International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 186-196 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 189 Figure 2 Possible evolutionary trajectories of different Euplotes lineages (Adopted from Nolasco et al., 2022) Image caption: This figure presents the possible evolutionary trajectories of different Euplotes lineages, highlighting their morphological, ecological, and genetic characteristics (Adopted from Nolasco et al., 2022) 4 Ecological Data in Algal Taxonomy 4.1 Habitat characteristics Ecological data play a crucial role in the taxonomy of algae, providing insights into the environmental contexts in which different species thrive. This section delves into the various ecological aspects that are integral to the classification and understanding of algal species. The habitat characteristics of algae are diverse and can significantly influence their taxonomy. Algae inhabit a wide range of environments, from freshwater to marine ecosystems, and even extreme habitats such as those polluted by heavy metals. For instance, the genus Coccomyxa is known for its cosmopolitan distribution and ecological versatility, thriving in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats (Darienko et al., 2015; Malavasi et al., 2016). The ability of Coccomyxa to colonize such varied environments underscores the importance of considering habitat characteristics in species delimitation. Similarly, the study of Euplotes has shown that ecological speciation plays a significant role in the diversification of this genus, with different clades adapting to specific environmental conditions (Zhao et al., 2018). 4.2 Environmental interactions Environmental interactions, including symbiotic relationships and responses to abiotic factors, are critical for understanding algal taxonomy. Algae often engage in symbiotic relationships, which can influence their morphological and genetic characteristics. For example, Coccomyxa species are known to form symbioses, which can affect their ecological and physiological traits (Darienko et al., 2015). Additionally, environmental variables such as nutrient availability, light intensity, and pollution levels can drive speciation and influence species boundaries. The case study on Paragorgia octocorals demonstrated that cryptic species boundaries are often associated with specific environmental variables, highlighting the need for integrative approaches that consider these interactions (Figure 3) (Darienko et al., 2015; Herrera and Shank, 2015).
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