Phylogenomic Insights into the Phylogeography of Halophila baillonii Asch.

A molecular genetic approach was used to elucidate the phylogeographic relationships of clover grass (Halophila baillonii Asch.) from three key regions within its current distributional range. Halophila is a small seagrass that has historically been only found in few locations Caribbean and Atlantic coast Brazil. In past decades H. also observed Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). Very little known about relationship between ETP populations ones. To study their relationship, we hybrid capture targeting chloroplast loci on samples Belize, Brazil, Costa Rica. Phylogenetic analyses resolved as monophyletic placed Belize Rica clade sister Brazilian The results clearly indicate are very closely related most likely explanation occurrence recent introduction, possibly consequence opening Panama Canal.