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A Concoction Pipeline for Generating Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs) Among Riparian and Aquatic Beetles
Published on: July 11, 2025
Molecular phylogeny of the Heterotrichea (Ciliophora, Postciliodesmatophora) based on small subunit rRNA gene
Stephanie L Schmidt1, Wilhelm Foissner, Martin Schlegel
1Molekulare Evolution und Systematik der Tiere, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig 04103, Germany. sschmidt@rz.uni-leipzig.de
Abstract:
A comprehensive molecular analysis of the phylogenetic relationships within the Heterotrichea including all described families is still lacking. For this reason, the complete nuclear small subunit (SSU) rDNA was sequenced from further representatives of the Blepharismidae and the Stentoridae. In addition, the SSU rDNA of a new, undescribed species of the genus Condylostomides (Condylostomatidae) was sequenced. The detailed phylogenetic analyses revealed a consistent branching pattern: while the terminal branches are generally well resolved, the basal relationships remain unsolved. Moreover, the data allow some conclusions about the macronuclear evolution within the genera Blepharisma, Stentor, and Spirostomum suggesting that a single, compact macronucleus represents the ancestral state.
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