Phylogeny of Tetillidae (Porifera, Demospongiae, Spirophorida) based on three molecular markers

Amir Szitenberg, Leontine E. Becking, Sergio Vargas, Júlio C.C. Fernandez, Nadiezhda Santodomingo, Gert Wörheide, Micha Ilan, Michelle Kelly, Dorothée Huchon*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

Tetillidae are spherical to elliptical cosmopolitan demosponges. The family comprises eight genera: namely, Acanthotetilla Burton, 1959, Amphitethya Lendenfeld, 1907, Cinachyra Sollas, 1886, Cinachyrella Wilson, 1925, Craniella Schmidt, 1870, Fangophilina Schmidt, 1880, Paratetilla Dendy, 1905, and Tetilla Schmidt, 1868. These genera are characterized by few conflicting morphological characters, resulting in an ambiguity of phylogenetic relationships. The phylogeny of tetillid genera was investigated using the cox1, 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA (C1-D2 domains) genes in 88 specimens (8 genera, 28 species). Five clades were identified: (i) Cinachyrella, Paratetilla and Amphitethya species, (ii) Cinachyrella levantinensis, (iii) Tetilla, (iv) Craniella, Cinachyra and Fangophilina and (v) Acanthotetilla. Consequently, the phylogenetic analysis supports the monophyly of Tetilla, a genus lacking any known morphological synapomorphy. Acanthotetilla is also recovered. In contrast, within the first clade, species of the genera Paratetilla and Amphitethya were nested within Cinachyrella. Similarly, within the fourth clade, species of the genera Cinachyra and Fangophilina were nested within Craniella. As previously postulated by taxonomists, the loss of ectodermal specialization (i.e., a cortex) has occurred several times independently. Nevertheless, the presence or absence of a cortex and its features carry a phylogenetic signal. Surprisingly, the common view that assumes close relationships among sponges with porocalices (i.e., surface depressions) is refuted.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)509-519
Number of pages11
JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
Volume67
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2013

Funding

FundersFunder number
Land Information and New Zealand
Ministry of FisheriesZBD2008-50
New Zealand Foundation for Research, Science & Technology ContractsC01X0219
New Zealand Foundation for Research, Science, and Technology
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
Foundation for Research, Science and TechnologyCO1X0906, CO1X0508, CO1X0028, CO1X0204
Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
Israel Science Foundation600/06
Aard- en Levenswetenschappen, Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek817.01.008, ALW IPJ-07002

    Keywords

    • 18S rRNA
    • 28S rRNA
    • Cox1
    • Morphology
    • Phylogenetics
    • Tetillidae

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