FilePagesSizeAccess
Publisher's official version
8507 Ko
Author's final draft
29913 Ko
How to cite
Mertens Kenneth, Adachi Masao, Anderson Donald M., Band-Schmidt Christine J., Bravo Isabel, Brosnahan Michael L., Bolch Christopher J.S., Calado António J., Carbonell-Moore M. Consuelo, Chomérat Nicolas, Elbrächter Malte, Figueroa Rosa Isabel, Fraga Santiago, Gárate-Lizárraga Ismael, Garcés Esther, Gu Haifeng, Hallegraeff Gustaaf, Hess Philipp, Hoppenrath Mona, Horiguchi Takeo, Iwataki Mitsunori, John Uwe, Kremp Anke, Larsen Jacob, Leaw Chui Pin, Li Zhun, Lim Po Teen, Litaker Wayne, Mackenzie Lincoln, Masseret Estelle, Matsuoka Kazumi, Moestrup Øjvind, Montresor Marina, Nagai Satoshi, Nézan Elisabeth, Nishimura Tomohiro, Okolodkov Yuri B., Orlova Tatiana Yu., Reñé Albert, Sampedro Nagore, Satta Cecilia Teodora, Shin Hyeon Ho, Siano Raffaele, Smith Kirsty F., Steidinger Karen, Takano Yoshihito, Tillmann Urban, Wolny Jennifer, Yamaguchi Aika, Murray Shauna (2020). Morphological and phylogenetic data do not support the split of Alexandrium into four genera. Harmful Algae. 98. 101902 (8p.). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2020.101902, https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00651/76290/

Copy this text