BURNETTE, A.; HALANYCH, K.M.; Auburn Univ.; Auburn Univ.: Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the Flabelligeridae (Polychaeta)

Flabelligeridae is a group of benthic mud-dwelling polychaetes known for the modified chaetae that form the cephalic cage found in most species. There are 14 recognized genera, with most of the approximately 126 species in the genera Pherusa, Brada, and Flabelligera. Morphological knowledge of the anterior end is limited and rigorous phylogenetic analyses of relationships within flabelligerids is lacking. Furthermore, the placement of the group within the Annelida is not resolved. To begin to address these issues, a molecular phylogenetic analysis has been undertaken for the group. Data from the nuclear 18S rDNA gene and the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, which have been useful for other annelids, is being collected. Phylogenies reconstruction will use likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. Additionally the resultant topology will be used to explore the evolution of reproductive traits. In particular, future work will explore the unusual position of gametes (isolated from the coelom proper) in flabelligerids.