Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Ultrastructural and morphological features of the turbellarian worm Bothrioplana semperi and problem of monophyly of Seriata (Platyhelminthes, Turbellaria)

  • Morphological Basics for Evolution of Functions
  • Published:
Journal of Evolutionary Biochemistry and Physiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The structure and morphogenesis of rhabdites as well as morphology of pharynx walls in Bothrioplana semperi (Turbellaria, Bothrioplanidae) have been described. The ultrastructure of rhabdites and their morphogenesis in this species resemble those in Macrostomida (Turbellaria, Archoophora). The relative position of muscle layers in the pharynx walls draws Bothrioplana semperi closer to Tricladida maricola and some Tricladida paludicola and terricola. The analysis of ultrastructural and morphological characters in Bothrioplana semperi as compared to those in Turbellaria proseriata and tricladida is provided. It is shown that the apomophous to plesiomorphous characters ratio in the taxa analyzed argues most for the hypothesis of an early branching of these groups and the early Turbellaria neoophora as a whole. If this is the case, Proseriata and Tricladida are not sister groups, while Bothrioplanidae should be regarded as a sister group to the ancestors of Tricladida and, possibly, Neodermata.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Ehlers, U., Das Phylogenetisches System der Plathelminthes, Stuttgart, New York: G. Fischer Verlag, 1985.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Sopott-Ehlers, B., The Phylogenetic Relationships within the Seriata (Platyhelminthes), The Origin and Relationships of Lower Invertebrates, Part 10, Morris, S.C., George, J.D., Gibson, R., and Platt, H.M., Eds., Oxford: Oxford University, 1995. pp. 159–167.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Rohde, K., Johnson, A.M., Baverstock, P.R., and Watson, N.A., Aspects of the Phylogeny of Platyhelminthes Based on 18S Ribosomal DNA and Protonephridial Ultrastructure, Hydrobiologia, 1995, vol. 305 (Biology of Turbellaria and Some Related Flatworms), pp. 27–35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Carranza, S., Baguňà, J., and Ruitort, M., Are the Platyhelminthes a Monophyletic Primitive Group? An Assessment Using 18S rDNA Sequences, Molec. Biol. Evol., 1997, vol. 14, pp. 485–497.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Littlewood, D.T.J., Rohde, K., and Clough, K.A., The Interrelationships of All Major Groups of Platyhelminthes: Phylogenetic Evidence from Morphology and Molecules, Biol. J. Linnean Soc., 1999, vol. 66, pp. 75–114.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Joffe, B.J., Valiego Roman, K.M., Birstein, V.Y., and Troitsky, A.V., 5S rRNA of 12 Species of Flatworms: Implications for the Phylogeny of the Platyhelminthes, Hydrobiologia, 1995, vol. 305, pp. 37–43.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Philippe, H. and Adoutte, A., The Molecular Phylogeny of Eucaryota: Solid Facts and Uncertainties, Evolutionary Relationships among Protozoa, Coombs, G.H., Vickerman, K., Sleigh, M.A., and Warren, A., Eds., London: Chapman & Hall, 1998. pp. 25–56.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Joffe, B.I. and Kornakova, E.E., Flatworm Phylogeneticist: between a Molecular Hammer and Morphological Anvil, Interrelationships of the Platyhelminthes, London, New York: Taylor & Francis, 2001, pp. 279–291.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Willems, W.R., Wallberg, A., Jondelius, U., Littlewood, D.T.J., Backeljau, T., Schockaert, E.R., and Artois, T.J., Filling a Gap in the Phylogeny of Flatworms: Relationships within the Rhabdocoela (Platyhelminthes), Interferred from 18S Ribosomal DNA Sequences, Zool. Scripta, 2006, vol. 35, pp. 1–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. von Hofsten, N., Studien über Turbellarien aus dem Berner Oberland, Z. Wiss. Zool., 1907, vol. 85, nos. 3–4, pp. 391–564.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Gurini-Galetti, M., The Proseriata, Interrelationships of the Platyhelminthes, London, New York: Taylor & Francis, 2001. pp. 41–48.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Rieger, R.M., Tyler, S., Smith, J.P.S., and Rieger, G.E., Platyhelminthes: Turbellaria, Microscopic Anatomy of Invertebrates, vol.3: Platyhelminthes and Nemertinea, Harrison, F.W. and Bogitsh, B.J., Eds., New York: Wiley-Liss, Inc., 1991, pp. 7–140.

  13. Reisinger, E. and Kelbetz, S., Feinbau und Entladungsmechanismus der Rhabditen, Z. Wiss. Mikrosk., 1964, vol. 65, pp. 472–508.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Lentz, T.L., Rhabdite Formation in Planaria: the Role of Microtubules, J. Ultrastruct. Res., 1967, vol. 17, pp. 114–126.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Reisinger, E., Ultrastrukturforschung und Evolution, Ber. Physik-Med. Ges. Würzburg, 1969, vol. 77, pp. 5–43.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Lord, B.A.P. and DiBona, D.R., Role of the Septate Junction on the Regulation of Paracellular Transepithelial Flow, J. Cell Biol., 1976, vol. 17, pp. 967–972.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Smith, J. and Thomas, M.B., The Structure and Histochemistry of the Epidermis and Subepidermis of Stylochus zebra (Turbellaria, Polycladida), J. Elisha Mitchell Sci. Soc., 1976, vol. 92, p. 64.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Chien, P.K. and Koopowitz, H., Ultrastructure of the Nerve Plexus in Flatworms. III. The Infraepithelial Nervous System, Cell Tissue Res., 1977, vol. 176, pp. 335–347.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Martin, G., A New Function of Rhabdites: Mucous Production for Ciliary Glinding, Zoomorphol., 1978, vol. 91, pp. 235–248.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Smith, J., III, Tyler, S., Thomas, M.B., and Rieger, R., The Morphology of Turbellarian Rhabdites: Phylogenetic Implication, Trans. Am. Microsc. Soc., 1982, vol. 101, pp. 209–228.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Steinböck, O., Monographie der Prorhynchidae, Z. Morph. Ökol. Tiere, 1927, nos. 3–4, pp. 538–662.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Karling, T.G., On the Anatomy and Affinities of Turbellarian Orders, Biology of the Turbellaria, New York, McGraw-Hill, 1974, pp. 1–16.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Ioffe, B.I., The Structure of Temnocephalids and Morphological Changes in Transition to Parasitism in Flatworms, Parazitol., 1981, vol. 15. pp. 209–218.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Ioffe, B.I., On the Evolution of Pharynx in Flatworms, Trudy Zool. Inst. AN SSSR (Proceedings of Zoological Inst. USSR Acad. Sci.), 1987, vol. 167, pp. 34–71.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Midelburg, A., Zür Kentniss der Monocelididae, Z. wiss. Zool., 1908, vol. 89, no. 1, pp. 81–108.

    Google Scholar 

  26. Maristo, L., Beiträge zur Kenntnis der Monoceliddiden (Turbellaria Alloeocoela), Ann. Zool. Vanamo., 1938, vol. 8, pp. 1–69.

    Google Scholar 

  27. Ax, P., Monographie der Otoplanidae (Turbellaria), Abh. Acad. Wiss. Lit. Maintz, Math. Naturwiss. Kl., 1956, vol. 13, pp. 499–796.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Ax, P., Les Turbellariés des Étanges Côtiers du Littoral Mediterrannéen de la France Méridionale, Vie et Milieu, Suppl., 1956. vol. 5, pp. 1–215.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Tajika, K.-I., Marine Turbellarien aus Hokkaido, Japan. III. Nematoplana Meixner, 1938 (Proseriata, Nematoplanidae), J. Fac. Sci., Hokkaido Univ., ser. 4, Zool., 1979, vol. 22, no. 1. pp. 69–87.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Tajika, K.-I., Morphologisch-phylogenetische Un te rsuchungen an der Familie Coelogenoporidae (Turbellaria, Proseriata), J. Fac. Sci., Hokkaido Univ., ser. 4, Zool., 1982, vol. 23, no. 1, pp. 13–62.

    Google Scholar 

  31. von Graff, L., Monographie der Turbellarien. II Tricladida Terricola, Leipzig: W. Engelmann, 1889, pp. 3–574.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Zabusov, I.P., Observations on Turbellaria of Solovetsky Islands, Trudy Obsch. Estestvoisp. Kazansk. Univ. (Proc. Scient. Society of Kazan Univ.), 1900, vol. 34, Iss. 1. pp. 1–208.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Wilhelmi, J., Fauna Flora Golfes Neapel, 1909, vol. 32, pp. 1–405.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Steinböck, O., Zur Systematic der Turbellaria Meta merata, Zool. Anz., 1925, vol. 64, no. 7/8, pp. 165–192.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Kenk, R., Beitrage zum System der Probursalier (Tricladida paludicola), Zool. Anz., 1930, vol. 89, no. 3, pp. 289–302.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Kenk, R., Freshwater Triclads (Turbellaria) of North America. 7. The Genus Macrocotyla, Trans. Amer. Micr. Soc., 1975, vol. 94, no. 3. pp. 324–339.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Ball, J.R., A Contribution to the Phylogeny and Biogeography of the Freshwater Triclads, Biology of Turbellaria, Riser, N.W. and Morse, M.P., Eds., New York: McGraw-Hill, 1974. pp. 339–401.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Riedl, R., Neue Turbellarien aus dem Mediterraneen Felslitoral, Zool. Jb., Syst., 1954, vol. 83, nos. 3–4, pp. 157–244.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Kornakova, E.E., The Ultrastructural Features of Excretory System in Bothrioplana semperi (Platyhelminthes, Turbellaria), Zh. Evol. Biokhim. Fiziol., 2010, vol. 46, pp. 340–346.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Kornakova, E.E. and Joffe, B.I., Sensory Receptors in the Head of Bothrioplana semperi (Platyhelminthes, Seriata), J. Submicrosc. Cytol. Pathol., 1996, vol. 28, pp. 313–317.

    Google Scholar 

  41. Reisinger, E., Cichocki, I., Erlach, R., and Szyskowitz, T., Ontogenetische Studien an Turbellarien: ein Beitrag zur Evolution der Dotterverarbeitung im Ektolecithalen Ei, II Teil, Z. Zool. Syst. Evolutionforsch., 1974, vol. 12, pp. 241–278.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Sopott-Ehlers, B. and Ehlers, U., Ultrastructure of Spermiogenesis and Spermatozoa in Bradinectes sterreri and Remarks on Sperm Cells in Haplopharynx rostatus and Paramalostomum fusculum: Phylogenetic Implication for the Macrostomorpha (Platyhelminthes), Zoomorphol., 1999, vol. 119, pp. 105–115.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Rieger, R.M., Phylogenetic Systematics of the Macrostomorpha, Interrelationships of the Platyhelminthes, London, New York: Taylor & Francis, 2001, pp. 28–38.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Tyler, S., The Early Worm-Origins and Relationships of the Lower Flatworms, Interrelationships of the Platyhelminthes, London, New York: Taylor & Francis, 2001, pp. 3–12.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Balavoine, G., Are Platyhelminthes Coelomates without a Coelom? An Argument Based on the Evolution of Hox Genes, Amer. Zoologist, 1998, vol. 38, pp. 843–858.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Cavalier-Smith, T., A Revised Six-Kingdom System of Life, Biol. Rev., 1998, vol. 73, pp. 203–266.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Ruitort, M., Field, K.G., Raff, R.A., and Baguñà, J., 18S rRNA Sequences and Phylogeny of Platyhelminthes, Biochem. Syst. Ecol., 1992, vol. 21, pp. 71–77.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Kuznedelov, K.D. and Timoshkin, O.A., Molecular Phylogenetics of Turbellaria Deduced from the 18s rRNA Sequencing Data, Molek. Biol., 1995, vol. 29, pp. 318–325.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Baguñà, J. and Ruitort, M., Molecular Phylogeny of the Platyhelminthes, Can. J. Zool., 2004, vol. 82, pp. 168–193.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Balavoine, G., The Early Emergence of Platyhelminths is Contradicted by the Agreement between 18 S rRNA and Hox Genes Data, C.R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Série III, Sciences de la Vie, 1997, vol. 320, pp. 83–94.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Littlewood, D.T.J., Rohde, K., and Clough, K.A., The Interrelationships of All Major Groups of Platyhelminthes: Phylogenetic Evidence from Morphology and Molecules, Biol. J. Linnean Soc., 1999, vol. 66, pp. 75–114.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Littlewood, D.T.J., Rohde, K., Bray, R.A., and Herniou, E.A., Phylogeny of the Platyhelminthes and the Evolution of Parasitism, Biol. J. Linnean Soc., 1999, vol. 68, pp. 257–287.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Littlewood, D.T.J., Curini-Galletti, M., and Herniou, E.A., The Interrelationships of Proseriata (Platyhelminthes: Seriata) Tested with Molecules and Morphology, Molec. Phylogen. Evol., 2000, vol. 16, pp. 449–466.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Baguñà, J., Carranza, S., Paps, J., Ruiz-Trillo, I., and Ruitort, M., Molecular Taxonomy and Phylogeny of the Tricladida, Interrelationships of the Platyhelminthes, London, New York: Taylor & Francis, 2001, pp. 49–56.

    Google Scholar 

  55. Lockyer, A.E., Olson, P.D., and Littlewood, D.T.J., Utility of Complete Large and Small Subunit rRNA Genes in Resolving the Phylogeny of the Neodermata (Platyhelminthes): Implication and a Review of the Cercomer Theory, Biol. J. Linnean Soc., 2003, vol. 78, pp. 155–171.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  56. Kornakova, E.E., On the Turbellarian Roots of the Neodermata and the Origin of the Trematoda, Proc. Zool. Inst. Russ. Acad. Sci., 2001, vol. 289, pp. 103–116.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia

    E. E. Kornakova

Authors
  1. E. E. Kornakova
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to E. E. Kornakova.

Additional information

Original Russian Text © E.E. Kornakova, 2012, published in Zhurnal Evolyutsionnoi Biokhimii i Fiziologii, 2012, Vol. 48, No. 5, pp. 487–494.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Kornakova, E.E. Ultrastructural and morphological features of the turbellarian worm Bothrioplana semperi and problem of monophyly of Seriata (Platyhelminthes, Turbellaria). J Evol Biochem Phys 49, 234–242 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1134/S0022093013020138

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0022093013020138

Key words

Search

Navigation