Authors: Lothar Krienitz Christina Bock
Publish Date: 2012/03/30
Volume: 698, Issue: 1, Pages: 295-326
Abstract
This review discusses the main developments in the systematics of coccoid green algae over the last three decades The relationships of key groups of planktonic coccoid green algae are shown in the phylogenetic trees of Chlorophyceae and Trebouxiophyceae The trees clearly show that the morphology of these algae do not adequately reflect their phylogenetic position Different phylogenetic species can be hidden under one and the same morphotype As most of the genera have a polyphyletic origin they are in need of a systematic reevaluation Species classification using the phylogenetic species concept resulted in the establishment of new genera with smaller numbers of species and the description of new species that are not distinguishable by light microscopy An overview of genera is given in tables and the revised designations of species as contained in the harmonized taxon list of the European Water Framework Directive lists is provided In this transitional phase from an artificial to a more natural systematics of algae field biologists and ecologists as well as molecular biologists must strengthen their interdisciplinary cooperation The alignment of ecofunctional groups of algae with true species identities using the barcoding conception will provide a better understanding of the interaction between organisms and their environmentWe thank Eva Willén for her helpful discussions and improvement of the manuscript Kiplagat Kotut revised the text with the main focus of improving on the language We thank Ute Mischke for providing information on the harmonized taxon list of the European Water Framework Directive The E Schweizerbart’sche Verlagsbuchhandlung Nägele Obermiller Stuttgart wwwschweizerbartde provided permission to copy figures of algae in Tables 2 3 4 and 5
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