Hidden in plain sight: DNA reveals 15 overlooked coral lineages in the Indo-Pacific

Summary

Scientists at KAUST discovered that the iconic 'organ pipe coral,' long considered a single species, actually comprises at least 15 genetically distinct lineages. Two of these newly identified lineages are unique to the Red Sea, adding to the region's known marine biodiversity. Published in Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, the research used ultraconserved elements in DNA to reveal this hidden evolutionary history. Why it matters: This discovery underscores the importance of genomic tools in understanding and characterizing marine biodiversity and provides crucial information for conservation planning in the Red Sea and globally.