Journal
BMC Zoology
BMC Zoology is an open access, peer-reviewed journal that welcomes research across all aspects of zoology, including comparative physiology, mechanistic and functional studies,...
The intricacies of biodiversity are often concealed beneath the surface, with many species remaining unidentified, particularly those classified as cryptic species—organisms that are morphologically similar but genetically distinct. This hidden diversity poses significant challenges for accurate species delimitation, which is crucial for ecological research, conservation efforts, and understanding evolutionary processes. As global biodiversity continues to face unprecedented threats from climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution, advancing our collective understanding of these hidden dimensions is increasingly vital.
Recent advancements in genomics and molecular techniques have significantly transformed our understanding of species boundaries. Techniques such as DNA barcoding and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis have revolutionized the field, allowing for the identification of cryptic species in diverse ecosystems. These innovations have unveiled complexities within previously well-studied taxa, leading to the discovery of new species and highlighting the need for continuous taxonomic revisions.
The application of phylogenetic methodologies has also played a crucial role in elucidating the relationships among species that diverged deep in the evolutionary timeline. By combining genomic data with morphological and ecological information, researchers can construct more robust evolutionary trees that reflect true lineage histories. This not only enhances our understanding of historical biogeography but also informs conservation strategies by identifying evolutionary significant units that require protection.
Looking to the future, the potential advances in our understanding of hidden diversity could be transformative. As technology continues to evolve, we foresee even more sophisticated genomic tools that will further clarify species relationships and boundaries. These tools will facilitate rapid assessments of biodiversity, allowing scientists to monitor changes over time and respond effectively to emerging threats. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence in data analysis could unlock new dimensions of understanding, enabling researchers to analyze vast datasets from diverse ecosystems quickly and efficiently.
Furthermore, interdisciplinary collaboration will be crucial in tackling the complexities of cryptic species and deep divergence. By bridging the gap between molecular biologists, ecologists, and conservationists, we can foster holistic approaches that prioritize the ecological and evolutionary significance of hidden diversity. This collaborative effort will be key in devising innovative solutions to conserve biodiversity, ensuring the resilience of ecosystems in the face of anthropogenic pressures.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Cryptic species identification
- Advanced species delimitation techniques
- Phylogenetic methods and their applications
- Deep divergence in evolutionary studies
- Ecological roles of cryptic species
- Implications for conservation strategies
- Integrating genomics in biodiversity assessments
- Interdisciplinary approaches to hidden diversity
This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG: 15 Life on Land.
All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer-review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.
Submit your manuscript to this collection through the participating journal.
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Denis Copilaș-Ciocianu PhD
State Scientific Research Institute Nature Research Centre, Lithuania.Dr Denis Copilaș-Ciocianu is an evolutionary biologist with a broad research focus on speciation and diversification from small to large spatial, temporal, and ecological scales. He is currently a Senior Researcher at the State Scientific Research Institute Nature Research Centre in Vilnius, Lithuania. Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach, he integrates phylogenetics, biogeography, ecology, morphology, physiology, and paleontology into his research. His work primarily examines aquatic taxa such as amphipod crustaceans and insects. Most of his research has focused on understanding the historical drivers of diversification and current geographical distribution of amphipods globally (primarily Palearctic mountains and ancient lakes) while also investigating the eco-evolutionary factors behind the success of invasive species originating from biodiversity hotspots. His current projects focus on understanding morphological stasis and cryptic speciation across independent phylogenetic radiations.
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Bruno Rodrigues PhD
São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil.Dr Bruno L. Rodrigues holds a degree in Biological Sciences, with his work centered on the integrative taxonomy of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae). His research interests extend to systematics, population genetics, and the phylogeography of Neotropical vector insects. He focuses on the application of molecular markers to identify and evaluate species complexes, uncovering hidden diversity across taxa of medical and ecological importance. By integrating morphological and molecular approaches, he aims to disentangle the true diversity of species within recently diverged groups.