title: Molecular phylogeny based on increased number of species and genes revealed more robust family-level systematics of the order Euryalida (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea).
abstract: Previous molecular analysis of the order Euryalida (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea), has identified three monophyletic families, the Euryalidae, Asteronychidae and Gorgonocephalidae. However, family-level relationships have remained unresolved due to inadequate taxon sampling and insufficient molecular markers. Here, we present a family-level revision of the Euryalida based on sequences from mitochondrial genes (16S rRNA and COI) and a nuclear gene (18S rRNA) from 83 euryalid ophiuroids. The monophyly of the three families, Euryalidae, Asteronychidae and Gorgonocephalidae is confirmed. The Euryalidae and Asteronychidae+Gorgonocephalidae are assigned to superfamilies, the Euryalidea and the Gorgonocephalidea, respectively. Three subclades within the family Gorgonocephalidae are identified and assigned to three subfamilies; Astrotominae includes Astrocrius, Astrohamma and Astrotoma, Astrothamninae (subfamily nov.) includes Astrothamnus and Astrothrombus with Gorgonocephalinae including the remaining genera. Morphological characters are consistent with the newly recognised superfamilies and subfamilies.
authors.affiliation: Seto Marine Biological Laboratory, Field Science Education and Research Center, Kyoto University, 459 Shirahama, Nishimuro, Wakayama 649-2211, Japan. Electronic address: mokanishi@tezuru-mozuru.com.
authors.forename: Masanori
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Okanishi
authors.forename: Toshihiko
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fujita
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000235:genetics; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics; D004447:Echinodermata / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics; D010802:Phylogeny; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA
chemical_list: D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial
keywords: Cytochrome c Oxidase I subunit; Euryalida; Molecular phylogeny; New subfamily; Ophiuroidea; Ribosomal RNA