Analysis finds defects in the “Protura sister” hypothesis: reassessment of early hexapole lines
Embryology and morphology cannot establish the “Protura sister” hypothesis of the early evolution of hexapoders recently proposed by phylogenies. Credit: Makiko Fukui
Early lineages of hexagons (widely defined insects) have been debated for a long time. Researchers and collaborators from Tsukuba University have critically investigated the newly proposed phylogenetic hypothesis of the “Protura sisters.” This analysis revealed the underlying flaws in the hypothesis that reinforce the validity of the previously established “Elipra” hypothesis.
This work has been featured in the Proceedings magazine of the National Academy of Sciences.
Hexapods, which account for 75% of all animal species, have been the focus of evolutionary debate for over a century. The latter, including all six limbs except the first three groups, did not reach the phylogenetic relationship of the four early lineages: Protura, Kolumbola, Dipura, and insects.
To clarify these relationships, researchers conducted large-scale molecular phylogenetic analysis using a wide range of gene sequence datasets. These studies support the “Elipra” hypothesis, which proposes grouping (Elipra (= protura + collembola) + (diplura + Insecta)) as the most widely accepted theory.
However, an alternative “Protura sister” hypothesis (Protura + (((colembola + Diplura) + Insecta)) emerged based on molecular phylogenetic analysis, attracting considerable attention. Used to support this hypothesis By examining the non-nucleotide sequence data that was performed, the researchers identified important errors caused by misunderstanding and inadequate analysis.
Details: Ryuichiro Machida et al., embryology cannot establish the Protula Sisters, Protola, Proceedings (2025). doi:10.1073/pnas.2423813122
Provided by Tsukuba University
Citation: Analysis finds defects in the “Protura-Sister” hypothesis: Reassessment of early hexapod phylogeny (2025, February 7) February 7, 2025 https://phys.org/news /2025-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-02-0
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