Cryptic Clitellata: Molecular Species Delimitation of Clitellate Worms (Annelida): An Overview

Methods for species delimitation using molecular data have developed greatly and have become a staple in systematic studies of clitellate worms. Here we give a historical overview of the data and methods used to delimit clitellates from the mid-1970s to today. We also discuss the taxonomical treatme...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Svante Martinsson, Christer Erséus
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-01-01
Series:Diversity
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/13/2/36
Description
Summary:Methods for species delimitation using molecular data have developed greatly and have become a staple in systematic studies of clitellate worms. Here we give a historical overview of the data and methods used to delimit clitellates from the mid-1970s to today. We also discuss the taxonomical treatment of the cryptic species, including the recommendation that cryptic species, as far as possible, should be described and named. Finally, we discuss the prospects and further development of the field.
ISSN:1424-2818