Evolution & Systematics
Figure 14: Diagram illustrating the phylogenetic history of B. leachi. Adapted from Satoh 1994, Deveoplmental biology of ascidian.
There are 2 genera in the Botryllidae family: Botryllus and Botrylloides (NIMPIS, 2012b, Saito et al., 2001). The species B. leachi has been considered to be in both genera as studies have been regarding Botryllus leachi and Botrylloides leachi as the same species. Figure 14 illustrates the phylogenetic history of B. leachi.
This is not uncommon in the Botryllidae family as the parameters distinguishing the 2 genera is hard to define due to the large amount of similarity in many of the taxa and a simple zooid morphology (Kott, 2005, Sabbadin, 1979).
Glossary:
Phylogenetic: based on evolutionary history. |