Project R-14182

'Is it worth the hassle? Integrative taxonomy vs single-gene delineation in hyperdiverse species complexes: the case of Gyratrix hermaphroditus' (Research)

'The study of present-day biodiversity loss is partly hampered by the fact that it is challenging, not to say impossible, to make accurate estimates of the number of extant species on earth. Of particular concern are morphologically indistinguishable species (cryptic species). Failure to recognise these can not only mislead biodiversity estimates but by doing so, invalidate any downstream study relying on such assessments. In this project, we will make an in-depth analysis of the incredibly diverse Gyratrix hermaphroditus species complex. This 'species' of free-living flatworms occurs worldwide and consists of several populations with very different ecological needs: some of them occur in purely marine habitats, while others live in brackish or freshwater. It is already known that some populations constitute monophyla (unique evolutionary entities), some of which can be distinguished on morphological details of the copulatory organ proper. The exact nature of the different 'intraspecific' clades (cryptic, pseudo-cryptic or traditional species), however, still has to be elucidated. We will use molecular species identification techniques, population genomic analyses, indepth analyses of morphology, and niche data to disentangle this species complex and to further future taxonomic research at the species level not only within this particular species complex or flatworms, but within cryptic species complexes throughout the entire metazoan tree of life.'

01 June 2023 - 31 May 2027