Genetic diversity in the Alpine flatworm <i>Crenobia alpina</i>
The freshwater flatworm <i>Crenobia alpina</i> (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Planariidae) lives almost exclusively in cold springs and crenal streams and possesses only limited dispersal ability. In this study fragments of the COI and 18S rRNA genes were used to estimate genetic diver...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2017-07-01
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| Series: | Web Ecology |
| Online Access: | https://www.web-ecol.net/17/29/2017/we-17-29-2017.pdf |
| Summary: | The freshwater flatworm <i>Crenobia alpina</i> (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Planariidae) lives
almost exclusively in cold springs and crenal streams and possesses only
limited dispersal ability. In this study fragments of the COI and 18S rRNA
genes were used to estimate genetic divergences among 37 <i>C. alpina</i> populations from
the European Alps. Phylogenetic analyses revealed five geographically and
genetically distinct groups and at least 10 distinct lineages of <i>C. alpina</i> across
the European Alps. Our study suggests that <i>C. alpina</i> represents a complex of numerous
cryptic species. Speciation (allopatric and/or sympatric) may have been
facilitated by the orogenetic activity of the Alps and the high habitat
specificity. |
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| ISSN: | 2193-3081 1399-1183 |