Uminho discovers 13 species of “marine worms”. Have names inspired by video games

This group of segmented worms – which includes the worms used in line fishing – was found in four locations. Azores included.

There are 13 new species of “Marine worms”. Or there are 13 new species of Marine annemids.

It emerges in an international investigation (with scientists from Brazil, Spain, Greece, Italy, Norway, Portugal and Sweden), but coordinated by the Center for Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA) of the University of Minho School of Sciences.

This group of segmented worms – which includes the worms used in line fishing – was found in four Locas: Atlantic Northeast, Mediterranean Sea, Azores and Canary.

Scientists explored the genus of anelid Perinereis through advanced integrative taxonomy tools, including ADN and the thorough examination of morphology.

Were discovered 19 Molecular lineagesof which 13 new species were described for science and whose names They have different inspirations.

Four of the new species received names of popular video game characters (Malenia and Miquella, from “Elden Ring”; Nier and 2B, from “Nier Replicant” and “Nier Automata”).

Another four evoke taxonomist biologists of aquatic worms (Luigi Musco, Alberto Castelli, Sarah Faulwetter and Céline Houbin).

There are also four species baptized based on the mythological folklore of the regions in which they appeared (Tibicena, the Canaries; Jupiter, Juno and Minerva, from Italy).

The last is a reference to the only place where it has been detected so far (Porto Cesareo, Italy).

They are very similar species and Only the DNA sequences allowed them to detect them.

The results confirm the existence of Lots of unknown diversity in European coastal ecosystems and the importance of detection by DNA Barcoding (or DNA barcode) for biodiversity conservation.

According to scientists, the now identified organisms are essential for ocean healthbeing responsible for the recycling of nutrients and the stabilization of marine sediments. They serve as food to various species of fish and crustaceans, as well as being used as “living bait” for line fishing.