International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 186-196 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 190 Figure 3 Phenotypic plasticity of various Coccomyxa strains under different salinities (Adopted from Darienko et al., 2015) Image caption: This figure is likely used to demonstrate the capacity of Coccomyxa species to adapt to different saline environments (Adopted from Darienko et al., 2015) 4.3 Biogeographical patterns Biogeographical patterns provide valuable information about the distribution and evolutionary history of algal species. Molecular data have revealed that widely distributed taxa may actually comprise different species with more restricted ranges, challenging traditional morphological classifications (Leliaert, 2021). For instance, the genus Coccomyxa has been shown to form a monophyletic group with distinct phylogenetic lineages that correspond to different biogeographical regions (Darienko et al., 2015). This biogeographical differentiation is essential for understanding the evolutionary processes that shape algal diversity. Moreover, the use of DNA-based taxonomy has uncovered numerous cryptic species, further emphasizing the importance of biogeographical data in species delimitation (Malavasi et al., 2016; Leliaert, 2021). Ecological data, encompassing habitat characteristics, environmental interactions, and biogeographical patterns, are indispensable for the accurate taxonomy of algae. Integrative approaches that combine these ecological aspects with molecular and morphological data provide a comprehensive framework for species delimitation and enhance our understanding of algal diversity and evolution. 5 Integrative Approaches for Species Delimitation 5.1 Combining morphological and molecular data Integrative taxonomy has emerged as a robust framework for species delimitation by combining multiple lines of evidence, including morphological, molecular, and ecological data. This approach addresses the limitations of traditional taxonomy, which often relies on a single type of data, and provides a more comprehensive understanding of species boundaries. Combining morphological and molecular data is a cornerstone of integrative taxonomy. Morphological data, which include physical characteristics and structures, have traditionally been used for species identification. However, morphological convergence and plasticity can complicate species delimitation. Molecular data, particularly DNA barcoding, offer a complementary approach by providing genetic markers that can distinguish between species even when morphological differences are subtle or absent.
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