The molecular phylogeny of the sea star Echinaster (Asteroidea: Echinasteridae) provides insights for genus taxonomy

摘要: In this study, we used sequences of two mitochondrial genes, cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and 16S rRNA, one nuclear gene, 28S to test the monophyly sea star genus Echinaster, understand phylogenetic relationships among species subgenera within genus. Phylogenetic analyses based on Bayesian inference maximum likelihood methods revealed three clades with high values genetic divergence them (K2P distances for COI over 23%). One grouped all Echinaster (Othilia) species, other included (non-Othilia) Henricia respectively. Although Henricia, Othilia, could not be completely clarified, Othilia clade was a well-supported group shared diagnostic morphological characters. Moreover, approximately unbiased applied reconstruction rejected hypothesis as monophyletic group. According these results, suggest revalidation instead subgenus Echinaster. Our study clarifies important points about Other systematic questions taxonomic classification still remain open, but molecular provides bases future research topic.