Maria Teresa Aguado Molina
Universität Göttingen, Department of Animal Evolution and Biodiversity, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology
Germany
Many branches, one lineage? Diversity and evolution of ramified worms
Ramified syllids are unique marine annelids with a single head and multiple posterior branches, exemplifying remarkable morphological and ecological specialization. This talk examines the systematics, evolution, and biogeography of these rare worms, focusing on Syllis ramosa from the Indo-Pacific and species of Ramisyllis found, until now, only in Australia and Japan. Using museomics—DNA extraction from historical museum specimens—alongside fieldwork, we have identified new Ramisyllis species and expanded the known range of Syllis ramosa. By integrating molecular, morphological, and ecological data, we explore the phylogenetic placement of branching worms within Syllidae (Annelida) and test whether their body plan reflects convergent evolution or shared ancestry. We also investigate their strong host specificity, particularly their association with sponges, as a driver of diversification and distribution. Our findings reveal surprising evolutionary complexity, shaped by their unusual body structure and symbiotic lifestyle, and underscore the value of museum collections in uncovering hidden marine biodiversity.
Kyle Gray
University of Hohenheim, Department of Integrative Taxonomy and Biodiversity of Insects, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart & KomBioTa – Center for Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy Research, University of Hohenheim & State Museum of Natural History, Stuttgart
Germany
Integrative taxonomy reveals Vanuatu as an ant biodiversity hotspot in the South Pacific
The South Pacific is one of the most geologically complex and biologically unique regions due to the thousands of islands that vary in size, age, topography, and isolation. Despite considerable scientific and conservation interest in the South Pacific, there are groups of islands, i.e., archipelagos, that remain understudied and limit an integrated understanding of the complex processes shaping the regional biota. One of the historically understudied archipelagos is Vanuatu situated between New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands, and Fiji. Using an integrative taxonomic approach and a time-calibrated phylogeny, I present first insights into the biodiversity, biogeography, and evolution of the Vanuatuan ant fauna (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). These initial results establish Vanuatu as a previously unrecognized ant biodiversity hotspot with numerous new species and show that primary forest habitats serve as important refugia for native biodiversity.
