A Multigene Perspective on the Phylogeny and Evolutionary Relationships of Class Spirotrichea (Ciliophora).

ABSTRACT: Despite extensive research, evolutionary relationships within the class Spirotrichea remain contentious due to limitations of single-gene phylogenies and sparse molecular data. This study provides the first comprehensive phylogenomic framework integrating four molecular markers (SSU-rRNA, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2, LSU-rRNA, mtSSU-rRNA), morphological traits, and dual rRNA secondary structures, resolving long-standing taxonomic conflicts. Key advances include: (1) Critical expansion of underrepresented molecular data: 19 novel mtSSU-rRNA sequences generated for Spirotrichea, a gene previously scarce in this class, enabling robust phylogenetic reconstruction. (2) Redefinition of major evolutionary lineages: Spirotrichea is restructured into four distinct clades: (i) Subclass Euplotia (excluding Discoc

SUBMITTER: Li B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12706529 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature