Question

How is a species of group revised

Answer 1

Traditionally the genus Microglena Ehrenberg has been used to contain species that belong to the Chrysophyceae; however, the type species of Microglena, M. monadina, represents a green alga, which was later transferred to the genus Chlamydomonas. The taxonomic status of the genus has therefore remained unclear. We investigated 15 strains previously assigned to C. monadinaand two marine species (C. reginae and C. uva-maris) using an integrative approach. Phylogenetic analyses of SSU and ITS rDNA sequences revealed that all strains form a monophyletic lineage within the Chlorophyceae containing species from different habitats. The strains studied showed similar morphology with respect to cell shape and size, but showed differences in chloroplast and pyrenoid structures. Some representatives of this group have the same type of sexual reproduction (homothallic advanced anisogamy). Three different morphotypes could be recognized. Strains belonging to type I have a cup-shaped chloroplast with a massive basal part.