Integrative taxonomy and molecular phylogeny of three poorly known tintinnine ciliates, with the establishment of a new genus (Protista; Ciliophora; Oligotrichea).

ABSTRACT:

Background

The taxonomic classification of the suborder Tintinnina Kofoid & Campbell, 1929, a species-rich group of planktonic ciliated protistans with a characteristic lorica, has long been ambiguous largely due to the lack of cytological and molecular data for most species. Tintinnopsis is the largest, most widespread, and most taxonomically complex genus within this group with about 170 species occurring in nearshore waters. Previous molecular phylogenetic studies have revealed that Tintinnopsis is polyphyletic.

Results

Here we document the live morphology, infraciliature, gene sequences, and habitat characteristics of three poorly known tintinnine species, viz. Tintinnopsis karajacensis Brandt, 1896, Tintinnopsis gracilis Kofoid & Campbell, 1929, and Tintinnopsis tocanti

SUBMITTER: Wang R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8243829 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature