Search

The systematics of the bivalve order Arcida constitutes an unresolved conundrum in bivalve systematics. The current definition of Arcida encompasses two superfamilies: Limopsoidea, which includes the recent families Philobryidae and Limopsidae, and Arcoidea, which encompasses the families Arcidae, Cucullaeidae, Noetiidae, Glycymerididae and Parallelodontidae. This classification, however, is controversial particularly with respect to the position and taxonomic status of Glycymerididae. Previous molecular phylogenies were limited either by the use of only a single molecular marker or by including only a few limopsoid and glycymeridid taxa. The challenging nature of Arcida taxonomy and the controversial results of some of the previous studies, prompted us to use a broad range of taxa (55 species), three nuclear markers (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and histone H3) and a wide range of algorithmic approaches. This broad but stringent approach led to a number of results that differ significantly from previous studies. We provide the first molecular evidence that supports the separation of Arcoidea from Limopsoidea, although the exact position of Glycymerididae remains unresolved, and the monophyly of Limopsoidea is algorithm-dependent. In addition, we present the first time-calibrated evolutionary tree of Arcida relationships, indicating a significant increase in the diversification of arcidan lineages at the beginning of the Cretaceous, around 140 Ma. The monophyly of Arcida, which has been supported previously, was confirmed in all our analyses. Although relationships among families remain somehow unresolved we found support for the monophyly of most arcidan families, at least under some analytical conditions (i.e., Glycymerididae, Noetiidae, Philobryidae, and Limopsidae). However, Arcidae, and particularly Arcinae, remain a major source of inconsistency in the current system of Arcida classification and are in dire need of taxonomic revision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bivalve Limopsis cristata pursues a semi-endobenthic life in abyssal soft sediments. It attaches to particles by up to three byssal threads and filter feeds by inhaling water from posterior and anterior directions. Because of partial burial, however, only the latter is functionally significant. Complex ciliary currents in the mantle cavity concerned with the rejection of unwanted particles keep most material out of the simplified intestine. It is generally considered that the ligament is the constraining force in arcoid evolution. This may be true in part, but the lack of pallial fusions and the retention of anterior and posterior inhalant flows are more powerful limits to radiation in the Arcoida. In the deep sea, the Limopsidae has radiated into many micro-niches through micro-morphological adaptations. Loss of the arcoid 'heel' has resulted in the union of the separate rejectory currents of the visceral mass and foot, creating a single discharge point in more advanced bivalves. This greatly simplifies the rejectory roles of the visceral mass and foot and is thus of functional and selective advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity and adaptive radiations of modern Arcoidea, here considered to contain the families Arcidae, Noetiidae, Cucullaeidae, and Glycymerididae, are reviewed. Most fall into either epibyssate or endobyssate life habits with only the Glycymerididae living as free burrowers. The phenetic characters of the families within the Arcoida are reviewed and the families are shown to be supported by very few synapomorphic characters. Homoplasy is shown to be widespread and is illustrated in a series of discussions on the ligament, epibyssate–endobyssate radiations, and possible parallelism within genera, and in a review of arcoid anatomical characters. Previously published molecular data are reviewed and these support the inclusion of the Glycymerididae in the Arcoidea. They also indicate, however, that polyphyly is probably widespread at the subfamily level. © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 148, 237–251. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early ontogenetic shells of Limopsis angusta , L. aurita , L. cristata , L. friedbergi and L. minuta are described in detail and their morphogenetic traits discussed in a phylogenetic context. Prodissoconch length is found to range from 170–370 µm discounting the so-called prodissoconch 2 stage of authors. Reports of such a stage refer to the early postlarval ‘interdissoconch’. Prodissoconch sizes are indicative of lecithotrophy but not of brooding. Limopsid-like prodissoconchs are rather common among pteriomorphs and at present of little use for phylogenetic interpretations, therefore. The early postlarval hinge is characterized by two tooth generations: an early one, (G1), representing the postlarval continuation of provincular teeth, and a late one, (G2), representing the independent adult dentition. This is a plesiomorphic trait for Pteriomorphia. The postlarval ligament is continuous with the larval resilium; it is neither co-functional with nor is it substituted by the typical duplivincular ligament as in other arcoids. Occasionally developed ridges, gutters or multiplication of ligament sublayers remain restricted to the primordial resilifer. It is concluded that the limopsid adult ligament represents a fusion of adult sublayer repetition within a retained larval resilium, a phenomenon best described as a heterochronic process. Comparisons with homologous characters of other arcoids support the view that Limopsidae evolved from parallelodontid arcoids and that they gave rise to Philobryidae but not to Glycymerididae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]