Evolutionary relationships of "Candidatus endobugula" bacterial symbionts and their Bugula bryozoan hosts

Abstract

Ribosomal gene sequences were obtained from bryozoans in the genus Bugula and their bacterial symbionts; analyses of host and symbiont phylogenetic trees did not support a history of strict cospeciation. Symbiont-derived compounds known to defend host larvae from predation were only detected in two out of four symbiotic Bugula species. Copyright © 2008, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.