Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Microbial Phylogeny

Microbial Phylogeny

Understanding the evolutionary relationships among microorganisms is fundamental to microbial ecology and taxonomy. Phylogenetic trees are essential tools for inferring these relationships, relying primarily on comparative analyses of molecular sequences such as DNA, RNA, or proteins. In microbial studies, these trees typically depict the evolutionary paths of diverse bacterial and archaeal species by mapping genetic differences accumulated over time.Phylogenetic trees are composed of tips,...

Phylogeny

Phylogeny

Phylogeny is concerned with the evolutionary diversification of organisms or groups of organisms. A group of organisms with a name is called a taxon (singular). Taxa (plural) can span different levels of the evolutionary hierarchy. For instance, the group containing all birds is a taxon (comprising the class Aves), and the group of all species of daisies (the genus Bellis) is a taxon. Phylogenies can likewise include just one genus (i.e., depict species relationships) or span an entire kingdom.

Microbial Interactions: Parasitism

Microbial Interactions: Parasitism

Parasitism is a form of microbial interaction in which parasitic microbes exploit a host organism for nutrients and shelter, often at the host's expense. Unlike mutualistic relationships, where both organisms benefit, parasitism benefits only the parasite and harms the host.Classification of ParasitesMicrobial parasites are broadly classified based on their location relative to the host.Ectoparasites remain on the host’s surface, such as the skin or outer tissues, drawing nutrients...

Phylogenetic Trees

Phylogenetic Trees

Phylogenetic trees come in many forms. It matters in which sequence the organisms are arranged from the bottom to the top of the tree, but the branches can rotate at their nodes without altering the information. The lines connecting individual nodes can be straight, angled, or even curved.

Phylogenetic Trees

Phylogenetic Trees

The Tree of Life - Bacteria, Archaea, Eukaryotes

The Tree of Life - Bacteria, Archaea, Eukaryotes

The “tree of life” describes the evolution of life and the evolutionary relationships between organisms. The root of the tree is the common ancestor to all life on Earth. All other species radiate from this point, much like the branches of a tree. The numerous tips of these branches on the tree of life represent every living, or extant, species. Extinct species, which are species that no longer exist, can be found towards the center of the tree. Currently, these organisms, both...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Bridging the diagnostic gap: Expanding dementia care navigation for timely diagnosis.

Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association·2026

Same author

Caledochytrium aldermanii gen. Et sp. nov.; a new Labyrinthulomycete displaying a novel reproductive strategy.

Protist·2026

Same author

A High-quality Reference Genome and Tissue Expression Atlas for the European Lobster (Homarus gammarus).

Genome biology and evolution·2026

Same author

Combating White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) in Global Shrimp Farming: Unraveling Its Biology, Pathology, and Control Strategies.

Viruses·2025

Same author

An integrated One Health initiative for pathogen genomic surveillance in the UK.

Microbial genomics·2025

Same author

Identification of microbial groups and functional genes associated with greenhouse gas emissions in prawn farms.

Scientific reports·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Using Phylogenetic Analysis to Investigate Eukaryotic Gene Origin

Using Phylogenetic Analysis to Investigate Eukaryotic Gene Origin

Published on: August 14, 2018

Policy, phylogeny, and the parasite.

Grant D Stentiford¹, Stephen W Feist², David M Stone²

¹European Union Reference Laboratory for Crustacean Diseases, Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth Laboratory, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK; Aquatic Pests and Pathogens Group, Cefas, Weymouth Laboratory, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.

Trends in Parasitology

|May 1, 2014

Summary

Discriminating animal parasites is crucial for global health and trade. This study proposes best practices for defining notifiable taxa to improve disease control and reporting accuracy.

Keywords:

OIE food security systematics taxonomy trade transboundary

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Evaluation of Entomopathogenic Fungi in Wild Monochamus alternatus Populations for Biocontrol Applications in Forest Wood Borers

Author Spotlight: Evaluation of Entomopathogenic Fungi in Wild Monochamus alternatus Populations for Biocontrol Applications in Forest Wood Borers

Published on: September 29, 2023

Protocol for Production of a Genetic Cross of the Rodent Malaria Parasites

Protocol for Production of a Genetic Cross of the Rodent Malaria Parasites

Published on: January 3, 2011

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Using Phylogenetic Analysis to Investigate Eukaryotic Gene Origin

Using Phylogenetic Analysis to Investigate Eukaryotic Gene Origin

Published on: August 14, 2018

Author Spotlight: Evaluation of Entomopathogenic Fungi in Wild Monochamus alternatus Populations for Biocontrol Applications in Forest Wood Borers

Author Spotlight: Evaluation of Entomopathogenic Fungi in Wild Monochamus alternatus Populations for Biocontrol Applications in Forest Wood Borers

Published on: September 29, 2023

Protocol for Production of a Genetic Cross of the Rodent Malaria Parasites

Protocol for Production of a Genetic Cross of the Rodent Malaria Parasites

Published on: January 3, 2011

Area of Science:

Veterinary Parasitology
Animal Health Policy
Taxonomy

Background:

Animal diseases gain political attention through global organizations like the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
Reporting outbreaks is mandatory but can lead to trade restrictions, impacting economies.
Accurate detection and discrimination of disease-causing agents are vital at multiple levels.

Purpose of the Study:

To examine current methods for distinguishing listed parasites from similar, unlisted species.
To identify key factors influencing the discrimination of significant taxa.
To propose standardized 'best practice' measures for defining notifiable taxa.

Main Methods:

Review of existing taxonomic approaches for protists and metazoans.
Analysis of policy drivers affecting parasite discrimination.
Development of a framework for defining notifiable taxa.

Main Results:

National policies significantly influence the drivers for discriminating important animal parasites.
Current taxonomic philosophies provide a basis for defining notifiable taxa.
A set of best practice measures is proposed for consistent taxon definition.

Conclusions:

Standardized taxonomic definitions are essential for accurate reporting and effective control of animal diseases.
Implementing best practice measures will enhance global animal health surveillance and trade.
Clearer definitions of notifiable parasites support informed national and international policy decisions.