Molecular systematics of red algae: Building future structures on firm foundations

Abstract

Red algal systematics has a solid morphological foundation, based on analyses of female reproductive structures and post-fertilization development by Kylin and other workers. Recognition of the value of pit-plug ultrastructure was a catalyst leading to refinement of the Kylinian ordinal classification. Molecular approaches to systematics have further advanced our understanding of the red algae at every level and led to the proposal of several new orders. Species diversity in particular has traditionally been underestimated due to the presence of cryptic and pseudo-cryptic species. A literature review covering the last two decades shows that relatively few molecular markers have been employed..