Meeting Abstract

P3.3  Jan. 6  Molecular Phylogeny of Indo West Pacific Todadores pacificas (Mollusca: Cephalopoda: Ommastrephidae) BALIZAN, S.V.*; NISHIGUCHI, M.K.; New Mexico State University; New Mexico State University sbalizan@nmsu.edu

Todarodes pacificus is a species of the Ommastrephidae family of squids (Cephalopoda: Ommastrephidae) that is found in the Indo West Pacific. T. pacificus exhibits behavioral and morphological similarities to many species that reside in the Gonatidae family, yet still contain apomorphic differences that set them apart from other gonatid squid. Previous work has demonstrated that this phylogenetic relationship is based heavily on the structure of the radula and female brooding behavior, yet lack of known adaptations in adults proves difficult for placement of sister group relationships. To provide further information regarding evolutionary relationships between the Gonatidae and the Ommastrephidae, three mitochondrial loci (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) were analyzed for 89 individuals representing fifteen gonatid species and six outgroup cephalopod species, in order to compare molecular phylogenies with morphological differences that are known among the species. This will help provide a broader understanding of these pelagic animals, and whether the evolution of modified reproductive and feeding structures is coupled with the phylogeny of the families.