Scholarlink

<p>Invasions are one of the main threats to marine biodiversity on a global scale. The Atlantic coast of Uruguay (South America) (33°–35° S) presents macroalgal communities along its rocky outcrops where <i>Grateloupia turuturu</i>, a non-native and potentially harmful species with significant morphological variability, was documented in 2015 for the first time. The morphological variability of the genus makes it hard to distinguish <i>G. turuturu</i> from the two native species in the country, <i>Grateloupia cuneifolia</i> and <i>Grateloupia filicina</i>, which has complicated its initial identification. Thus, an integrative taxonomy assessment of <i>G. turuturu</i> is needed. In this study, we applied a morphological (macroscopic and histological) and molecular traits-based approach (<i>rbcL</i> and <i>COI</i> genes), combined with size, fertility and environmental variables to samples collected along the Uruguayan coast on a rocky outcrop in the locality of La Paloma (34° 39′ 28.8′′ S, 54° 8′ 42′′ W). Using this combination of techniques, we confirmed the presence of <i>G. turuturu</i> in Uruguayan waters. The studied specimens showed divergence from sequences from Brazil, suggesting that the specimens analyzed here arrived from a different location. The outcrop sampled in La Paloma presented fertile individuals year-round, confirming an establishment of the species there. Additionally, sampled individuals showed a growth pattern from autumn to spring<i>.</i> Detailed studies are needed to confirm the taxonomy of the other two species, and we highlight the need for analysis of the possible effects of <i>G. turuturu</i> on the rocky intertidal community in the future. The application of integrative taxonomy has proven to be an effective tool for the identification of non-native algae in Uruguay and, given increasing marine biological invasions, robust identification tools like these are crucial for prevention and mitigation efforts.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

The non-native alga Grateloupia turuturu (Halymeniales) in the southern Southwest Atlantic (33°–35° s): morphological, molecular and ecological characterization

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月1日

查看全文
  • Ariel de León-Mackey,
  • Gabriela M. Vélez-Rubio,
  • Fabrizio Scarabino,
  • Carla Kruk,
  • María Zabaleta,
  • Maite Sánchez,
  • Claudia Piccini

摘要

Invasions are one of the main threats to marine biodiversity on a global scale. The Atlantic coast of Uruguay (South America) (33°–35° S) presents macroalgal communities along its rocky outcrops where Grateloupia turuturu, a non-native and potentially harmful species with significant morphological variability, was documented in 2015 for the first time. The morphological variability of the genus makes it hard to distinguish G. turuturu from the two native species in the country, Grateloupia cuneifolia and Grateloupia filicina, which has complicated its initial identification. Thus, an integrative taxonomy assessment of G. turuturu is needed. In this study, we applied a morphological (macroscopic and histological) and molecular traits-based approach (rbcL and COI genes), combined with size, fertility and environmental variables to samples collected along the Uruguayan coast on a rocky outcrop in the locality of La Paloma (34° 39′ 28.8′′ S, 54° 8′ 42′′ W). Using this combination of techniques, we confirmed the presence of G. turuturu in Uruguayan waters. The studied specimens showed divergence from sequences from Brazil, suggesting that the specimens analyzed here arrived from a different location. The outcrop sampled in La Paloma presented fertile individuals year-round, confirming an establishment of the species there. Additionally, sampled individuals showed a growth pattern from autumn to spring. Detailed studies are needed to confirm the taxonomy of the other two species, and we highlight the need for analysis of the possible effects of G. turuturu on the rocky intertidal community in the future. The application of integrative taxonomy has proven to be an effective tool for the identification of non-native algae in Uruguay and, given increasing marine biological invasions, robust identification tools like these are crucial for prevention and mitigation efforts.