Antarctic Tardigrada: a first step in understanding molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) and biogeography of cryptic meiofauna
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 16:37authored byCzechowski, P, Sands, CJ, Adams, BJ, D'Haese, CA, Gibson, JAE, McInnes, SJ, Stevens, MI
Recent studies have suggested that some resident Antarctic biota are of ancient origin andmay have been isolated for millions of years. The phylum Tardigrada, which is part of the Antarctic terrestrial meiofauna, is of particular interest due to an impressive array of biochemical abilities to withstand harsh environmental conditions. Tardigrades are one of the few widespread Antarctic terrestrial animals that have the potential to be used as a model for evolution and biogeography on the Antarctic continent. We isolated 126 individual tardigrades from four geographically isolated soil samples from two remote nunataks in the Sør Rondane Mountains, Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica. We examined genetic variation among individuals utilising three gene regions: cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI), 18S rDNA (18S), and the wingless (Wg) gene. Comparison of sequences from worldwide and Antarctic tardigrades indicated long-term survival and isolation over glacially dominated periods in ice-free habitats in the Sør Rondane Mountains.
History
Publication title
Invertebrate Systematics
Volume
26
Issue
6
Pagination
526-538
ISSN
1445-5226
Department/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies
Publisher
CSIRO Publishing
Place of publication
150 Oxford St, Po Box 1139, Collingwood, Australia, Victoria, 3066
Rights statement
Copyright 2012 CSIRO
Repository Status
Restricted
Socio-economic Objectives
Biodiversity in Antarctic and Southern Ocean environments