Worms that suck: Phylogenetic analysis of Hirudinea solidifies the position of Acanthobdellida and necessitates the dissolution of Rhynchobdellida

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
Michael TesslerM E Siddall

Abstract

Annelids possessing a posterior sucker and a fixed number of somites - most famously leeches (Hirudinida), but also crayfish worms (Branchiobdellida) and salmonid parasites (Acanthobdellida) - form a clade; however, determining the relationships between these orders has proven challenging. Here, we compile the largest molecular phylogenetic dataset yet analysed for these groups, including new sequences for key taxa. We find robust model-based support for a clade formed by Hirudinida and Acanthobdellida, contrasting the largest prior studies. We determine that conflicting prior studies included contaminant sequences for Acanthobdella peledina. In addition to this broad-scale comparison, the size of our dataset grants us invaluable insight into the internal relationships of leeches and crayfish worms. Of particular importance, a largely marine clade of leeches (Piscicolidae and Ozobranchidae) is recovered as sister to all remaining Hirudinida. This necessitates the dissolution of the paraphyletic suborder Rhynchobdellida into two new suborders (Oceanobdelliformes and Glossiphoniiformes). Likewise, we decompose Arhynchobdellida into its respective suborders: Hirudiniformes, Erpobdelliformes, and the new, monotypic, Americobdellifo...Continue Reading

Citations

Jun 20, 2019·Genome Biology and Evolution·Anna J PhillipsBronwyn W Williams
Nov 13, 2019·Scientific Reports·Ivan N BolotovMaxim V Vinarski
Nov 6, 2018·Development, Growth & Differentiation·Dian-Han Kuo, Yi-Te Lai
Feb 3, 2021·Genome Biology and Evolution·Rafael Eiji IwamaSebastian Kvist
Nov 18, 2020·Scientific Reports·Ivan N BolotovIlya V Vikhrev
Jan 19, 2021·Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources·Alexander BolbatIrina Kaygorodova
Oct 27, 2020·International Journal for Parasitology. Parasites and Wildlife·Anna J PhillipsWilliam E Moser
Jul 31, 2021·Animal Reproduction Science·Mustafa CeylanSebastian Kvist
Aug 18, 2021·Molecular Ecology Resources·Christina LynggaardKristine Bohmann

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