Abstract
Two complex, phylogenetically informative structures were investigated using
transmission electron microscopy in four species within a small taxonomic unit
of rhabdocoel turbellarians. A synapomorphic modification of the structure of
the protonephridial terminal organs, viz. reduced
definition of the filtration ribs, was found in three of the species,
Ceratopera sp.,
Proxenetes fasciger and
Trigonostomum setigerum. Modifications of the
mitochondrial lensing elements found in the eyes of
Beklemischeviella contorta implied that it may join with
Ptychopera westbladi to form a branch within the
subfamily, while the distribution of lensing from giant mitochondria
illustrated the plasticity of this feature. The study demonstrates the
potential of such characters to assist phylogenetic resolution, but highlights
the danger of using the characteristics of single species to represent larger
taxa.
Subject
Animal Science and Zoology,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Cited by
4 articles.
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