ISSN:
1550-7408
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Distinctive organic-walled resting cysts of at least three different types with a highly conservative morphology appear to characterize specific orders or groups of genera within the Class Polyhymenophorea (Protozoa, Ciliophora), contrasting markedly with the great diversity of form seen in trophic stages. Polyhymenophorean ciliates have been considered in the past to form a cohesive class within the Phylum Ciliophora and, possibly, to represent the pinnacle of ciliate evolution. Evidence from cysts challenges the cohesive nature of the class, suggesting that the hypotrichs should be subdivided and that they have a different phylogenetic origin from the heterotrichs, tintinnids, and oligotrichs.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1550-7408.1983.tb05348.x
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