REVSYS: Systematics of the Batrachospermalean Contorta Clade (Rhodophyta)

分子数据彻底改变了我们对红藻的认识。淡水属Batrachospermum没有形成一个自然类群，需要描述新属。已经收集了足够的数据来作为分类群的一个子集，Contorta组，被描述为第一个新属。该项目的目标是限定所有物种。合作者将在世界各地的许多地区收集。关键的分类特征将被照片记录，分子数据将提供一个进化框架。一个基于网络的数据库将向公众提供调查结果，并作为未来研究的模板。康沃尔塔族生活在热带地区，在那里我们对河流生物群的了解很少。这项研究将有助于更好地了解稀有分类群，并确定多样性的“热点”。许多物种都是从一条溪流或一个有限的地理区域中被描述出来的，但不确定这是由于高度地方性还是缺乏系统的知识。研究结果将指向高度多样性的区域，可能与鱼类和无脊椎动物的区域相吻合，因为康沃尔塔群是水生生物的食物和庇护所。该数据库将使溪流生物学家和自然区域管理者更容易接触到康托塔群。研究生将接受实地和实验室研究方面的培训。

AbstractMolecular data have revolutionized our understanding of red algae. The freshwater genus Batrachospermum does not form a natural group and new genera need to be described. Enough data have been gathered for a subset of taxa, the Contorta group, to be described as the first new genus. The project objective is to circumscribe all species. Collaborators will collect in numerous areas worldwide. Key taxonomic characters will be photo-documented and molecular data will provide an evolutionary framework. A web-based database will make the findings available to the public and serve as a template for future studies. The Contorta group inhabits tropical areas where our knowledge of stream biota is sparse. This research will result in a better understanding of rare taxa and identifying diversity 'hot spots.' Many species have been described from a single stream or a limited geographic area, but it is uncertain if this is due to high endemism or lack of systematic knowledge. Findings will point to high diversity areas, likely dovetailing with those for fish and invertebrates, since the Contorta group is food and shelter for aquatic organisms. The database will make the Contorta group more accessible for stream biologists and natural areas managers. Graduate students will be trained in field and laboratory research.