Bipolarity in sea slugs: a new species of Doridunculus (Mollusca: Nudibranchia: Onchidoridoidea) from Antarctica
Moles, J.; Wägele, H.; Uhl, G.; Avila, C. (2017). Bipolarity in sea slugs: a new species of Doridunculus (Mollusca: Nudibranchia: Onchidoridoidea) from Antarctica. Org. Divers. Evol. 17(1): 101-109. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13127-016-0309-z
In: Organisms Diversity & Evolution. Elsevier: Heidelberg. ISSN 1439-6092; e-ISSN 1618-1077, more
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| Keywords |
Akiodorididae Millen & Martynov, 2005 [WoRMS]; Heterobranchia [WoRMS]
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| Author keywords |
Phanerobranchia; Weddell Sea; Disjunct distribution; Micto-CT |
| Authors | | Top |
- Moles, J.
- Wägele, H.
- Uhl, G.
- Avila, C.
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| Abstract |
Bipolar distributions of benthic taxa have intrigued many biologists since the first Antarctic expeditions. Records of taxa, either at species or higher taxonomic levels, encompassing this peculiar distribution have been regularly reported since then. Moreover, the study of heterobranch mollusks from remote areas, such as Antarctica, often provides key taxa so far unknown, which might be essential for systematics. Here, we describe a new species of nudibranch from the eastern Weddell Sea using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), namely, Doridunculus punkusn. sp. (Akiodorididae). Hitherto, the genus Doridunculuswas only reported from the Arctic region. We provide an extensive description of morphological and anatomical characters of D. punkusn. sp., thereby offering new insights into the anatomy of the understudied Akiodorididae. A comparison of all Akiodorididae species shows that D. punkusn. sp. exhibits intermediate characters between some Onchidoridoidea families (i.e., hook-shaped innermost lateral teeth). Furthermore, the detailed study of its reproductive system suggests a close relationship of both Akiodorididae and Goniodorididae. We suggest an Antarctic origin of Akiodorididae followed by dispersion and a subsequent speciation in the Arctic. |
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