Sequences lead to tree of worms
Article Abstract:
Only around 15,000 species of nematode worms have been identified even though millions of different types are believed to exist. Identification has been difficult because nematodes are small and have few distinguishing characteristics. Free-living nematodes digest plant material while others are parasitic. An attempt has been made by Baxter et al to classify them using ribosomal DNA sequences. Their findings suggest that only one class of nematode is natural. Two classes have been identified. One group is called the Secernentea and it is natural. The other is Adenophorea.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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Xenoturbella's molluscan relatives
Article Abstract:
Genetics research using parsimony jack-knife analysis shows that the organism Xenoturbella bocki contains the same genetic sequence data as other organisms in the protostome clade Eutrochozoa. Sequences from five X. bocki organisms were compared with those from the flat worm Graffilla buccinicola. Consensus tree diagrams illustrating jack-knife replicates are shown. The tree topology and sequence alignments are discussed.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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Xenoturbella is a deuterostome that eats molluscs
Article Abstract:
Research indicate that Xenoturbella is a deuterosome related to hemichordates and echinoderms and does not belong to the bivalve molluscs as reported previously. Xenoturbella is a ciliated marine worm without a through gut, structured gonads, excretory system, and brain. Data indicate that Xenoturbella eats nuculid mollusc adults, eggs, and larvae.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2003
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