The widely reported but poorly studied ciliate family Folliculinidae (Protozoa, Ciliophora, Heterotrichea): a revision with notes on its taxonomy, morphology and phylogenetic relationships.

ABSTRACT: Ciliates of the heterotrich family Folliculinidae are widespread in various habitats and are distinguished by their transparent loricae of various shapes, conspicuous peristomial lobes, and dimorphic life cycles. They usually attach firmly to the surface of substrates, feed on bacteria and microalgae, and play a significant role in energy flow and material cycling in the microbial food web. However, little is known regarding their biodiversity and systematics. In this work, we establish the terminology of the family Folliculinidae and select six crucial features for genus recognition. Based on previous studies, we revise the classification of Folliculinidae, supply improved diagnoses for each of the 33 folliculinid genera, and provide a key to their identification. Moreover, phylogenetic a

SUBMITTER: Ye T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10077228 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature