Emerging trends in molecular systematics and molecular phylogeny of mayflies (Insecta: Ephemeroptera)

Authors

  • K.G. Sivaramakrishnan
  • K.A. Subramanian
  • M. Arunachalam
  • C.S. Kumar
  • S. Sundar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2661.1975-80

Abstract

Current trends are reviewed in the molecular systematics and phylogeny of the Ephemeroptera (mayflies), an ancient monophyletic lineage of pterygote insects. Theories of mayfly origins are analyzed, followed by a discussion of higher classification schemes in light of recent developments in molecular systematics. Ephemeroptera evolution is a classic example of ancient rapid radiation, presenting challenges for phylogenetic analysis. The utility of combined studies of morphological and molecular data is substantiated with examples and the role of molecular systematics in unraveling the taxonomy of cryptic species complexes is highlighted. The importance of DNA barcoding in mayfly taxonomy is discussed in the light of recent progress, and future contributions of genetics to the study of taxonomy, ecology and evolution in mayflies are discussed.

Author Biographies

K.G. Sivaramakrishnan

Dr. K.G. Sivaramakrishnan has been working on aquatic insects especially on the systematics and biogeography of mayflies (Ephemeroptera) of India over last 35 years. He has many publications on the subject in international and national journals. Currently he is based in Chennai.

K.A. Subramanian

Dr. K.A. Subramanian is a scientist at Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata and has been working on aquatic insects since 1998.

M. Arunachalam

Dr. M. Arunachalam Professor at Sri Paramakalayni Centre for Environmental Sciences, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Alwarkuruchi. He is a freshwater biologist and Ichthyologist and has been working on ecology and systematics of freshwater organisms, especially the freshwater fishes.

C.S. Kumar

C. Selva Kumar Doctoral student at Sri Paramakalayni Centre for Environmental Sciences, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Alwarkuruchi. Currently working on Ephemeroptera of Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.

S. Sundar

S. Sundar Doctoral student at Sri Paramakalayni Centre for Environmental Sciences, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Alwarkuruchi. Currently working on Naucoridae (Hemiptera) of southern Western Ghats.

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Published

26-08-2011

Issue

Vol 3, No 8 (2011)

Section

Reviews

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