Molecular systematics and global phylogeography of angel sharks (genus Squatina).

Angel sharks of the genus Squatina represent a group comprising 22 extant benthic species inhabiting continental shelves and upper slopes. In the present study, a comprehensive phylogenetic reconstruction of 17 Squatina species based on two mitochondrial markers (COI and 16S rRNA) is provided. The p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
Main Authors: Stelbrink, Björn, von Rintelen, Thomas, Cliff, Geremy, Kriwet, Jürgen
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Elsevier Science 2010
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2009.07.029
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19647086
Description
Summary:Angel sharks of the genus Squatina represent a group comprising 22 extant benthic species inhabiting continental shelves and upper slopes. In the present study, a comprehensive phylogenetic reconstruction of 17 Squatina species based on two mitochondrial markers (COI and 16S rRNA) is provided. The phylogenetic reconstructions are used to test biogeographic patterns. In addition, a molecular clock analysis is conducted to estimate divergence times of the emerged clades. All analyses show Squatina to be monophyletic. Four geographic clades are recognized, of which the Europe-North Africa-Asia clade is probably a result of the Tethys Sea closure. A second sister group relationship emerged in the analyses, including S. californica (eastern North Pacific) and S. dumeril (western North Atlantic), probably related to the rise of the Panamanian isthmus. The molecular clock analysis show that both lineage divergences coincide with the estimated time of these two geological events.