Species composition, diversity, and distribution of the genus Ulva along the coast of Jeju Island, Korea based on molecular phylogenetic analysis

Species diversity in the genus Ulva remains understudied worldwide. Using molecular analyses we investigated the species composition, diversity, distribution, and relative frequencies of the genus Ulva along the entire coast of Jeju Island, off the southern tip of Korea. Species identification was performed for 215 samples collected from 23 sites, based on comprehensive phylogenetic and model-based species delimitation analyses using the sequences of two molecular markers, chloroplast elongation factor Tu (tufA) and nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS). We identified 193 specimens as nine Ulva species, 14 specimens as Blidingia spp., and eight samples undetermined, based on the combined analysis of tufA and ITS phylogenies. Two model-based approaches generally supported nine groups of Ulva species. Previously documented species complex, such as U. ohnoi−U. spinulosa and U. procera−U. linza showed discordant relationships between the two phylogenies. The occurrence of U. torta on Jeju Island was first observed, despite its existence on the mainland previously reported. Ulva australis [16 of 23 sites; 34.4% (relative frequency)], U. ohnoi (16; 21.9%), and U. procera (11; 14%) were found to be the predominant species. Our study highlights that molecular analysis is critical for species delimitation in the genus Ulva and provides fundamental information for an understanding of green-tide assemblages on the “biological hotspot” coastal ecosystem, Jeju Island in Korea. This study will also help to monitor and manage local green tides at the areas that are currently encountering rapid climate changes.