Renata Micaela Pertossi, Mariano Ignacio Martinez

Diversity of genus Phromachocrinus Carpenter, 1879 of the National Invertebrates collection, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”

Introduction

Diversity of genus phromachocrinus carpenter, 1879 of the national invertebrates collection, museo argentino de ciencias naturales “bernardino rivadavia”. Explore the updated diversity of Phromachocrinus crinoids from the MACN-In collection. Identifies three species, underscoring integrated molecular-morphological methods for cryptic species.

Abstract

Professor Irene Bernasconi was a pioneer in Antarctic crinoid research in Argentina, with her work on Promachocrinus kerguelensis published in 1932. This study review Promachocrinus material housed in the collection of the Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia” (MACN-In), including specimens collected by Carcelles in 1929. Through an analysis of new samples from Antarctic expeditions and a review of historical material, three species within the genus were identified: P. kerguelensis, P. fragarius, and P. joubini. These studies update the understanding of genus diversity, previously considered a single circum-Antarctic species, and underscore the importance of integrating molecular and morphological methods for identifying cryptic species. This advancement emphasizes the need to reassess historical biodiversity records and highlights the significance of pioneering researchers such as Bernasconi.

Review

This study presents a timely and valuable re-evaluation of the diversity within the crinoid genus *Promachocrinus* housed at the Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales (MACN-In). By revisiting both historical material, including specimens collected as early as 1929, and incorporating new samples from recent Antarctic expeditions, the authors address a significant gap in our understanding of this group. The abstract commendably acknowledges the foundational work of Professor Irene Bernasconi, emphasizing the long-standing commitment of Argentinian scientists to Antarctic crinoid research and providing a rich historical context for the current re-examination. The core contribution of this work lies in its successful identification of three distinct species: *P. kerguelensis*, *P. fragarius*, and *P. joubini*, from a genus previously considered to represent a single circum-Antarctic species. This taxonomic revision significantly updates our knowledge of *Promachocrinus* diversity, moving beyond previous monolithic views. The abstract's mention of the importance of integrating molecular and morphological methods for identifying cryptic species, though not explicitly detailed as part of the current study's methodology, signals a forward-thinking approach and an awareness of modern taxonomic best practices that would likely strengthen the presented findings. The broader implications of this research are substantial. It underscores the critical need to reassess historical biodiversity records, as often, initial classifications may obscure true species diversity. This work not only enhances our understanding of Antarctic crinoid biodiversity but also serves as an important reminder of the enduring value of natural history collections and the foundational contributions of pioneering researchers like Bernasconi. The study effectively bridges historical data with modern taxonomic scrutiny, paving the way for more accurate biogeographical and evolutionary analyses of Antarctic marine fauna.

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