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A phylogenomic framework of Gastrotricha evolutionary relationships
Oscar Wallnoefer1, Anush Kosakyan2, Agata Cesaretti3
1Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
|March 9, 2026
Summary
Gastrotricha evolutionary history is revealed through phylogenomics. This study provides the first comprehensive framework, clarifying relationships and uncovering a single marine-to-freshwater transition in the Oiorpata clade.
Area of Science:
- Zoology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Gastrotricha are microscopic meiobenthic worms with crucial ecological roles.
- Previous phylogenetic studies were limited by scarce genomic resources and few genes.
- Morphological and limited molecular data hindered understanding of Gastrotricha relationships.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish the first robust phylogenomic framework for the phylum Gastrotricha.
- To clarify the evolutionary relationships among Gastrotricha families and orders.
- To investigate the evolutionary history of habitat transitions and reproductive modes.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenomic analysis of 221 nuclear loci from 31 Gastrotricha species.
- Assembly of 27 newly sequenced genomes.
- Phylogenetic mapping and comparative genomic analyses.
Main Results:
- Confirmed the deep split between Macrodasyida and Chaetonotida orders.
- Resolved the position of Neodasys as sister to Macrodasyida.
- Identified a single marine-to-freshwater transition within the parthenogenetic Oiorpata clade.
- Revealed significant loss of conserved BUSCO genes in Chaetonotida genomes.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a comprehensive evolutionary framework for Gastrotricha.
- Parthenogenesis in Oiorpata may have facilitated freshwater colonization.
- Genomic reorganization in Chaetonotida highlights evolutionary adaptations.
- Expanded genomic data in meiofauna reveals metazoan genome evolution insights.
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