Molecular paleobiological insights into the origin of the Brachiopoda

摘要: Most studies of brachiopod evolution have been based on their extensive fossil record, but molecular techniques, due to independence from the rock can offer new insights into a clade. Previous phylogenetic hypotheses interrelationships place phoronids within brachiopods as sister group inarticulates, whereas morphological considerations suggest that Brachiopoda is monophyletic group. Here, these were tested with analysis seven nuclear housekeeping genes combined three ribosomal genes. The finds be monophyletic, relatively weak support, and craniid taxon all other brachiopods. Phylogenetic-signal dissection suggests support caused by instability craniid, which attracted phoronids. Analysis slowly evolving sites results in robustly supported Inarticulata (Linguliformea+Craniiformea), regarded most likely topology for interrelationships. monophyly was further microRNA-based phylogenetics, are small, noncoding RNA whose presence absence used infer relationships. Two novel microRNAs characterized supporting Congruence traditional analysis, microRNAs, cladograms Phoronida its Molecular clock extant Paleozoic divergence despite conservative morphology, early record robust, not affected taphonomic factors relating late-Precambrian/early-Cambrian phosphogenic event.