Molecular phylogeny of slug-parasitic nematodes inferred from 18S rRNA gene sequences.
Terrestrial molluscs are diverse and are infected by many nematodes. We propose a phylogeny of slug-parasitic nematodes using 18S rRNA gene sequences from nematodes isolated from slugs collected from six countries. Eight species, representing six families of nematodes were identified and trees inferred placed them within four (I, III, IV and V) out of the five clades of Nematoda, indicating multiple origins of slug parasitism. Five species representing three families formed a monophyletic group in clade V. Although these species are closely related, their morphology has changed greatly, suggesting adaptive radiation to fill different niches within the host.
Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, AB24 3UU, UK. jenna.ross@abdn.ac.uk
Jenna L
JL
Ross
Elena S
ES
Ivanova
Sergei E
SE
Spiridonov
Lieven
L
Waeyenberge
Maurice
M
Moens
Graeme W
GW
Nicol
Michael J
MJ
Wilson
D000818:Animals; D018509:DNA, Helminth / Q000235:genetics; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D049851:Gastropoda / Q000469:parasitology*; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D009348:Nematoda / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D010802:Phylogeny; D012337:RNA, Ribosomal, 18S / Q000235:genetics; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA
D018509:DNA, Helminth; D012337:RNA, Ribosomal, 18S