While nostocacean cyanobacteria are ubiquitous and play critical roles in terrestrial ecosystems, their taxonomy and biogeography still entail mysteries. We isolated two
Cyanobacteria are crucial ecosystem components in dryland soils. Advances in describing α–level taxonomy are needed to understand what drives their abundance and distribution. We describe
- PAR ID:
- 10386042
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley-Blackwell
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Journal of Phycology
- Volume:
- 57
- Issue:
- 3
- ISSN:
- 0022-3646
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- p. 886-902
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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Nostoc ‐like cyanobacteria from biological soil crusts of the Atacama (Chile) and Mojave (USA) Deserts. An initial 16S rRNA gene phylogeny placed both in monophyly withMojavia pulchra . Here, we describe two new species of the previously monotypicMojavia using a polyphasic approach including morphology, 16S rRNA phylogenies, secondary structure, and percent similarity of the 16S‐23S ITS region. LikeM. pulchra , both new species produce compact microcolonies, arthrospore‐like akinetes, and monocytes, traits characteristic of the genus.Mojavia aguilerae sp. nov. is morphologically distinct from both other species in producing bluntly conical end cells, abundant enlarged akinetes in multiseriate filaments, and gold‐colored cells during senescence.Mojavia dolomitestris sp. nov. exhibited distinctly firm, light‐colored, compartmentalized mucilage.M. dolomitestris is somewhat cryptic withM. pulchra , but has more densely packed microcolonies, rarity and later onset of brownish sheath pigmentation, and an origin from soils derived from dolomite. The two new species strengthened the position ofMojavia as a robust genus sister toNostoc. Although 16S rRNA gene data could not separate theMojavia species from each other, the three species showed distinct dissimilarities in secondary ITS structure and differed greatly fromNostoc sensu stricto. The high dissimilarities between their 16S‐23S ITS regions suggest a long evolutionary history of the three species as separate lineages.Mojavia is an evolutionary and ecologically unique nostocacean genus, and its rarity and restricted habitat point to an urgent need for recognition and protection. -
Abstract Four species of the genus
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The marine ribbon worm genus
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The rarely encountered spider genus
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Species of the genus
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