Progress in taxonomy of the Apicomplexan protozoa

Area of Science:

• * Protozoology
• * Parasitology
• * Biodiversity Studies

Background:

• * The phylum Apicomplexa comprises diverse parasitic protozoa, with historical records tracing back to Antony van Leeuwenhoek in 1674.
• * Early taxonomic work, such as the naming of *Gregarina ovata* in 1828, laid the foundation for understanding Apicomplexa diversity.
• * The classification of Apicomplexa includes major groups like gregarines, hemogregarines, eimeriorins, hemospororids, and piroplasmids.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To document the historical growth in the number of named species and genera within the phylum Apicomplexa.
• * To provide a quantitative overview of taxonomic advancements in Apicomplexa research across different time periods.

Main Methods:

• * Compilation and analysis of historical taxonomic data for the phylum Apicomplexa.
• * Review of scientific literature and taxonomic records from 1826 to 1987.
• * Categorization of named species and genera according to established Apicomplexa classifications.

Main Results:

• * By 1987, 4516 species and 339 genera of Apicomplexa had been named.
• * Significant increases in named taxa were observed, with 1873 new species and 83 new genera described between 1951 and 1975.
• * Data presented for named species and genera in 1850, 1875, 1900, 1925, 1950, 1975, and 1987 illustrate progressive diversification.

Conclusions:

• * The phylum Apicomplexa has experienced substantial taxonomic expansion throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
• * The data highlight a continuous and accelerating trend in the discovery and naming of Apicomplexa species and genera.
• * This historical overview provides a baseline for understanding the current state of Apicomplexa taxonomy and future research directions.