DNA barcoding of seven hermit crab species (Crustacea: Decapoda) from Turkey with phylogeographic comparisons

Abstract

Identification of species in a correct, fast and accurate way is essential for understanding species biodiversity and undertaking species conservation action. Due to significant limitations, identification of species with routine identification methods is not always easy for taxonomists. To relieve the hard work on taxonomists, to accelerate the identification process and to make it more accurate, new methodologies are needed. DNA barcoding, as the main methodology used in this study, is a fast and reliable method for species identification and for determining interspecific and intraspecific relations. This study aims to undertake the DNA barcoding of hermit crab species living in the Turkish waters and to determine the interspecific and intraspecific relations of these species. In this study, DNA from 46 samples belonging to seven different species were barcoded, and the genetic diversity of these species were evaluated. Also, global comparisons were made with samples taken from genetic databases when available. Three of seven hermit crab species analyzed in this study had unique barcode sequences that are distinct from those found in any other species in the databases. Rest of the species had shared or overlapping barcode sequences. Using the sequences obtained in this study, global phylogeographic comparisons were made.