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Daniela Basso - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Circumscription of Lithophyllum racemus (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) from the western Mediterranean Sea reveals the species Lithophyllum pseudoracemus sp. nov.
    Phycologia, 2020
    Co-Authors: Annalisa Caragnano, Daniela Basso, Graziella Rodondi, Viviana Peña, Line Le Gall, Fabio Rindi
    Abstract:

    Species of the genus Lithophyllum are important carbonate producers and bioconstructors. In recent years, molecular studies focusing on this genus have unravelled several striking cases of cryptic and pseudocryptic diversity. Lithophyllum racemus is a common non-geniculate coralline alga-forming rhodoliths in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Molecular phylogenies (psbA and coxI) reconstructed for some Mediterranean specimens morpho-anatomically assigned to L. racemus revealed two well-supported sister clades. Based on pairwise sequence divergences, we recognised these two clades as separate species, L. racemus and L. pseudoracemus sp. nov. The low number of specimens has not permitted any useful morpho-anatomical comparison between the species, and for now, only DNA sequencing permits separation. The discovery of L. pseudoracemus unravelled a new case of cryptic diversity in Mediterranean coralline algae, highlighting the substantially underestimated diversity of these seaweeds.

  • Mediterranean Lithophyllum stictiforme (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) is a genetically diverse species complex: implications for species circumscription, biogeography and conservation of coralligenous habitats
    Journal of Phycology, 2019
    Co-Authors: Laura Pezzolesi, Graziella Rodondi, Viviana Peña, Line Le Gall, Paul Gabrielson, Sara Kaleb, Jeffery Hughey, Jazmin Hernandez‐kantun, Annalisa Falace, Daniela Basso
    Abstract:

    Lithophyllum species in the Mediterranean Sea function as algal bioconstructors, contributing to the formation of biogenic habitats such as coralligenous concretions. In such habitats, thalli of Lithophyllum, consisting of crusts or lamellae with entire or lobed margins, have been variously referred to as either one species, L. stictiforme, or two species, L. stictiforme and L. cabiochiae, in the recent literature. We investigated species diversity and phylogenetic relationships in these algae by sequencing three markers (psbA and rbcL genes, cox2,3 spacer), in conjunction with methods for algorithmic delimitation of species (ABGD and GMYC). Mediterranean subtidal Lithophyllum belong to a well‐supported lineage, hereby called the L. stictiforme complex, which also includes two species described from the Atlantic, L. lobatum and L. searlesii. Our results indicate that the L. stictiforme complex consists of at least 13 species. Among the Mediterranean species, some are widely distributed and span most of the western and central Mediterranean, whereas others appear to be restricted to specific localities. These patterns are interpreted as possibly resulting from allopatric speciation events that took place during the Messinian Salinity Crisis and subsequent glacial periods. A partial rbcL sequence from the lectotype of L. stictiforme unambiguously indicates that this name applies to the most common subtidal Lithophyllum in the central Mediterranean. We agree with recent treatments that considered L. cabiochiae and L. stictiforme conspecific. The diversity of Lithophyllum in Mediterranean coralligenous habitats has been substantially underestimated, and future work on these and other Mediterranean corallines should use identifications based on DNA sequences.

  • Elemental variability in the coralline alga Lithophyllum yemenense as an archive of past climate in the Gulf of Aden (NW Indian Ocean)
    Journal of Phycology, 2017
    Co-Authors: Annalisa Caragnano, Daniela Basso, David Storz, Dorrit E. Jacob, Federica Ragazzola, Francesca Benzoni, Eric Dutrieux
    Abstract:

    This study presents the first algal thallus (skeleton) archive of Asian monsoon strength and Red Sea influence in the Gulf of Aden. Mg/Ca, Li/Ca, and Ba/Ca were measured in Lithophyllum yemenense from Balhaf (Gulf of Aden) using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and Mg/Ca ratio oscillation was used to reconstruct the chronology (34 y). Oscillations of element rates corresponding to the algal growth between 1974 and 2008 were compared with recorded climate and oceanographic variability. During this period, sea surface temperatures (SST) in Balhaf recorded a warming trend of 0.55°C, corresponding to an increase in Mg and Li content in the algal thallus of 2.1 mol-% and 1.87 μmol-%, respectively. Lithophyllum yemenense recorded decadal SST variability by Li/Ca, and the influence of the Pacific El-Nino Southern Oscillation on the NW Indian Ocean climate system by Ba/Ca. Additionally, algal Mg/Ca, Li/Ca, and Ba/Ca showed strong and significant correlations with All Indian Rainfall in the decadal range indicating that these proxies can be useful for tracking variability in the Indian monsoon system, possibly due to changes of the surface wind system, with deep water upwelling in summer, and a distinct seasonality.

  • The genus Lithophyllum in the north-western Indian Ocean, with description of L. yemenense sp. nov., L. socotraense sp. nov., L. subplicatum comb. et stat. nov., and the resumed L. affine, L. kaiseri, and L. subreduncum (Rhodophyta, Corallinales)
    Phytotaxa, 2015
    Co-Authors: Daniela Basso, Annalisa Caragnano, Line Le Gal, Graziella Rodondi
    Abstract:

    Based on literature, the genus Lithophyllum was represented in the whole Indian Ocean by 14 taxa, mostly in need of revision in a modern context. Molecular analyses integrated with morpho-anatomical comparisons between the recently revised type material of Lithophyllum kotschyanum Unger, and the related infraspecific taxa, lead to a resumption of L. affine , L. kaiseri , and L. subreduncum, and the description of L. socotraense sp. nov. , L. yemenense sp. nov. , and L. subplicatum comb. et stat. nov. Detailed accounts are provided for each species, including keys, along with information on synonymy, examined collections, distribution, habitat as well as sequence data of the 5’ end of the LSU from the type specimens. The anatomical features of the tetrasporangial conceptacle that were considered collectively diagnostic for species identification are: the mean diameter of the tetrasporangial conceptacles, the length of the pore-canal in the tetrasporangial conceptacles (with the number of cells in roof filaments), the occurrence of a depression at the top of the conceptacle roof in relation to the pore opening, and the number of cells from the floor of the tetrasporangial conceptacle chamber to the thallus surface. This study provides evidence of a previously unsuspected diversity within the Red Sea and NW Indian Ocean species of Lithophyllum.

  • Diagnostic characters in fossil coralline algae (Corallinophycidae: Rhodophyta) from the Miocene of southern Moravia (Carpathian Foredeep, Czech Republic)
    Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, 2015
    Co-Authors: Juraj Hrabovský, Daniela Basso, Nela Doláková
    Abstract:

    Fourteen coralline algal species (Corallinales, Sporolithales) from Early Langhian (Lower Badenian) red-algal limestones of the Carpathian Foredeep (Czech Republic) are described: Sporolithon lvovicum (Maslov) Bassi et al., Lithothamnion roveretoi Airoldi, Lithothamnion moretii Lemoine, ?Lithothamnion sp. 1, ?Lithothamnion sp. 2, Mesophyllum alternans (Foslie) Cabioch & Mendoza, M. cf. erubescens (Foslie) Lemoine, M. cf. printzianum Woelkerling & Harvey, M. curtum Lemoine, Phymatolithon sp., Lithophyllum sp. 1, Lithophyllum sp. 2, Hydrolithon lemoinei (Miranda) Aguirre et al. and Spongites fruticulosa Kutzing. The characters used in coralline algal species description and identification are summarized and discussed. Five characters newly used in fossil material are associated with the structure and fate of presumed tetrasporangial, gametangial and carposporangial conceptacles, with the shape, size and organization of roof cells, and with the position of the asexuate conceptacles relative to the surroundin...

Viviana Peña - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Circumscription of Lithophyllum racemus (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) from the western Mediterranean Sea reveals the species Lithophyllum pseudoracemus sp. nov.
    Phycologia, 2020
    Co-Authors: Annalisa Caragnano, Daniela Basso, Graziella Rodondi, Viviana Peña, Line Le Gall, Fabio Rindi
    Abstract:

    Species of the genus Lithophyllum are important carbonate producers and bioconstructors. In recent years, molecular studies focusing on this genus have unravelled several striking cases of cryptic and pseudocryptic diversity. Lithophyllum racemus is a common non-geniculate coralline alga-forming rhodoliths in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Molecular phylogenies (psbA and coxI) reconstructed for some Mediterranean specimens morpho-anatomically assigned to L. racemus revealed two well-supported sister clades. Based on pairwise sequence divergences, we recognised these two clades as separate species, L. racemus and L. pseudoracemus sp. nov. The low number of specimens has not permitted any useful morpho-anatomical comparison between the species, and for now, only DNA sequencing permits separation. The discovery of L. pseudoracemus unravelled a new case of cryptic diversity in Mediterranean coralline algae, highlighting the substantially underestimated diversity of these seaweeds.

  • Mediterranean Lithophyllum stictiforme (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) is a genetically diverse species complex: implications for species circumscription, biogeography and conservation of coralligenous habitats
    Journal of Phycology, 2019
    Co-Authors: Laura Pezzolesi, Graziella Rodondi, Viviana Peña, Line Le Gall, Paul Gabrielson, Sara Kaleb, Jeffery Hughey, Jazmin Hernandez‐kantun, Annalisa Falace, Daniela Basso
    Abstract:

    Lithophyllum species in the Mediterranean Sea function as algal bioconstructors, contributing to the formation of biogenic habitats such as coralligenous concretions. In such habitats, thalli of Lithophyllum, consisting of crusts or lamellae with entire or lobed margins, have been variously referred to as either one species, L. stictiforme, or two species, L. stictiforme and L. cabiochiae, in the recent literature. We investigated species diversity and phylogenetic relationships in these algae by sequencing three markers (psbA and rbcL genes, cox2,3 spacer), in conjunction with methods for algorithmic delimitation of species (ABGD and GMYC). Mediterranean subtidal Lithophyllum belong to a well‐supported lineage, hereby called the L. stictiforme complex, which also includes two species described from the Atlantic, L. lobatum and L. searlesii. Our results indicate that the L. stictiforme complex consists of at least 13 species. Among the Mediterranean species, some are widely distributed and span most of the western and central Mediterranean, whereas others appear to be restricted to specific localities. These patterns are interpreted as possibly resulting from allopatric speciation events that took place during the Messinian Salinity Crisis and subsequent glacial periods. A partial rbcL sequence from the lectotype of L. stictiforme unambiguously indicates that this name applies to the most common subtidal Lithophyllum in the central Mediterranean. We agree with recent treatments that considered L. cabiochiae and L. stictiforme conspecific. The diversity of Lithophyllum in Mediterranean coralligenous habitats has been substantially underestimated, and future work on these and other Mediterranean corallines should use identifications based on DNA sequences.

  • Assessment of Coralline Species Diversity in the European Coasts Supported by Sequencing of Type Material: The Case Study of Lithophyllum nitorum (Corallinales, Rhodophyta)
    Cryptogamie Algologie, 2018
    Co-Authors: Viviana Peña, Jazmin J. Hernandez-kantun, Walter H. Adey, Line Le Gall
    Abstract:

    A constant effort in sequencing an extensive number of specimens originating from comprehensive sampling had return an unprecedented amount of information fostering our understanding of diversity, evolution and distribution of coralline algae; however, many sequences lack reliable assignation of a taxonomic name, specially at the species level. Recently, the sequencing of type material allowed to bridge this gap by providing a direct link between the DNA sequence and the type bearing name. For instance, in the genus Lithophyllum, the identity of three species, generally abundant along the European Atlantic and the Mediterranean, was demonstrated by including sequences of the type material. Nevertheless, for less conspicious species, such as Lithophyllum nitorum, data are still needed to assess distribution, anatomy, phylogenetic affinities and taxonomic status. Using DNA sequences recovered from the type material of L. nitorum, further recent collections were resolved as conspecific and used to improve the description and refine the distribution of this species. Lithophyllum nitorum consisted of subtidal, thin crusts overgrowing fragments of dead maerl, pebbles and drifted fragments of fishing lines. The presence of uniporate conceptacles markedly protruding can be considered an external morphological feature useful to identify L. nitorum from other subtidal Lithophyllum species with similar habitat. Lithophyllum nitorum is reported for the Mediterranean Sea and confirmed in the North East Atlantic, a similar distribution as for L. incrustans and L. hibernicum.

  • Lithophyllum spp. form unusual maerl beds in the North East Atlantic: the case study of L. fasciculatum (Lamarck)
    2016
    Co-Authors: Viviana Peña, Rodolfo Barreiro, Jason M. Hall-spencer, Jacques Grall
    Abstract:

    The most widely recorded maerl-forming species in the NE Atlantic are Lithothamnion corallioides, L. glaciale, L. tophiforme and Phymatolithon calcareum although maerl formed by Lithophyllum spp. is occasionally found. Here, we studied two of the forms (incrassata and complanata) described for Lithophyllum fasciculatum that we collected in Brittany. Samples were identified using molecular techniques (DNA barcoding) and examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Lithophyllum fasciculatum were globular to sub-globular unattached thalli up to 10 cm in diameter that formed maerl beds at 0 to 2 m depth in the eastern part of the Bay of Brest. All anatomical features matched the literature. Reproductive structures were only observed in one encrusting specimen overgrowing Mimachlamys varia in the Bay of Brest. Other than in Brittany, L. fasciculatum maerl was recorded in Kingstown Bay, Ireland, at 0-3 m depth. In the Irish beds, L. fasciculatum co-occurs with the closely similar maerl species Lithophyllum dentatum. The taxonomy of NE Atlantic maerl-forming Lithophyllum spp. continues to be messy and their ecology has not been studied yet. However, we can assert that they are rare and warrant urgent conservation focus

  • Reassessment of branched Lithophyllum spp. (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) in the Caribbean Sea with global implications
    Phycologia, 2016
    Co-Authors: Jazmin J. Hernandez-kantun, Rafael Riosmena-rodríguez, Viviana Peña, Paul W. Gabrielson, Jeffery R. Hughey, Laura Pezzolesi, Fabio Rindi, Néstor M. Robinson, Line Le Gall, Walter H. Adey
    Abstract:

    Abstract: Plastid-encoded rbcL and psbA sequences from branched, Caribbean Sea Lithophyllum specimens indicate that four species are present, not one. Short (263 base pairs) rbcL sequences from an isolectotype of L. kaiseri (Gulf of Suez) and the holotypes of L. congestum, L. daedaleum and L. platyphyllum (Caribbean Sea) show that L. congestum and L. daedaleum are conspecific with L. kaiseri, the last having nomenclatural priority. Lithophyllum platyphyllum, currently considered a synonym of L. congestum, is recognised as a valid species. Lithophyllum stictaeforme, originally described from the Mediterranean Sea, is not conspecific with L. kaiseri (as L. congestum) as previously suggested. Lithophyllum neocongestum sp. nov. and L. pseudoplatyphyllum sp. nov. are proposed. Together with L. platyphyllum, these three branched species are so far endemic to the Caribbean Sea. This is the first report, documented by DNA sequence data, of a coralline species (L. kaiseri) widespread through the tropical Indo-West...

Line Le Gall - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Circumscription of Lithophyllum racemus (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) from the western Mediterranean Sea reveals the species Lithophyllum pseudoracemus sp. nov.
    Phycologia, 2020
    Co-Authors: Annalisa Caragnano, Daniela Basso, Graziella Rodondi, Viviana Peña, Line Le Gall, Fabio Rindi
    Abstract:

    Species of the genus Lithophyllum are important carbonate producers and bioconstructors. In recent years, molecular studies focusing on this genus have unravelled several striking cases of cryptic and pseudocryptic diversity. Lithophyllum racemus is a common non-geniculate coralline alga-forming rhodoliths in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Molecular phylogenies (psbA and coxI) reconstructed for some Mediterranean specimens morpho-anatomically assigned to L. racemus revealed two well-supported sister clades. Based on pairwise sequence divergences, we recognised these two clades as separate species, L. racemus and L. pseudoracemus sp. nov. The low number of specimens has not permitted any useful morpho-anatomical comparison between the species, and for now, only DNA sequencing permits separation. The discovery of L. pseudoracemus unravelled a new case of cryptic diversity in Mediterranean coralline algae, highlighting the substantially underestimated diversity of these seaweeds.

  • Mediterranean Lithophyllum stictiforme (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) is a genetically diverse species complex: implications for species circumscription, biogeography and conservation of coralligenous habitats
    Journal of Phycology, 2019
    Co-Authors: Laura Pezzolesi, Graziella Rodondi, Viviana Peña, Line Le Gall, Paul Gabrielson, Sara Kaleb, Jeffery Hughey, Jazmin Hernandez‐kantun, Annalisa Falace, Daniela Basso
    Abstract:

    Lithophyllum species in the Mediterranean Sea function as algal bioconstructors, contributing to the formation of biogenic habitats such as coralligenous concretions. In such habitats, thalli of Lithophyllum, consisting of crusts or lamellae with entire or lobed margins, have been variously referred to as either one species, L. stictiforme, or two species, L. stictiforme and L. cabiochiae, in the recent literature. We investigated species diversity and phylogenetic relationships in these algae by sequencing three markers (psbA and rbcL genes, cox2,3 spacer), in conjunction with methods for algorithmic delimitation of species (ABGD and GMYC). Mediterranean subtidal Lithophyllum belong to a well‐supported lineage, hereby called the L. stictiforme complex, which also includes two species described from the Atlantic, L. lobatum and L. searlesii. Our results indicate that the L. stictiforme complex consists of at least 13 species. Among the Mediterranean species, some are widely distributed and span most of the western and central Mediterranean, whereas others appear to be restricted to specific localities. These patterns are interpreted as possibly resulting from allopatric speciation events that took place during the Messinian Salinity Crisis and subsequent glacial periods. A partial rbcL sequence from the lectotype of L. stictiforme unambiguously indicates that this name applies to the most common subtidal Lithophyllum in the central Mediterranean. We agree with recent treatments that considered L. cabiochiae and L. stictiforme conspecific. The diversity of Lithophyllum in Mediterranean coralligenous habitats has been substantially underestimated, and future work on these and other Mediterranean corallines should use identifications based on DNA sequences.

  • Assessment of Coralline Species Diversity in the European Coasts Supported by Sequencing of Type Material: The Case Study of Lithophyllum nitorum (Corallinales, Rhodophyta)
    Cryptogamie Algologie, 2018
    Co-Authors: Viviana Peña, Jazmin J. Hernandez-kantun, Walter H. Adey, Line Le Gall
    Abstract:

    A constant effort in sequencing an extensive number of specimens originating from comprehensive sampling had return an unprecedented amount of information fostering our understanding of diversity, evolution and distribution of coralline algae; however, many sequences lack reliable assignation of a taxonomic name, specially at the species level. Recently, the sequencing of type material allowed to bridge this gap by providing a direct link between the DNA sequence and the type bearing name. For instance, in the genus Lithophyllum, the identity of three species, generally abundant along the European Atlantic and the Mediterranean, was demonstrated by including sequences of the type material. Nevertheless, for less conspicious species, such as Lithophyllum nitorum, data are still needed to assess distribution, anatomy, phylogenetic affinities and taxonomic status. Using DNA sequences recovered from the type material of L. nitorum, further recent collections were resolved as conspecific and used to improve the description and refine the distribution of this species. Lithophyllum nitorum consisted of subtidal, thin crusts overgrowing fragments of dead maerl, pebbles and drifted fragments of fishing lines. The presence of uniporate conceptacles markedly protruding can be considered an external morphological feature useful to identify L. nitorum from other subtidal Lithophyllum species with similar habitat. Lithophyllum nitorum is reported for the Mediterranean Sea and confirmed in the North East Atlantic, a similar distribution as for L. incrustans and L. hibernicum.

  • Reassessment of branched Lithophyllum spp. (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) in the Caribbean Sea with global implications
    Phycologia, 2016
    Co-Authors: Jazmin J. Hernandez-kantun, Rafael Riosmena-rodríguez, Viviana Peña, Paul W. Gabrielson, Jeffery R. Hughey, Laura Pezzolesi, Fabio Rindi, Néstor M. Robinson, Line Le Gall, Walter H. Adey
    Abstract:

    Abstract: Plastid-encoded rbcL and psbA sequences from branched, Caribbean Sea Lithophyllum specimens indicate that four species are present, not one. Short (263 base pairs) rbcL sequences from an isolectotype of L. kaiseri (Gulf of Suez) and the holotypes of L. congestum, L. daedaleum and L. platyphyllum (Caribbean Sea) show that L. congestum and L. daedaleum are conspecific with L. kaiseri, the last having nomenclatural priority. Lithophyllum platyphyllum, currently considered a synonym of L. congestum, is recognised as a valid species. Lithophyllum stictaeforme, originally described from the Mediterranean Sea, is not conspecific with L. kaiseri (as L. congestum) as previously suggested. Lithophyllum neocongestum sp. nov. and L. pseudoplatyphyllum sp. nov. are proposed. Together with L. platyphyllum, these three branched species are so far endemic to the Caribbean Sea. This is the first report, documented by DNA sequence data, of a coralline species (L. kaiseri) widespread through the tropical Indo-West...

  • Sequencing type material resolves the identity and distribution of the generitype Lithophyllum incrustans, and related European species L. hibernicum and L. bathyporum (Corallinales, Rhodophyta).
    Journal of Phycology, 2015
    Co-Authors: Jazmin J. Hernandez-kantun, Viviana Peña, Fabio Rindi, Line Le Gall, Walter H. Adey, Svenja Heesch, Paul W. Gabrielson
    Abstract:

    DNA sequences from type material in the nongeniculate coralline genus Lithophyllum were used to unambiguously link some European species names to field-collected specimens, thus providing a great advance over morpho-anatomical identifi-cation. In particular, sequence comparisons of rbcL, COI and psbA genes from field-collected specimens allowed the following conclusion: the generitype species, L. incrustans, occurs mostly as subtidal rhodoliths and crusts on both Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, and not as the common, NE Atlantic, epilithic, intertidal crust reported in the literature. The heterotypic type material of L. hibernicum was narrowed to one rhodolith belonging in Lithophyllum. As well as occurring as a subtidal rhodolith, L. hibernicum is a common, epilithic and epizoic crust in the intertidal zone from Ireland south to Mediterranean France. A set of four features distinguished L. incrustans from L. hibernicum, including epithallial cell diameter, pore canal shape of sporangial conceptacles and sporangium height and diameter. An rbcL sequence of the lectotype of Lithophyllum bathyporum, which was recently proposed to accommodate Atlantic intertidal collections of L. incrustans, corresponded to a distinct taxon hitherto known only from Brittany as the subtidal, bisporangial, lectotype, but also occurs intertidally in Atlantic Spain. Specimens from Ireland and France morpho-anatomically identified as L. fasciculatum and a specimen from Cornwall likewise identified as L. duckerae were resolved as L. incrustans and L. hibernicum, respectively.

Graziella Rodondi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Circumscription of Lithophyllum racemus (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) from the western Mediterranean Sea reveals the species Lithophyllum pseudoracemus sp. nov.
    Phycologia, 2020
    Co-Authors: Annalisa Caragnano, Daniela Basso, Graziella Rodondi, Viviana Peña, Line Le Gall, Fabio Rindi
    Abstract:

    Species of the genus Lithophyllum are important carbonate producers and bioconstructors. In recent years, molecular studies focusing on this genus have unravelled several striking cases of cryptic and pseudocryptic diversity. Lithophyllum racemus is a common non-geniculate coralline alga-forming rhodoliths in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Molecular phylogenies (psbA and coxI) reconstructed for some Mediterranean specimens morpho-anatomically assigned to L. racemus revealed two well-supported sister clades. Based on pairwise sequence divergences, we recognised these two clades as separate species, L. racemus and L. pseudoracemus sp. nov. The low number of specimens has not permitted any useful morpho-anatomical comparison between the species, and for now, only DNA sequencing permits separation. The discovery of L. pseudoracemus unravelled a new case of cryptic diversity in Mediterranean coralline algae, highlighting the substantially underestimated diversity of these seaweeds.

  • Mediterranean Lithophyllum stictiforme (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) is a genetically diverse species complex: implications for species circumscription, biogeography and conservation of coralligenous habitats
    Journal of Phycology, 2019
    Co-Authors: Laura Pezzolesi, Graziella Rodondi, Viviana Peña, Line Le Gall, Paul Gabrielson, Sara Kaleb, Jeffery Hughey, Jazmin Hernandez‐kantun, Annalisa Falace, Daniela Basso
    Abstract:

    Lithophyllum species in the Mediterranean Sea function as algal bioconstructors, contributing to the formation of biogenic habitats such as coralligenous concretions. In such habitats, thalli of Lithophyllum, consisting of crusts or lamellae with entire or lobed margins, have been variously referred to as either one species, L. stictiforme, or two species, L. stictiforme and L. cabiochiae, in the recent literature. We investigated species diversity and phylogenetic relationships in these algae by sequencing three markers (psbA and rbcL genes, cox2,3 spacer), in conjunction with methods for algorithmic delimitation of species (ABGD and GMYC). Mediterranean subtidal Lithophyllum belong to a well‐supported lineage, hereby called the L. stictiforme complex, which also includes two species described from the Atlantic, L. lobatum and L. searlesii. Our results indicate that the L. stictiforme complex consists of at least 13 species. Among the Mediterranean species, some are widely distributed and span most of the western and central Mediterranean, whereas others appear to be restricted to specific localities. These patterns are interpreted as possibly resulting from allopatric speciation events that took place during the Messinian Salinity Crisis and subsequent glacial periods. A partial rbcL sequence from the lectotype of L. stictiforme unambiguously indicates that this name applies to the most common subtidal Lithophyllum in the central Mediterranean. We agree with recent treatments that considered L. cabiochiae and L. stictiforme conspecific. The diversity of Lithophyllum in Mediterranean coralligenous habitats has been substantially underestimated, and future work on these and other Mediterranean corallines should use identifications based on DNA sequences.

  • The genus Lithophyllum in the north-western Indian Ocean, with description of L. yemenense sp. nov., L. socotraense sp. nov., L. subplicatum comb. et stat. nov., and the resumed L. affine, L. kaiseri, and L. subreduncum (Rhodophyta, Corallinales)
    Phytotaxa, 2015
    Co-Authors: Daniela Basso, Annalisa Caragnano, Line Le Gal, Graziella Rodondi
    Abstract:

    Based on literature, the genus Lithophyllum was represented in the whole Indian Ocean by 14 taxa, mostly in need of revision in a modern context. Molecular analyses integrated with morpho-anatomical comparisons between the recently revised type material of Lithophyllum kotschyanum Unger, and the related infraspecific taxa, lead to a resumption of L. affine , L. kaiseri , and L. subreduncum, and the description of L. socotraense sp. nov. , L. yemenense sp. nov. , and L. subplicatum comb. et stat. nov. Detailed accounts are provided for each species, including keys, along with information on synonymy, examined collections, distribution, habitat as well as sequence data of the 5’ end of the LSU from the type specimens. The anatomical features of the tetrasporangial conceptacle that were considered collectively diagnostic for species identification are: the mean diameter of the tetrasporangial conceptacles, the length of the pore-canal in the tetrasporangial conceptacles (with the number of cells in roof filaments), the occurrence of a depression at the top of the conceptacle roof in relation to the pore opening, and the number of cells from the floor of the tetrasporangial conceptacle chamber to the thallus surface. This study provides evidence of a previously unsuspected diversity within the Red Sea and NW Indian Ocean species of Lithophyllum.

  • Trichocytes in Lithophyllum kotschyanum and Lithophyllum spp. (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) from the NW Indian Ocean
    Journal of Phycology, 2014
    Co-Authors: Daniela Basso, Annalisa Caragnano, Graziella Rodondi
    Abstract:

    The current diagnosis of the genus Lithophyllum includes absent or rare trichocyte occurrence. After examining holotype material, single trichocytes have been revealed to occur abundantly in Lithophyllum kotschyanum Unger, and in freshly collected specimens of Lithophyllum spp. from the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Socotra Island (Yemen). Trichocyte occurrence is not considered a diagnostic character at specific or supraspecific levels in the Lithophylloideae, and the ecological significance of trichocyte formation is discussed. The generitype species, L. incrustans Philippi, does not show trichocytes nor do many other Lithophyllum species from diverse geographic localities, but the presence of abundant trichocytes in other congeneric taxa requires emendation of the genus diagnosis. Therefore, the diagnosis of Lithophyllum is here emended by eliminating the adjective "rare" in the sentence concerning trichocyte occurrence, as follows: "Trichocytes present or absent, if present occurring singly."

Grazia Vannucci - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • REVISION AND RE-DOCUMENTATION OF M. AIROLDI'S SPECIES OF Lithophyllum FROM THE TERTIARY PIEDMONT BASIN
    Rivista Italiana Di Paleontologia E Stratigrafia, 2008
    Co-Authors: Grazia Vannucci, Francesca Quaranta, Daniela Basso
    Abstract:

    The species originally attributed by Airoldi (1932) to the genus Lithophyllum ( L. perrandoi , L. ligusticum , L. personatum and L. desitum ) are here re-examined on the basis of the original material, original descriptions and illustrations. L. perrandoi and L. ligusticum are considered to be conspecific and questionably retained in the genus Lithophyllum . We give priority to the name ? L. perrandoi Airoldi to honour the priest Don Perrando, who collected most of the fossils conserved in the Dip.Te.Ris of Genova. L. personatum and L. desitum do not belong to the genus Lithophyllum as presently circumscribed. L. personatum Airoldi is a female/carposporangial plant of a mastophoroid species resembling Spongites fruticulosus Kutzing, and therefore we retain a dubitative identification with the new combination ? Spongites personatus (Airoldi). L. desitum is here placed in the genus Mesophyllum under the new combination Mesophyllum desitum (Airoldi). On the basis of its vegetative and reproductive features, M. desitum comb. nov. is here considered conspecific with Mesophyllum obsitum Airoldi. Pdf

  • Neogoniolithon contii comb. nov based on the taxonomic re-assessment of Mastrorilli's original collections from the Oligocene of NW Italy (Tertiary Piedmont Basin)
    Rivista Italiana Di Paleontologia E Stratigrafia, 2007
    Co-Authors: Francesca Quaranta, Grazia Vannucci, Daniela Basso
    Abstract:

    Recent anatomic observations of the types of Lithophyllum contii Mastrorilli, 1967, Lithophyllum embergeri Mastrorilli, 1968, Mesophyllum flexile Mastrorilli, 1968 and Mesophyllum rigidum Mastrorilli, 1968 urged their revision under modern taxonomic schemes. Lithophyllum contii Mastrorilli, 1967 is transferred to the subfamily Mastophoroideae and the new combination Neogoniolithon contii is proposed. L. giammarinoi, L. embergeri, M. flexile and M. rigidum are considered to be younger heterotypic synonyms of L. contii , originally established on the basis of anatomical details herein considered to be artefacts due to improper orientation of studied thalli. Each species is critically analysed on the basis of original Mastrorilli’s collections (Genoa University, Dip.Te.Ris) and additional material collected at the type localities.

  • Biostratigraphic, paleobiogeographic and paleoecological implications in the taxonomic review of Corallinaceae
    Rendiconti Lincei, 1998
    Co-Authors: Daniela Basso, Michele Piazza, Patrizia Favega, Grazia Vannucci
    Abstract:

    Some fossil species of nongeniculate coralline algae are synonyms of living species. These synonimies allow us to use stratigraphic distributions of Phymatolithon calcareum (Pallas) Adey and McKibbin 1970 (Oligocene — Recent) and of the Mediterranean endemics Lithophyllum racemus (Lamarck) Foslie 1901 (Aquitanian — Recent) and Lithothamnion valens Foslie 1909 (Priabonian — Recent) to clarify their paleobiogeography. It also illuminates the bionomy and paleoenvironments of benthic Mediterranean bottoms dominated by unattached corallines. The changes in species and morphologies in the coating sequence of rhodoliths, from nucleus to periphery, document sequential environmental changes. Alcune specie fossili di Corallinaceae non genicolate sono sinonimi di specie viventi. Queste sinonimie permettono di utilizzare la distribuzione stratigrafica di Phymatolithon calcareum (Pallas) Adey and McKibbin 1970 (Oligocene-Recente), come anche di Lithophyllum racemus (Lamarck) Foslie 1901 (Aquitaniano-Recente) e Lithothamnion valens Foslie 1909 (Priaboniano-Recente), due specie endemiche del Mediterraneo, per chiarirne l’evoluzione paleobiogeografica. Queste sinonimie tra specie fossili ed attuali e quindi il significato attribuibile ai fossili nell’ambito della bionomia bentonica mediterranea (almeno dal tardo Miocene) consentono di ricostruire con maggior dettaglio alcuni paleoambienti di fondo mobile dominati da queste corallinacee. In presenza di rodoliti multispecifiche, è possibile tracciare l’evoluzione del paleoambiente attraverso la sequenza di accrescimento delle rodoliti stesse.

  • Lithophyllum IPPOLITOI . A NEW SPECIES OF CORALLINE ALGAE FROM TERTIARY PIEDMONT BASIN
    Rivista Italiana Di Paleontologia E Stratigrafia, 1993
    Co-Authors: Patrizia Fravega, Michele Piazza, Grazia Vannucci
    Abstract:

    A new species of the genus Lithophyllum ( Lithophyllum ippolitoi ) was discovered in the Oligocene section of Toleto (Molare Formation, Tertiary Piedmont Basin). The holotype overgrows a coral colony, and is characterised by morphological features and dimensions of cells that are clearly different from those of the other recorded species of Lithophyllum .

  • THREE NEW SPECIES OF CORALLINE ALGAE (GENERA LITHOTHAMNION AND Lithophyllum ) FROM THE TERTIARY PIEDMONT BASIN
    Rivista Italiana Di Paleontologia E Stratigrafia, 1992
    Co-Authors: Patrizia Fravega, Michele Piazza, Grazia Vannucci
    Abstract:

    Two new species of the genus Lithothamnion and one of Lithophyllum were discovered in the burdigalian section of Bric Cardinelle (Visone Formation, Tertiary Piedmont Basin). The holotypes are present in rhodoliths coming from oncolitic rudstone or calciruditic bodies. The new species are characterised by morphological features and dimensions of cells that are clearly different from those of the other recorded species of Lithothamnion and Lithophyllum .