Tracking genetic and phylogenetic diversity across Brazilian ecoregions: A molecular ecology approach using marine decapod crustaceans.

This article investigates the genetic and phylogenetic diversity of 13 decapod crustacean species across the marine ecoregions of Brazil, using mitochondrial markers to assess gene flow and population structure. The study finds no significant genetic structuring among ecoregions, indicating that these regions do not act as barriers to gene flow, likely due to the high dispersal potential of larval stages. Genetic diversity correlates significantly with habitat type, with species inhabiting intertidal zones such as rocky shores and estuaries exhibiting higher diversity than those in infralittoral zones. Additionally, species richness, phylogenetic diversity, and phylogenetic endemism vary among ecoregions, with the highest species richness in Southeastern Brazil, highest phylogenetic diversity in Eastern Brazil, and highest phylogenetic endemism in the Rio Grande ecoregion. These findings highlight the importance of considering habitat complexity and broad spatial scales in conservation strategies for marine decapods.