Inferring Species Trees from Gene Trees in a Radiation of California Trapdoor Spiders (Araneae, Antrodiaetidae, Aliatypus)
2011

Understanding California Trapdoor Spiders

Sample size: 89 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jordan D. Satler, James Starrett, Cheryl Y. Hayashi, Marshal Hedin

Primary Institution: San Diego State University

Hypothesis

Can gene tree data be used to place morphologically 'unidentifiable' immature specimens and thus increase our knowledge of geographic distributions?

Conclusion

This study clarifies species relationships among trapdoor spiders in California and suggests that more geographic sampling could reveal additional species diversity.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study provides insights into the biodiversity of trapdoor spiders in California, a known biodiversity hotspot.
  • Phylogenetic analyses revealed a general '3 clade' structure for the genus Aliatypus.
  • High intraspecific divergences in mitochondrial COI sequences suggest the need for more nuclear data for accurate species identification.

Takeaway

Scientists studied trapdoor spiders in California to learn how they are related and found that there are likely more species than we currently know about.

Methodology

Specimens were collected from 89 populations, and DNA sequence data were analyzed from seven gene regions using Bayesian inference.

Limitations

The study's findings are limited by the geographic coverage of the sampled populations and the potential for cryptic species.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025355

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