Ribosomal DNA sequences support taxonomic separation of the two species of Chorda: reinstatement of Halosiphon tomentosus (Lyngbye) Jaasund (Phaeophyceae, Laminariales)

Abstract

The brown algal family Chordaceae contains the single genus Chorda with two terete unbranched species, C. filum and C. tomentosa. They share a similar superficial morphology, but differences in anatomy and reproductive characters have made assignment to a single genus controversial. Comparison of DNA sequences of variable parts of the small subunit of the nuclear ribosomal cistron, and of relatively conserved areas of both internal transcribed spacers, of several taxa of the Sporochnales–Desmarestiales–Laminariales complex revealed that the two species of Chorda are not closely related and do not form a clade. This is taken as support for recognition of Halosiphon tomentosus (Lyngbye) Jaasund, although it was originally based on the erroneous observation of a Streblonema-like gametophyte in the life history of H. tomentosus.