Cladistic relationships and generic characterization of oxytrichid hypotrichs (protozoa, ciliophora)

The relationships of 13 common oxytrichid genera were analysed using cladistic methods (Hennig, PAUP). Twenty-three characters in four groups were selected, viz. the morphology of the oral apparatus (three characters), infraciliature of ventral and dorsal side (ten characters), cortical features (two characters), and ontogenetic particulars (eight characters). All characters and character states are described and discussed using published and original data. Half of the characters originated independently in several genera at least twice, making it very difficult to follow oxytrichid evolution. The autapomorphies of the family Oxytrichidae are 18 characteristically arranged fronto-ventral-transverse cirri and the fragmentation of at least one dorsal kinety. The cladograms show two major branches, termed subfamily Oxytrichinae Jankowski and subfamily Stylonychinae n. subfam. The Oxytrichinae have a unique synapomorphy, viz. the participation of cirrus V/3 in primordia formation. This subfamily contains the genera Cyrtohymena, Gonostomum, Notohymena, Onychodromopsis, Oxythcha, Tachysoma, Urosoma, Urosomoida and, very likely, Australocirrus, Parurosoma and Pseudostrombidium. The Stylonychinae have three synapomorphies, viz. the rigid body, an oral apparatus of more than 40% of body length, and the lack of cortical granules. This subfamily comprises Coniculostomum, Histriculus, Steinia, Sterkiella, Stylonychia and, very likely, Parastylonychia and Pleurotricha. The family Oxytrichidae, its subfamilies, and the genera included are characterized and keyed. An unambiguous terminology is established for oxytrichid hypotrichs, and synonymy and nomenclature of genera are discussed.