What is it about?
We analysed the morphology of Spirula (a deep-sea squid-like cephalopod) from the Atlantic and the Pacific. We found that they differ in shape and that the Atlantic group is likely phylogenetically younger. We assume that the species invaded the Atlantic within the last 3.5 million years from the Pacific around South Africa. The Atlantic population now became genetically isolated and is undergoing speciation.
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Why is it important?
We contribute to understanding the biodiversity of the deep sea and present an example of a currently ongoing evolutionary event.
Perspectives
The study shows the big promise of quantitative morphometrics to distinguish species with even minute morphological differences.
Dr Manuel F. G. Weinkauf
Universite de Geneve
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Is there more than one species in the genus Spirula (Cephalopoda: Decabrachia): evidence for an Atlantic–Pacific divide, Journal of Molluscan Studies, March 2021, Oxford University Press (OUP),
DOI: 10.1093/mollus/eyab001.
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