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The genus Gayralia has a complex taxonomy, often with morphological and ontogenetic characteristics that overlap with those of other monostromatic green algae, mainly Monostroma. Molecular studies of monostromatic green algae are still rare, especially in Brazil, where G. brasiliensis was described originally. Considering the difficulties in delimiting genera and species based on morphological criteria, we investigated the genus Gayralia through ITS sequencing of field collections in the tropical northeastern region of Brazil. Our 14 newly generated sequences formed a fully supported clade with G. brasiliensis showing low intraspecific divergence (0–0.6%). The distribution of G. brasiliensis in Brazil was expanded to the northeastern Brazilian coast, with the first record for the states of Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Alagoas, and Sergipe. In addition, two sequences from India identified as G. “oxysperma” were grouped in the G. brasiliensis clade, indicating that they correspond to the same genetic species. This finding extends the geographical distribution of G. brasiliensis to India. Our results place Monostroma kuroshiense within the Gayralia clade, which warrants a new combination – Gayralia kuroshiensis (F.Bast) comb. nov.

Colpomenia sinuosa is a cosmopolitan brown macroalgal species complex and hence a great candidate for evolutionary studies in the marine environment. Since 2009, three major C. sinuosa phylogenetic lineages, subdivided into eight subgroups, have been identified based on cox3 DNA sequences from worldwide collections. However, worldwide sampling remains limited and spotty. To date molecular data from Brazilian C. sinuosa populations have been limited to 10 specimens collected in a single locality. Nonetheless, C. sinuosa populations occur along the entire ~8,000 km Brazilian coast. Consequently, knowledge on population genetic diversity and spatial genetic structuring along most of the Brazilian coastline is nonexistent. To fulfill this gap in knowledge, we performed a phylogeographic analysis of C. sinuosa populations in Brazil. The highly variable cox3 marker was sequenced for 148 individuals collected in 12 localities in Brazil. Results identified two genetically distinct population groups (north vs. south) separated at 20.5° S latitude. Genetic diversity in northern populations is 14.6 and 15.5 times greater than southern populations in terms of haplotype and nucleotide diversity, respectively. Among northern populations, the Bahia state holds the largest genetic diversity. The southern populations had lower genetic diversity and no internal genetic sub-structure suggesting past bottlenecks followed by recent colonization from northern haplotypes. Our results do not indicate recent introductions of foreign haplotypes in Brazil and reinforce the crucial importance of historical and extant allopatric, parapatric, and sympatric processes driving marine macroalgal evolution in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean.

Defining species in the brown algal genus Colpomenia is a challenging endeavour because of their morphological similarity, overlapping phenotypic variation, the absence of conspicuous diagnostic characters, and often lack of reproductive structures crucial for their identification. Thus, the use of molecular tools has become widely used to study Colpomenia taxonomy and evolution. The following four Colpomenia species are described along the Australian coast: C. claytoniae M.Boo, K.M.Lee, G.Y.Cho & W.Nelson, C. ecuticulata M.J.Parsons, C. peregrina Sauvageau, and C. sinuosa (Mertens ex Roth) Derbès & Solier. The objective of this study was to assess the diversity of Colpomenia species in southern and south-eastern Australia by using DNA barcoding techniques and single-marker species delimitation methods. We generated 44 new COI-5P DNA sequences from nine different populations across three Australian states (South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania), and applied 13 variations of four species delimitation methods (ABDG, SPN, PTP, GMYC). Our results recognised three Colpomenia species in the region, namely, C. sinuosa, C. claytoniae, and C. peregrina. Colpomenia sinuosa is the most widely distributed species in Australia. Colpomenia peregrina and C. claytoniae presented high levels of intraspecific genetic divergence. We did not find C. ecuticulata, although it has been previously reported from nearby our sampling area.

The Peyssonneliaceae represents the only family in the order Peyssonneliales, a clade of red encrusting algae distributed worldwide, including 136 species in eleven currently accepted genera. Delineation of genera in the Peyssonneliaceae has mostly been based on vegetative characteristics. Previous molecular phylogenies have shown that some traditionally circumscribed genera are not monophyletic and relationships among them are uncertain. We contribute to the knowledge of the evolutionary history of this clade, presenting a robust rbcL phylogeny that provides new insights on the origin and diversification of the Peyssonneliales. Based on a broad dataset and morphological analyses, we propose a revised taxonomic scheme for the Peyssonneliales resolved as monophyletic with well-supported main lineages. Our results show that Peyssonnelia is polyphyletic, and, therefore, we propose three new genera, Agissea, Olokunia, and Rhodowynnea to accommodate species currently assigned to Peyssonnelia, but distantly related to the clade with the type species of the genus. Additionally, barcoding techniques and analyzed criteria for specific delimitation supported the establishment of one new genus, Brasilophycus, and seven new species, from northeastern Brazil: Agissea amadoi, A. densissima, A. taberniforma, A. villatlantica, A. yemonjasagbae, Brasilophycus similis, and B. roseomarginatus. Our integrative taxonomic approach reveals underestimated diversity of Brazilian Peyssonneliales. Investment in broader sampling along the Brazilian coast and other tropical areas may reveal that its marine biodiversity can be expanded, enlightening our knowledge about this ecologically important group of red algae.

Brazil is characterized as a megadiverse country, and one of the factors that guarantees the knowledge and preservation of this biodiversity is an improvement in the biological collections. They represent a country's biological, scientific, cultural, and genetic heritage and their preservation depends on a joint effort of researchers, institutions, and public authorities. Marine biological collections of invertebrates and algae of the state of São Paulo represent a high percentage of the national collections, with five biological collections deposited in state institutions. Currently, these collections safeguard the vast majority of the state's marine collection and make up one of the largest in the country. Therefore, the objective of this research is to present information on marine biological collections in the state of São Paulo, their current status, funding, and future perspectives, creating communication opportunities and considering the factors that impact their development. Support from the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) surpasses state limits, since many studies address broader areas and/or establish diverse partnerships with other institutions from outside São Paulo. This is reflected in the taxonomic and geographic scope of the biological collections in the state, since these host specimens/species from different regions of the country, or even from other countries. However, it is worth mentioning that it is not enough to invest in expeditions to enrich the collections without valuing the training of qualified personnel, both for the collections maintenance and for their taxonomic refinement. Resumo O Brasil é caracterizado como um país megadiverso e uma das prioridades no conhecimento e conservação dessa biodiversidade é seguramente a melhoria das coleções biológicas. Estas representam patrimônio biológico, científico, cultural e genético de um país, e sua preservação depende de um esforço coletivo de pesquisadores, instituições e do poder público. Com relação às coleções biológicas marinhas de invertebrados e algas, o estado de São Paulo representa uma alta porcentagem do acervo nacional, com cinco principais coleções depositadas em instituições estaduais. Atualmente estas coleções salvaguardam a grande maioria do acervo marinho estadual e compõem um dos maiores do país. Assim sendo, o objetivo desta pesquisa é o de apresentar informações sobre as coleções biológicas marinhas do estado de São Paulo, estado atual, financiamentos e perspectivas futuras, criando oportunidades de comunicação e considerando os fatores que impactam o desenvolvimento das mesmas. O apoio financeiro da Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) às instituições paulistas extravasa os limites do estado, visto que muitas pesquisas abordam áreas mais abrangentes e/ou estabelecem parcerias diversas com outras instituições não paulistas. Isso se reflete inclusive na abrangência taxonômica e geográfica das coleções biológicas do Estado, uma vez que estas mantêm espécimes/espécies de diferentes regiões do país, ou mesmo de outros países. No entanto, vale ressaltar que não basta investir em expedições de coleta para enriquecimento das coleções sem valorizar a formação de pessoal qualificado, tanto para a curadoria dos acervos quanto para o refinamento taxonômico.

In the last 30 years a plethora of phylogeography studies have been published targeting Brazilian marine species. To date, several historical and extant physical and ecological processes have been identified as drivers of allopatric, sympatric and parapatric population genetic differentiation detected along the Brazilian coast. Examples of extant physical barriers include the split of the South Equatorial Current into the Brazil and North Brazil boundary currents, the mouth of major rivers (e.g., Amazon, São Francisco and Doce rivers) and coastal upwellings. Examples of historical barriers include the Vitória-Trindade seamount chain promoting genetic differentiation during periods of glacial maxima and lower sea levels. Examples of ecological speciation include adaptations to different substrata, resource use and reproductive biology. We used published data to build data sets and generalized additive models to identify patterns of spatial phylogeographical concordance across multiple taxa and markers. Our results identify Cape São Roque as the most dominant extant barrier to gene flow along the Brazilian coast, followed by the Vitória-Trindade seamount chain and Cape Santa Marta. Cape Santa Marta is the northern winter limit of the Rio da Plata plume and is intermittently influenced by the Malvinas Current. This study provides a novel explicit quantitative approach to comparative phylogeography that recognizes four Brazilian phylogeographical regions delimited by processes associated with barriers to gene flow.

Several filamentous endophytic genera are assigned to the Phaeophyceae, in particular to the family Chordariaceae (Cormaci et al. 2012). Brown endophytic filamentous algae are known to cause infections in host marine algae (Schoenrock et al. 2013; Ogandaga et al. 2016, 2017; Gao et al. 2019). Acting as pathogens, they may cause morphological, physiological and ecological changes in the host alga such as production of galls and wart-like spots, changes in metabolism and growth rates, and changes in survivorship and reproduction (Schoenrock et al. 2013; Ogandaga et al. 2016, 2017; Gao et al. 2019). Among brown algal filamentous endophytes, the genus Mikrosyphar Kuckuck is relatively understudied. To date, only Mikrosyphar zosterae Kuckuck (1895: 177) was studied thoroughly (Ogandaga et al. 2016, 2017).

The green algal genus Bryopsis has simple morphology and high phenotypic plasticity, making it difficult to identify its species based on morphological characteristics alone. This study evaluated the diversity of Bryopsis in northeastern Brazil (the State of Pernambuco), based on morphological and molecular data using the markers tufA and rbcL. Molecular analyses were incongruent with morphology, demonstrating the existence of cryptic and polymorphic species in the genus. Of the four taxa cited for the area based only on morphological data (Bryopsis corymbosa, B. pennata, B. plumosa, Bryopsis sp.), only B. pennata was recorded. Typical specimens of B. pennata and B. plumosa were grouped with low genetic divergence, 0-0.21 % for tufA and no divergence for rbcL, indicating that B. pennata is an extremely plastic species that includes specimens with morphotype B. “plumosa”. Bryopsis pennata var. secunda is cited for the first time for northeastern Brazil, with divergence from the typical variety of 0.96-1.57 % for tufA and 0.4 % for rbcL. This study showed that broader sampling of Bryopsis is necessary in order to confirm the taxonomic status of the species referenced for Brazil, whose phenotypic plasticity may cause overestimation of diversity or reveal cryptic species.

Many studies have focused on the taxonomy and phylogeny of the family Galaxauraceae with the use of molecular markers, allied to morphological taxonomy, providing a better understanding of the phylogenetic relationships within the family, as well assisting with the specific delimitation. For the Brazilian coast, Galaxauraceae has few studies with morphological taxonomy, but lack studies with a molecular focus. The diversity of Galaxauraceae was assessed in northeastern Brazil (Bahia state) using rbcL and COI-5P, as well as morpho-anatomical analyses. We report four species from Brazil: Dichotomaria huismanii (the first report for the Brazilian coast), D. obtusata, Galaxaura rugosa, and Tricleocarpa fragilis. Molecular and morphological data supported the establishment of two new species for Galaxauraceae: Tricleocarpa laxa sp. nov. and Dichotomaria viridis sp. nov. Tricleocarpa laxa formed a well-supported clade sister to T. natalensis (South Africa, type locality) and T. cylindrica (Australia) in both rbcL and COI-5P analyses, whereas Dichotomaria viridis, formed a moderate clade sister to D. huismanii. The Brazilian sequences of D. huismanii grouped with sequences from the type locality (Bermuda) showing no intraspecific divergence for rbcL, and very low divergence values for COI-5P. The record of D. huismanii in Brazil expands its geographical distribution to the South Atlantic Ocean. Male plants are described for the first time for this species. Even though our results are restricted to a region of northeastern Brazil (Bahia), they clearly revealed a hidden diversity of Galaxauraceae in Brazil.

Peyssonneliaceae represents a monophyletic clade of red encrusting algae classified Peyssonneliales. Molecular analyses have been important for revealing unknown diversity in this family, which includes small, cryptic organisms, frequently distinguished solely by discrete anatomical characters. Brazil however, remains virtually unknown. To assess this diversity, phylogenetic and barcoding analyses using rbcL, COI-5P and SSU data, as well as morpho-anatomical analyses were performed. Here we report the first occurrence of two genera on the Brazilian coast: Ramicrusta and Incendia, and describe three new species: Ramicrusta fujiiana sp. nov., Ramicrusta paradoxa sp. nov. and Incendia yoneshigueana sp. nov. Ramicrusta was resolved as a monophyletic clade in the three reconstructed phylogenies, and had congruent topologies. In the rbcL phylogeny, Ramicrusta fujiiana formed a well-supported clade sister to a well-supported clade including R. aranea (Vanuatu, type locality) and R. textilis (Jamaica, type locality). Morphological characters of R. paradoxa are not in agreement with the original description of the genus. Therefore, we present an updated and broader concept of Ramicrusta. Incendia was resolved as a monophyletic clade with full support for rbcL. Incendia yoneshigueana is in a sister relationship with I. glabra (Vanuatu, type locality). This study extends the distributions of Ramicrusta and Incendia, proposes three new species, and confirms the effectiveness of rbcL, COI-5P and SSU in inferring phylogenetic relationships and delimiting species in the Peyssonneliales. The integrative approach established clear taxonomic concepts for the studied genera and species, and identified useful characters for genera delimitation in Peyssonneliaceae.

Hypnea is a monophyletic genus with a complex nomenclatural and taxonomic history, and is an important commercial source of carrageenan. Phylogenies of this genus have been accessed based primarily on Asian species; however, recent studies performed in South America revealed a great diversity of species, for which phylogenetic relationships need to be evaluated. Three infrageneric sections are recognized in the genus: Pulvinatae, Spinuligerae, and Virgatae; however, morphological and molecular circumscriptions within each section lack clarity. In this study, we analyzed three distinct markers to establish phylogenetic relationships among Hypnea species. To assign each species to the correct section, morphological data were obtained from original descriptions, reference literature, and comparisons with type/topotype and herbaria specimens. Our analyses recovered robust phylogenies for the genus and provided new insights on the taxonomic status and relationships among and within Hypnea species. The combination of three genetic markers increased the resolution and support, resulting in the largest and best-resolved phylogeny of the genus to date. Single and combined analyses revealed that the three sections of the genus Hypnea are taxonomically irrelevant, as currently recognized. Morphological differences are not associated with monophyletic groups and similarities among clades could be better explained by convergent evolution in thallus habit.

The red algal genus Hypnea has a wide geographical distribution along the coast of Brazil, where it has economic and ecological importance. The relatively simple and plastic morphology, often influenced by the conditions of its habitat, complicates the identification of Hypnea species. In the past years, several studies dealing with the taxonomy of Hypnea on the coast of Brazil have changed considerably the known diversity of species in the region. Studies using molecular markers led to the description of new species, while other names were placed in synonymy. In this review, revaluation of the morphology and the addition of new sequences for COI-5P, UPA and rbcL-3P markers were used in order to better understand the diversity of Hypnea species and their range of distribution. An identification key is presented for eleven species of the genus Hypnea occurring on the coast of Brazil: H. brasiliensis P.B. Jesus, Nauer & J.M.C. Nunes, H. cervicornis J. Agardh, H. cornuta (Kutzing) J. Agardh, H. cryptica P.B. Jesus & J.M.C. Nunes, H. edeniana Nauer, Cassano & M.C. Oliveira, H. flava Nauer, Cassano & M.C. Oliveira, H. pseudomusciformis Nauer, Cassano & M.C. Oliveira, H. platyclada P.B. Jesus & J.M.C. Nunes, H. spinella (C. Agardh) Kutzing, H. yokoyana Nauer, Cassano & M.C. Oliveira and H. wynnei Nauer, Cassano & M.C. Oliveira. Of all taxonomic characteristics proposed by earlier studies, the only ones that have taxonomic value considering the species analyzed in this work were: (1) habit of the thallus, (2) main axis, (3) apex shape, (4) form of the branchlets and (5) tetrasporangial sori position in the branches. However, the identification of the species based only on morphological characteristics should be made with caution, once phenotypic plasticity and convergent morphologies are present in the group. The DNA barcode technique, especially the COI-5P marker, proved to be very effective in the identification and delimitation of the species, revealing scenarios that would go unnoticed by morphology alone.

Halimeda is a genus of green seaweed showing high morphological plasticity. Studies using molecular markers for species delimitations and phylogenetics have revealed cryptic diversity and new species throughout the world. Seven species of Halimeda are currently recognized in Brazil. The present study describes the new species Halimeda soniae Ximenes, Oliveira-Carvalho, M. E. Bandeira-Pedrosa et Cassano sp. nov. to accommodate the taxon previously identified as Halimeda aff. gracilis for Brazil. Samples of H. soniae were collected in Espírito Santo State (southeastern Brazil), and plastid gene sequences of tufA and rbcL were obtained. Phylogenetic analyses showed that H. soniae belongs to Section Pseudo-opuntia, together with Halimeda gracilis and Halimeda lacrimosa; the three species have overlapping morpho-anatomical features. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that H. gracilis is restricted to the Indo-Pacific Ocean, whereas the other two species appear to be restricted to the Atlantic. Additional research on Caribbean specimens will be necessary to resolve the taxonomic position of the taxa named as H. lacrimosa and H. gracilis in that region. Based on our results, H. gracilis does not occur in the Brazilian marine flora.

Hypnea musciformis is a red macroalgal species with economic importance as a source for production of carrageenan. Recent phylogeographic studies revealed a hidden diversity of cryptic species, putting in check its cosmopolitan distribution. The DNA barcode marker COI-5P and plastid rbcL, in addition to morphological studies, were used to investigate the species in this complex and to compare them with specimens from other countries including the type locality in Italy. The divergences between sequences within the H. musciformis complex were significantly high for both markers. Based on these analyses two new species are described, Hypnea caraibica Nauer, Cassano & M.C. Oliveira sp. nov. and Hypnea schneideri Nauer, Cassano & M.C. Oliveira sp. nov. Hypnea caraibica seems to be a common, widespread species in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean and was recently introduced into Hawaii. This species was unnoticed due to lack of phylogeographic studies in the region. Hypnea schneideri seems to be more geographically restricted, but further surveys are needed to understand the distribution of this species. Because the identification of Hypnea species is complicated by their relatively simple and plastic morphology, DNA barcoding surveys and other molecular studies are essential to uncover hidden biodiversity in the genus and to supplement traditional studies based on morphology.

Studies of the Laurencia complex based on phylogenetic and DNA barcoding analyses revealed a new species, Laurencia longiramea Cassano, G.N. Santos, J.M.C. Nunes, M.C. Oliveira & M.T. Fujii sp. nov...

Barriers to gene flow (BGF) play a pivotal role in the dynamics of population genetics promoting genetic differentiation, thus, are inexorably associated with the development and maintenance of phylogeographic structure. Phylogeographic structure resulting from BGF represents data that help the management of natural genetic resources, aiding in the recognition of areas of conservation interest. Several geographic and oceanographic processes found along the Brazilian coast have been proposed as BGF. However, no consensus exist identifying which of them represents the most important in shaping biodiversity. Therefore, this study provides a synthesis of the scientific literature on Brazilian marine phylogeography and used published data to build datasets that allowed us apply linear (lm) and generalized additive models (gam) to identify spatially congruent phylogeographic breaks among marine species (as areas of high BGF frequency occurrence). Lm identified a significant negative correlation between the occurrence of BGF and latitude, suggesting that population in the tropics are genetically more structured than in higher latitudes. This result bears strong association with the latitude species diversity gradient observed worldwide. Gam identified Cape São Roque (05° 28’ S) as the main BGF for populations with continuous distribution along the Brazilian coast. Cape São Roque is located near the center point region where the South Equatorial Current splits into the northward North Brazil Current and the southward Brazil Current. This study represents the first literature synthesis of Brazil’s marine phylogeography and provides a novel explicit quantitative approach to comparative phylogeography.

Morphological characterization, together with phylogenetic and DNA barcoding analyses on the basis of rbcL and COI-5P, conducted on some species of the Laurencia complex in South Florida confirmed the occurrence of Laurencia intricata and supported the presence and recognition of Laurenciella in the United States. Samples of L. intricata from Florida grouped with full support with the species from the type locality (Antilles). The intraspecific divergence within the L. intricata clade ranged from 0.0% to 1.3%; the samples from Florida diverged by only 0.06% to 0.20%, the sample from Mexico (EF658643 – Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo) being the most divergent. The two new species of Laurenciella from Florida, La. mayaimii and La. sp., formed an assemblage with La. marilzae with full support, and the interspecific divergence was high for both molecular markers. Laurenciella mayaimii is characterized mainly by its brownish-yellow main axis and cylindrical, alternate to subopposite branchlets, anastomos...

The genus Halimeda has a wide geographic distribution in tropical to subtropical regions of the world. Molecular studies have uncovered cryptic and pseudocryptic species as well as strong biogeographic signals in phylogenies. To date, the diversity of Brazilian Bryopsidales has been studied from only a morphological perspective. Here we revised the diversity of Brazilian Halimeda based on molecular data (DNA barcode assessments of the tufA marker and multigene concatenated phylogenies) as well as morphological observations. Of the seven recognized morphospecies, only three were confirmed by molecular data: Halimeda opuntia, H. simulans and H. incrassata. The remaining four species, referred to as H. aff. cuneata, H. aff. gracilis, H. aff. tuna and H. aff. discoidea, showed morphological similarities with known species, but their sequences did not group with sequences of specimens from type localities, indicating the presence of cryptic diversity. Among the four taxa, H. aff. cuneata is so far en...

Extreme temperature events are becoming more recurrent and are more frequent with major impacts on coastal ecosystems, which are additionally impacted by increasing urbanization, resulting in high nutrient load. So far little is known about cumulative and/or interactive effects of global and local stressors on species' performance. Here, we evaluated the single and combined effects of simulated heatwaves and eutrophication on the ecophysiology of Laurencia catarinensis in a bi-factorial mesocosm experiment. The algae were exposed for 30 d to three different temperatures (20°C, 24°C, 28°C) and nutrient concentrations (low, intermediate, high) and their nutrient uptake rates, photosynthetic performance, growth rates, pigment and phenolic compound concentrations, as well as antioxidant capacity was determined and compared between treatments. Under low nutrient concentration, physiological performance and growth decreased with increasing temperatures. In contrast, they increased with higher nutrient availability and moderate temperature increase close to the summer average temperature, but largely declined upon exposure to higher temperature (28°C). This decline seemed to be related to oxidative stress, as indicated by an increase of compounds with antioxidant properties (lutein, zeaxanthin, phenols). Our data show that all measured parameters were affected by temperature and nutrient availability, with an interactive effect between these two factors, indicating that increasing temperature will influence macroalgal performance, and even more dramatically in coastal systems that are highly impacted by urbanization. However, the direction of the response will be determined by nutrient availability and will also depend on the magnitude of the temperature increase, that is, whether it surpasses the thermal threshold of the species.

Species of the marine red algal genus Caloglossa are among taxonomically confuse taxa as a consequence of their widespread phenotypic plasticity. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the specific diversity of Caloglossa from southeastern Brazil by combining both morphological observations and molecular markers. We used cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI-5P) and partial sequences of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL) gene to investigate 15 taxa of Caloglossa. The four species previously referred to Brazil, C. apomeiotica, C. confusa, C. leprieurii, and C. ogasawaraensis, were also confirmed in this study, and C. rotundata is reported for the first time in the Atlantic Ocean; tetrasporangia are described for the first time for the latter species. Caloglossa confusa has its geographical distribution extended to northeastern Brazil, and C. apomeiotica represents the first record for Sao Paulo State. Furthermore, the rbcL sequence data indicate that the molecular distinction within the same species ranges from 0 to 5.4%, whereas interspecific divergence ranged between 2.4 and 14.5%, and COI-5P interspecific divergence ranged from 2.5 to 3.3%. The low intraspecific divergence observed (0-0.01%) for COI-5P results from the few samples sequenced.

International audience; The alpha diversity of Laurencia sensu stricto, as well as the majority of the other algal groups along the Mexican Pacific, was underestimated because very few studies had incorporated the use of molecular markers in taxonomic studies, which would allow a more realistic estimation of diversity, incluing new records and new species. The records of Laurencia s.s. for the Eastern Pacific (California, USA to Chile) currently represent 23% of its richness worldwide. In this work, we proposed an updated census of the currently recognized species of Laurencia s.s. for the Mexican Pacific. This checklist reported the occurrence of 22 species that represent 16% of the 137 species worldly recorded. We further included taxonomic remarks, type localities, and a detailed distribution for each species. In addition, we proposed a new species for this region, Laurencia mutueae sp. nov., based on morphological observation as well as phylogenetic analyses. The distribution in the Mexican Pacific revealed that the highest records of species were for the sub-temperate region, while the localities along the Mexican tropical Pacific were poorly recorded. The scarcity of floristic affinities between the eastern and the western and central parts of the North Pacific Ocean was hypothesized to be a consequence of a strong isolation and hard barriers, such as the water masses between these regions.distribution for each species. In addition, we proposed a newspecies for this region, Laurencia mutueae sp. nov., based onmorphological observation as well as phylogenetic analyses.The distribution in the Mexican Pacific revealed that thehighest records of species were for the sub-temperate region,while the localities along the Mexican tropical Pacific werepoorly recorded. The scarcity of floristic affinities between theeastern and the western and central parts of the North PacificOcean was hypothesized to be a consequence of a strong isolationand hard barriers, such as the water masses betweenthese regions.

In recent years, the use of molecular data in algal systematics has increased as high-throughput sequencing (HTS) has become more accessible, generating very large datasets at a reasonable cost. In...

Grateloupia turuturu is a Pacific native species with invasive behaviour that leads to a wide distribution around the world. This study reports collections of fertile tetrasporophytes and female gametophytes of G. turuturu on southern Brazilian coasts and constitutes its first record for the south-western Atlantic. The identity of G. turuturu was confirmed through molecular (COI-5P and rbcL markers) and morphological assessments. Putative paths of introduction are discussed.

Specimens of Palisada iridescens (Rhodomelaceae) were studied morphologically and molecularly from the Mexican Caribbean. The phylogenetic position of this species was inferred by analysis of chloroplast-encoded rbcL gene sequences of 42 taxa, using one ceramiacean and four rhodomelacean taxa as outgroups. Molecular phylogenetic results corroborate the taxonomy of Laurencia sensu lato, which comprises the genera Chondrophycus, Laurencia, Laurenciella, Palisada, Osmundea, and Yuzurua. We propose the new combination Yuzurua iridescens (M.J. Wynne & D.L. Ballantine) Senties & M.J. Wynne for P. iridescens. We describe and illustrate morphological characteristics of Y. iridescens, comparing it with related species and also inferring its phylogenetic position. Observations on male plants are described for the first time for Y. iridescens.

An updated synthesis of cyanobacteria and algae information is presented for Brazil aiming to refine the data gathered to date and evaluate the progress of the biodiversity knowledge about these organisms in the country since the publication of the Catálogo de Plantas e Fungos do Brasil. The results of 2015 showed an increase of 1,250 species (35.7%) when compared to 2010, reaching a total of 4,747 species. The most diverse classes in species number were the Bacillariophyceae, Conjugatophyceae, Florideophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Dinophyceae and Euglenophyceae. Bacillariophyceae and Cyanophyceae had the highest increase in species number in the five-year interval. The Southeast and South regions were the most diverse, however, the Northeast, with the states of Piauí and Sergipe, and the Central-west region, with Mato Grosso, Goiás and Distrito Federal, also stood out in the national algal biodiversity scenario. Despite the shortage of taxonomists and limited infrastructure, the results showed a significant improvement in the knowledge regarding the diversity of cyanobacteria and algae in the country during the study period, starting to even out regional geographical differences caused by subsampling. Resumo Apresenta-se uma síntese atualizada de informações sobre algas no Brasil objetivando refinar os dados reunidos até o presente, bem como avaliar os avanços sobre o conhecimento da diversidade de algas no país desde a publicação do Catálogo de Plantas e Fungos do Brasil. Os resultados de 2015 mostraram um acréscimo de 1.250 espécies (35.7%) a um total de 4.747 em relação a 2010. As classes mais diversas em número de espécies foram Bacillariophyceae, Conjugatophyceae, Florideophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Dinophyceae e Euglenophyceae. Bacillariophyceae e Cyanophyceae tiveram o maior acréscimo de espécies no intervalo de cinco anos. A região Sudeste e Sul foram as mais diversas, porém, as regiões Nordeste com os estados do Piauí e Sergipe e Centro-Oeste com os estados de Mato Grosso, Goiás e Distrito Federal destacaram-se no cenário da biodiversidade nacional. Apesar da escassez de taxonomistas e da infraestrutura limitada, os resultados obtidos evidenciaram um avanço significativo no conhecimento da diversidade de algas no país nesse período de cinco anos, iniciando uma mudança quanto as diferenças geográficas regionais.

Hypnea musciformis, a red macroalga widely distributed in tropical and subtropical coasts around the world, has great economic importance as a source of carrageenan for industrial production. In this work, the DNA barcode marker COI-5P and the plastid rbcL gene, in addition to morphological studies, were used to investigate this species on the coast of Brazil and compare it with specimens from other countries. A total of 128 sequences were obtained in this study for 100 specimens from Brazil and 15 specimens from other countries, including the type locality in Italy. The divergence between South American sequences and sequences from Italy for H. musciformis was significantly high for both markers, indicating that the specimens found on the Brazilian coast belong to a different species. Considering the data gathered from molecular markers and morphological analysis, the specimens previously identified morphologically as “H. musciformis”, “Hypnea nigrescens”, and “Hypnea valentiae” collected in Brazil were considered morphological variations of the new species described in this paper, named Hypnea pseudomusciformis Nauer, Cassano & M.C. Oliveira, sp. nov. The identification of specimens based only on morphological characteristics proved to be unsatisfactory for reasons that could be attributed to phenotypic plasticity in this species. Thus, the technique of DNA barcoding, especially with respect to the COI-5P marker, was essential for the identification and definition of species, revealing scenarios that would otherwise be ignored by using only morphological analysis.

As marine tropical ecosystems deteriorate and lose biodiversity, their communities are shifting to being dominated by a few species, altering ecosystem's functioning and services. Macroalgae are becoming dominant on coral reefs, and are frequently observed outcompeting corals. Turf algal assemblages are the base of energy flow in these systems and one of the most abundant types of macroalgae on coral reefs, but little is known about their biology and diversity. Through molecular and morphological analyses, we identified the turf-forming species Laurencia cervicornis, and by studying seasonal recruitment and the impact of herbivorous fishes on its abundance, we describe its survival strategy. The molecular analyses used a total of 45 rbcL gene sequences including eight current genera within the Laurencia complex and two new sequences of L. cervicornis and strongly support the new combination of Palisada cervicornis comb. nov. In addition, a detailed morphological characterization including the description of reproductive structures is provided. Palisada cervicornis was seen recruiting in all seasons but was typically in low abundance. Specimens grown on tiles in fish exclosure cages were devoured in less than 4 h when offered to fishes. Even though many species of the Laurencia complex have chemicals that deter herbivory, species within the genus Palisada lack feeding deterrents and thus are highly palatable. We suggest that P. cervicornis is a palatable species that seems to survive in the community by obtaining a size-refuge from herbivory within turf communities.

"Background. Recent morphological and phylogenetic studies of Laurencia in the Atlantic Ocean have modified our cu - rrent knowledge of the group. Approximately 23% of the worldwide generic diversity has been recorded in this region. Goals. Update the checklist of the Laurencia species in the Atlantic and describe the distribution patterns within the ge - nus. Methods. We obtained records of Laurencia species in the Atlantic from a review of the literature and distributional data were used to define areas of endemism through a PAE (Parsimony of Areas of Endemism) analysis. Results. We propose an updated checklist of the 30 currently recognized species of Laurencia in the Atlantic Ocean; this checklist also includes taxonomic synonyms, nomenclatural remarks, and a detailed distribution for each species. The distributional range for the genus in the Atlantic extends from Bermuda and Northern Europe in the North Atlantic to Brazil and South Africa in the South Atlantic. We were able to define four areas of endemism: Brazil with four endemic species, the Gulf of Guinea with four endemic species, the northeastern Atlantic with three endemic species, and South Africa with four endemic species; also documented was one secondary area (Macaronesian Islands) with the endemic species L. viridis . Moreover, 17 of the 30 species of the Atlantic are also distributed in the Indo-Pacific, of which five are amphi-Atlantic species. Conclusions. The patterns found are related to geological events that occurred in the past, a fact that allows us to formulate a vicariance hypothesis about these species biogeographic history. Therefore, future work that will document new species and the clarification of taxonomic problems will allow researchers to continue enriching this hypothesis"

Two new chamigrane sesquiterpenes 1–2 and three known compounds 3–5 were isolated from a lipophilic extract of the red alga Laurencia dendroidea collected from the Southeastern Brazilian coast. Dendroidone (1) and dendroidiol (2) were isolated from samples collected at Biscaia Inlet, Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro and at Manguinhos Beach, Serra, Espírito Santo, respectively. Debromoelatol (3), obtusane (4) and (1S*,2S*,3S*,5S*,8S*,9S*)-2,3,5,9-tetramethyltricyclo[6.3.0.01.5]undecan-2-ol (5) were obtained from specimens collected at Vermelha Beach, Parati, Rio de Janeiro. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by extensive NMR (1H-, 13C-, COSY, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY) and high resolution mass spectrometry analysis. Additionally, the absolute configuration of compound 2 was assigned by X-ray analysis. Full spectroscopic data is described for the first time for compound 3. Anti-inflammatory and antimycobacterial activities of compounds 2–5 were evaluated. Compounds 3–5 inhibited the release of inflammatory mediator NO while TNF-α levels were only affected by 3. All compounds tested displayed moderate antimycobacterial action.

In the present study we undertook an integrative approach, using both morphological and molecular data (COI-5P + rbcL), to assess the presence of Laurencia pyramidalis in Lusitanian Macaronesia. We studied type material of L. pyramidalis from the herbarium of the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, the Netherlands, and designated a lectotype and syntypes. Vegetative and reproductive features of L. pyramidalis were observed and we included a specimen from the type locality in our molecular analyses. We also investigated the geographical distribution of Laurenciella marilzae, a species recently described from the Canary Islands. Barcode sequences (COI-5P and rbcL) were generated for L. pyramidalis from the type locality (Normandy, France), the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands, and for L. marilzae from its type locality (Tenerife, Canary Islands), the Azores and Brazil.

Laurencia karachiana sp. nov. is described from the Karachi coast of Pakistan, based on rbc L and COI-5P genes sequences. The molecular analyses for both markers positioned L. karachiana within Laurencia sensu stricto and it possesses all vegetative and reproductive structures typical of the genus. Laurencia karachiana grouped with Laurencia sp. from Sri Lanka for both markers. The genetic divergence between these taxa for rbc L was only 0.27%, whereas for COI-5P was much higher, 2.7%. The latter is within ranges of interspecific divergence for Laurencia s.s. The discrepancy of divergence between these markers and the lack of description and illustrations of Laurencia sp. from Sri Lanka for comparison leave the identity of Laurencia sp. as an open question. The rbc L phylogeny resolved L. karachiana and Laurencia sp. as sister to a subclade formed by sequences of Laurencia pumila and L. pumila var. dehoopiensis from South Africa, diverging by 1.7–1.8%. This genetic divergence and also morphological differences observed support the recognition of L. karachiana as a novel species. Our finding shows that this complex from Pakistan requires major revision, because its diversity is likely underestimated.

Summary Morphological and molecular studies have been undertaken on two species of the red algal genus Laurencia J.V.Lamouroux: Laurencia majuscula (Harvey) A.H.S. Lucas and Laurencia dendroidea J.Agardh, both from their type localities. The phylogenetic position of these species was inferred by analysis of the chloroplast-encoded rbcL gene sequences from 24 taxa. In all phylogenetic analyses, the Australian Laurencia majuscula and the Brazilian L. dendroidea formed a well-supported monophyletic clade within the Laurencia sensu stricto. This clade was divided into two subclades corresponding to each geographical region; however, the genetic divergence between Australian L. majuscula and Brazilian L. dendroidea was only 0–1.35%. Examination of the type specimens and sequences of freshly collected samples of both Laurencia majuscula and L. dendroidea show the two to be conspecific despite their disjunct type localities.

Laurencia marilzae Gil-Rodríguez, Sentíes et M.T. Fujii sp. nov. is described based on specimens that have been collected from the Canary Islands. This new species is characterized by distinctive yellow-orange as its natural habitat color, a terete thallus, four pericentral cells per vegetative axial segment, presence of secondary pit-connections between adjacent cortical cells, markedly projecting cortical cells, and also by the presence of corps en cerise (one per cell) present in all cells of the thallus (cortical, medullary, including pericentral and axial cells, and trichoblasts). It also has a procarp-bearing segment with five pericentral cells and tetrasporangia that are produced from the third and fourth pericentral cells, which are arranged in a parallel manner in relation to fertile branchlets. The phylogenetic position of this taxon was inferred based on chloroplast-encoded rbcL gene sequence analyses. Within the Laurencia assemblage, L. marilzae formed a distinctive lineage sister to all other Laurencia species analyzed. Previously, a large number of unique diterpenes dactylomelane derivatives were isolated and identified from this taxon. L. marilzae is morphologically, genetically, and chemically distinct from all other related species of the Laurencia complex described.

Species diversity within the genus Osmundea in the Macaronesian region was explored by conducting a comprehensive sampling in the Azores, the Canary, and the Madeira archipelagos. Toward identification, all specimens were first observed alive to verify the absence of corps en cerise, a diagnostic character for the genus and morphometric data were measured (thallus length and width, first-order branches length and width, branchlets length and width, cortical cell length and width in surface view, cortical cell length and width in transverse section). Specimens were sequenced for COI-5P (39 specimens) and three species delimitation methods (Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent, Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery method, and Poisson Tree Processes) were used to assess the threshold between infra- and interspecific relationships. Subsequently, one or several sequences of plastid-encoded large subunit of RuBisCO (21 specimens) per delimited species were generated to assess the phylogenetic relationships among Macaronesian Osmundea. Moreover, for each delineated species, vegetative and reproductive anatomy was thoroughly documented and, when possible, specimens were either assigned to existing taxa or described as novel species. This integrative approach has provided data for (i) the presence of O. oederi, O. pinnatifida, and O. truncata in Macaronesia; (ii) the proposal of two novel species, O. prudhommevanreinei sp. nov. and O. silvae sp. nov.; and (iii) evidence of an additional species referred as "Osmundea sp.1," which is a sister taxon of O. hybrida.

Hypnea has an intricate nomenclatural history due to a wide pantropical distribution and considerable morphological variation. Recent molecular studies have provided further clarification on the systematics of the genus; however, species of uncertain affinities remain due to flawed taxonomic identification. Detailed analyses coupled with literature review indicated a strong relationship among H. aspera, H. cervicornis, H. flexicaulis, and H. tenuis, suggesting a need for further taxonomic studies. Here, we analyzed sequences from two molecular markers (COI-5P and rbcL) and performed several DNA-based delimitation methods (mBGD, ABGD, SPN, PTP and GMYC). These molecular approaches were contrasted with morphological and phylogenetic evidence from type specimens and/or topotype collections of related species under a conservative approach. Our results demonstrate that H. aspera and H. flexicaulis represent heterotypic synonyms of H. cervicornis and indicate the existence of a misidentified Hypnea species, widely distributed on the Brazilian coast, described here as a new species: H. brasiliensis. Finally, inconsistencies observed among our results based on six different species delimitation methods evidence the need for adequate sampling and marker choice for different methods.

An ongoing phycological survey of the Laurencia complex in the Mexican Caribbean revealed an undescribed species belonging to Chondrophycus. The new species exhibits vegetative and reproductive structures typical of the genus, except for the presence of a slightly compressed thallus, a translucent outermost cortical cell layer with conspicuous cell wall projections, and tetrasporangia produced from a particular cell with the formation of one additional fertile periaxial cell. The phylogenetic position of this taxon was inferred based on chloroplast-encoded rbcL gene sequence analyses from 54 taxa and using three Rhodomelaceaen taxa as outgroups. The Mexican Caribbean species formed a monophyletic and fully supported clade within the Chondrophycus assemblage, but diverged at 5.8% from the most closely related taxon in the clade, whereas it diverged at 7.5% from the morphologically more closely related species C. dotyi from Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands, indicating that the Mexican Caribbean species is morphologically and genetically distinct from other Chondrophycus species, and supporting its treatment as a new species.

The diversity of branched Halymenia species in Brazil was assessed by molecular analyses and morphological examination to clarify the status of taxa previously identified as Halymenia floresii and H. pseudofloresii. Molecular tools included sequencing the COI-5P molecular marker for DNA barcoding and rbcL for phylogenetic inferences. Both molecular and morphological results demonstrated that Brazilian specimens previously attributed to H. floresii and H. pseudofloresii do not correspond to these species but constitute three distinct lineages that we propose as the new species: Halymenia ignifera sp. nov., Halymenia pinnatifida sp. nov. and Halymenia silviae sp. nov. We propose that H. floresii and H. pseudofloresii be removed from the Brazilian marine flora. We highlight that without the use of molecular tools, the morphological divergences observed in Brazilian specimens could be misinterpreted as morphological plasticity and lead to incorrect species determinations.

Currently, five genera are assigned to red seaweeds of the Laurencia complex worldwide: Chondrophycus, Laurencia s.s., Osmundea, Palisada and Yuzurua. The genera are segregated on the basis of morphological characters, especially the reproductive traits, and molecular sequences of the plastid-encoded gene rbcL. Four of the genera have been resolved as monophyletic, but not Laurencia s.s. In this study based on an rbcL gene phylogeny we show the presence of a sixth lineage within the Laurencia complex, viz., Laurencia marilzae plus two unidentified species of Laurencia from Brazil. The phylogenetic position of this group, combined with the high genetic divergence from Laurencia s.s. (8.2–11%), strongly support the establishment of a sixth genus for the complex, proposed here as Laurenciella gen. nov. This new taxon differs from Laurencia s.s. and from the other genera of the complex by molecular sequence data, but is indistinguishable from Laurencia s.s. by the usual morphological features.

Morphological and molecular studies were carried out on Laurencia oliveirana from the type locality (Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). This species is easily recognized by its small size, sub-erect habit forming intricate cushion-like tufts and unilateral pectinate branching. The species displays all the typical characters of the genus Laurencia, such as the production of the first pericentral cell underneath the basal cell of the trichoblast, tetrasporangia produced from particular pericentral cells, with the third and fourth pericentral cells becoming fertile, without production of additional pericentral cells, spermatangial branches produced from one of two laterals on the suprabasal cell of trichoblasts, and procarp-bearing segment with five pericentral cells. Details of tetrasporangial plants and development of procarp and male plants are described for the first time for the species. The phylogenetic position of L. oliveirana was inferred by analysis of the chloroplast-encoded rbcL gene sequences from 57 taxa. In all phylogenetic analyses, L. oliveirana grouped with L. caraibica, L. caduciramulosa, L. venusta and L. natalensis, forming a monophyletic clade within the Laurencia sensu stricto. The genetic divergence between L. oliveirana and the molecularly closest species, L. caraiba collected in Brazil, was 2.3%.

We performed morphological and molecular studies of Laurencia catarinensis from the Canary Islands. This species has an entangled habit, cushion-like tuft formation, cortical cell walls, slightly to markedly projecting near the apex, and lacking lenticular thickenings in medullary cells. We inferred its phylogenetic position by analyzing the chloroplast-encoded rbc L gene sequences from 41 samples. The results demonstrate that specimens of L. catarinensis from the Canary Islands, where it is referred to as L. intricata, and those from Brazil (including specimens from the type locality in Santa Catarina) form a monophyletic clade with low genetic divergence (0–0.9%). In contrast, specimens of L. intricata from the type locality in Cuba, Mexico, and the USA were clearly distinct from L. catarinensis collected in Brazil and the Canary Islands, as shown by high genetic divergence values (4.9–5.7%). The type material of L. catarinensis from Brazil allowed us to identify all samples from the Canarian Archipelago as L. catarinensis. These findings expand the known geographical distribution of L. catarinensis to the eastern Atlantic Ocean and demonstrate an amphi-Atlantic distribution of the species.

The genus Osmundea is a strongly supported monophyletic group within the Laurencia complex and shows a disjunct distribution occurring in the North-East and South-West Pacific, the Indian and Atlantic oceans and the Mediterranean Sea. Its phenotypic plasticity on the Canary Islands may be the result of the high ecological variability partially due to the particular oceanographic characteristics in this region. The combination of molecular analyses based on the comparison of the chloroplast-encoded rbcL sequences and morphological data allowed us to delimit three distinct taxa from the coasts of the Canarian Archipelago: Osmundea pinnatifida, Osmundea truncata and an unidentified species, Osmundea sp. Moreover, the high value of genetic divergence between Osmundea sp. and the rest of the Osmundea species suggests that this taxon should be assigned to a new species within the Osmundea genus. Occurrence of O. hybrida and O. oederi (synonym: O. ramosissima) has not been confirmed. Our results also suggest a p...

Morphological and molecular studies have been performed on Laurencia dendroidea derived from Brazil and the Canary Islands. This species possesses all of the characters that are typical of the genus Laurencia, including the production of the first pericentral cell underneath the basal cell of the trichoblast; the production of tetrasporangia from particular pericentral cells without the formation of additional fertile pericentral cells; spermatangial branches that are produced from one of two laterals on the suprabasal cell of the trichoblasts; and a procarp-bearing segment that possesses five pericentral cells. The phylogenetic position of L. dendroidea was inferred by analysing the chloroplast-encoded rbcL gene sequences of 51 taxa. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the taxa previously identified and cited in Brazil as Laurencia filiformis, L. majuscula and L. obtusa and in the Canary Islands as L. majuscula all represent the same taxonomic entity and examination of type material allowed us to identif...