TITLE:
Phylogenetic Relationships of Japanese Unionoida (Mollusca: Bivalvia) Based on Mitochondrial 16S rDNA Sequences
AUTHORS:
Isao Sano, Akihisa Shirai, Takaki Kondo, Jun-Ichi Miyazaki
KEYWORDS:
Systematics, Molecular Barcoding, Endangered Species, Conservation, East Asian Mussels
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Water Resource and Protection,
Vol.9 No.5,
April
30,
2017
ABSTRACT: Japanese unionoid mussels are classified into 2
families (Margaritiferidae and Unionidae), 12 genera, and 18 species based on
the morphological characteristics of both adults and larvae; however, there are
some debates regarding their systematics. In this study, we determined
mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA sequences (347-bp) for 60 specimens belonging
to 18 species and constructed trees to elucidate phylogenetic relationships and
evaluate the current systematics of Japanese unionoid mussels. Almost all
species formed clades, except for Inversiunio
yanagawensis, Sinanodonta lauta, S. japonica, and Margaritifera laevis, even though two or more specimens were
collected from distant localities. All genera formed highly supported clades
with the exception of the genus Sinanodonta.
Phylogenetic relationships obtained in this study supported systematics based
on morphological and larval traits. Therefore, the current phylogenetic relationships and systematics of Japanese unionoid
mussels are stronger than they were before; now that they are
corroborated by genetic data.