Molecular phylogeny of the Valvatacea (Asteroidea: Echinodermata)

摘要: The Valvatacea is one the most ecologically important, taxonomically diverse, and widespread groups of post-Palaeozoic (i.e. modern) Asteroidea. Classification within group has been historically problematic. We present a comprehensively sampled, three-gene (12S, 16S, early-stage histone H3) molecular phylogenetic analysis Valvatacea. include five six families Paxillosida, monotypic Notomyotida, 13 16 living Valvatida. Solasteridae removed from Velatida (Spinulosacea) joins Ganeriidae Leilasteridae as members clade containing Asterinidae. Poraniidae supported sister to large cluster Asteropseids poraniids are phylogenetically distant, contrary morphological evidence. Several goniasterid-like ophidiasterids, such Fromia Neoferdina derived goniasterids rather than Ophidiasteridae. Benthopectinidae (Notomyotida) Paxillosida two Pseudarchasterinae that have traditionally considered Goniasteridae. Our data suggest Antarctic valvataceans may be taxa in adjacent regions. © 2011 Linnean Society London, Zoological Journal Society, 2011, 161, 769–788.