Systematic revision of Symbiodinaceae

20 August, 2018

Zooxanthellae are important intracellular symbionts in a diverse range of marine host species. In our latest publication by LaJeunesse et al. in Current Biolgy we provide a systematic revision of the former genus Symbiodinium, important symbiont of corals and other reef organisms. Revealing the rich diversity within this taxa, we propose the new family Symbiodinaceae comprised of seven genera (formerly clades). Our analysis reveal that diversification of this family started as early as 160 million years ago, thereby reflecting the radiation of and evolutionary success of reef-building corals.
Read the full story out now in Current Biology!

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982218309072?via%3Dihub