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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
04:32
Dissection, MicroCT Scanning and Morphometric Analyses of the Baculum
Published on: March 19, 2017
A Contribution to the Morphologic Variable Morphs and Diversity in Microthoracida.
Fan Wu1, Xuetong Zhao1, Yaohan Jiang1
1Laboratory of Protozoans in Coastal Water Environments, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology
|June 18, 2026
Summary
This study clarifies phylogenetic relationships within the Microthoracida ciliates using morphology and molecular data. It confirms the monophyly of Microthoracidae and Pseudomicrothoracidae families.
Area of Science:
- Protistology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Nassophorean ciliates are crucial for understanding morphological diversification.
- Phylogenetic relationships within the order Microthoracida remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate species relationships within the order Microthoracida.
- To utilize a multifaceted approach combining morphological and molecular data.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analyses using morphological characteristics.
- Phylogenetic analyses using molecular data (SSU rDNA sequences).
- Comparative analysis of different populations and morphs.
Main Results:
- Leptopharynx costatus costatus exhibits polymorphism, with basal body count as a key diagnostic character.
- Comprehensive morphological and molecular data for Pseudomicrothorax dubius were established.
- L. costatus costatus showed greater morphological variability, while P. dubius displayed higher molecular variability.
- SSU rDNA sequence data supported the monophyly of Microthoracidae and Pseudomicrothoracidae.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully clarifies phylogenetic relationships within Microthoracida.
- Both Microthoracidae and Pseudomicrothoracidae families are confirmed as monophyletic.
- Basal body count is identified as a significant diagnostic character for L. costatus costatus.
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