To study population dynamics of marine ciliates in different artificial seawaters （ASW）, the population growth dynamics of a common marine ciliate Euplotes vannus were investigated using beef extract media and rice ...To study population dynamics of marine ciliates in different artificial seawaters （ASW）, the population growth dynamics of a common marine ciliate Euplotes vannus were investigated using beef extract media and rice media for five types of ASW and natural seawater （NSW）. The results show that： （1） the population growth rate was in the order of NSW〉Flack ASW〉Nakamula ASW〉Schmadz ASW〉Oshima ASW〉Subow ASW and was considerably higher in rice media than in beef extract media （apart from Subow ASW）; （2） the maximum density of E. vannus in stationary phase in each treatment was ranked as Hack ASW〉Nakamula ASW〉Schmadz ASW〉NSW〉Oshima ASW〉Subow ASW, and was again higher in rice media than in beef extract media （except for Subow ASW）; （3） the exponential and stationary phases were longer in rice media than in beef extract media; （4） strains of E. vannus that had been domesticated for 〉1 year in ASW grew significantly slower, with lower maximum density and longer stationary phase than those isolated and maintained in NSW. It was demonstrated that： （1） E. vannus may grow well in Flack, Nakamula and Schmads ASW compared with NSW （mainly in terms of growth rate）; and （2） Oshima ASW is the preferred choice for stock cultures of E. vannus, but the ASWs Flack, Nakamula and Schmadz are preferred for mass culture. These findings suggest that these three ASWs are effective for the cultivation of marine protozoa for experimental studies on ecology, toxicology and molecular biology.展开更多
The ecological processes and interrelationships between protists,either autotrophic or heterotrophic,and environmental factors in mariculture ponds are largely unknown.This study investigated the temporal dynamics of ...The ecological processes and interrelationships between protists,either autotrophic or heterotrophic,and environmental factors in mariculture ponds are largely unknown.This study investigated the temporal dynamics of potentially harmful dinoflagellate,Prorocentrum minimum (Pavillard) Schiller,and its relationship to physico-chemical factors and protozoan grazers over a complete cycle in a semi-enclosed shrimp-farming pond near Qingdao,Northern China.P.minimum occurred frequently in low numbers from June to August,followed by a sharp increase from the middle of August,reaching a single maximum peak value of 2.2×105 cells L-1 in October.Temporal variation in abundance was positively correlated with dissolved nitrogen,but showed a significant inverse relationship to abundance of the dominant ciliates,Tintinnopsis lohmanni and Askenasia stellaris.The results provide statistical evidence that the number of P.minimum increased with increasing nitrogen,and the suppression or shortening of algal bloom may be associated with protozoan grazers,such as Tintinnopsis lohmanni,in mariculture ponds.展开更多
In this paper, we explore possible conflict between morphological and molecular interpretations of phylogenetic relationships within the well-known peritrichous genus Zoothamnium. On the basis of morphological evidenc...In this paper, we explore possible conflict between morphological and molecular interpretations of phylogenetic relationships within the well-known peritrichous genus Zoothamnium. On the basis of morphological evidence, for a long time this genus has been believed to be a well-defined monophyletic taxon. Nonetheless, Zoothamnium exhibits higher genetic diversity than the gross morphology of its species. Here, we used all available genetic information for the small subunit of ribosomal RNA （SSU rRNA） and internal transcribed spacer region （ITS1-5.8S-ITS2） for this genus to reconstruct phylogenies for four datasets （SSU rRNA, ITS1, ITS2, and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2） and a combined dataset （SSU rRNA＋ITSI-5.8S- ITS2） using different phylogenetic methods and with consideration of the secondary structure of the genes. Confidence in phylogenetic tree selection was assessed with the approximately unbiased test. The molecular results showed both that Zoothamnium is more likely to be polyphyletic, and morphologically similar genera Zoothamnopsis and Myoschiston were always nested among Zoothamnium species. Accordingly, as with some other groups of ciliates, to understand more fully the correct phylogeny of Zoothamnium there remains a need for additional data from both morphological and molecular studies, covering additional Zoothamnium spp. and members of closely related genera （e.g. Zoothamnopsis, Myoschiston, and Epistylis）.展开更多
The phylogeny of the oligotrich ciliates is currently a hot debate despite the availability of both morphological and molecular data.In the present paper,further small subunit rRNA(SS rRNA) genes were analyzed from th...The phylogeny of the oligotrich ciliates is currently a hot debate despite the availability of both morphological and molecular data.In the present paper,further small subunit rRNA(SS rRNA) genes were analyzed from the Genera Omegastrombidium and Novistrombidium,as well as from Strombidium,and combined with three new SS rRNA sequences from Strombidium basimorphum,S.sulcatum population QD-1,and Novistrombidium testaceum population GD.The phylogenetic positions of these organisms were inferred using Bayesian inference,Maximum Likelihood,and Maximum Parsimony methods.The main results are:(1) the SS rRNA gene sequence analyses match the recent findings about the molecular evolution of oligotrichs,indicating that the family Strombidiidae is paraphyletic;(2) the Genus Omegastrombidium is separated from the Genus Strombidium,as shown in recent cladistic analyses;(3) morphospecies in Genus Novistrombidium,based on similarity of somatic ciliature,are separated from each other in all topological trees,indicating that this genus could be a paraphyletic group;(4) the molecular data indicate a possibility of paraphyly for the genus Strombidium;and(5) the similarities of the SS rRNA gene of specimens identified as S.sulcatum and S.inclinatum are 99.8%-100%.However,present knowledge on the oligotrichs sensu stricto is still insufficient and further studies based on both molecular and other technologies are required.展开更多
Ciliated protozoa play important roles in micro-ecosystems, especially in marine biotopes. However, few studies have been carried out on the periphytic, or aufwuch, forms in mariculture waters so far. In this study, w...Ciliated protozoa play important roles in micro-ecosystems, especially in marine biotopes. However, few studies have been carried out on the periphytic, or aufwuch, forms in mariculture waters so far. In this study, we sampled periphytic ciliate communities in two closed mariculture ponds (ponds CP1 and CP2) and a natural seawater reservoir (pond RP) using a glass slide method to evaluate their colonizing processes and general ecological features, as well as their application as water quality indicators. We analyzed species compositions, structural parameters (species number, richness, diversity, evenness, abundance and dBP) and functional parameters (G, Seq and T90%). Pond RP was characterized by higher levels of structural parameters (except for abundance and dBP) and more equal proportion of the major taxonomic groups. The values of Seq were significantly higher in pond RP and similar in both pond CP1 and CP2. It was also demonstrated that environmental factors, including NO2-H, NO3-H, NH3-H, soluble reactive phosphate, temperature and pH, were the first principal factors affecting the communities. Among them, temperature and chemical factors were all significantly and negatively correlated with species number (P<0.01), richness (P<0.01), diversity (P<0.01), and positive correlated with abundance (P<0.01). Opposite correlations between pH and structural parameters were observed. This study showed that there were significant differences in species composition, structural parameters and functional parameters of the periphytic ciliate communities among the ponds, which were in agreement with the water quality. Results of this study confirmed the periphytic ciliate communities to be useful bioindicators of water quality in intensive mariculture waters.展开更多
基金Supported by the National Natural Science foundation of China (Nos.41076089,40976075)a Post-Doctoral Fellowship by Inha University awarded to XU Henglong+1 种基金a Grant from the Center of Excellence in Biodiversity Research,King Saud Universitythe 111 Project of China (No.B08049)
文摘To study population dynamics of marine ciliates in different artificial seawaters （ASW）, the population growth dynamics of a common marine ciliate Euplotes vannus were investigated using beef extract media and rice media for five types of ASW and natural seawater （NSW）. The results show that： （1） the population growth rate was in the order of NSW〉Flack ASW〉Nakamula ASW〉Schmadz ASW〉Oshima ASW〉Subow ASW and was considerably higher in rice media than in beef extract media （apart from Subow ASW）; （2） the maximum density of E. vannus in stationary phase in each treatment was ranked as Hack ASW〉Nakamula ASW〉Schmadz ASW〉NSW〉Oshima ASW〉Subow ASW, and was again higher in rice media than in beef extract media （except for Subow ASW）; （3） the exponential and stationary phases were longer in rice media than in beef extract media; （4） strains of E. vannus that had been domesticated for 〉1 year in ASW grew significantly slower, with lower maximum density and longer stationary phase than those isolated and maintained in NSW. It was demonstrated that： （1） E. vannus may grow well in Flack, Nakamula and Schmads ASW compared with NSW （mainly in terms of growth rate）; and （2） Oshima ASW is the preferred choice for stock cultures of E. vannus, but the ASWs Flack, Nakamula and Schmadz are preferred for mass culture. These findings suggest that these three ASWs are effective for the cultivation of marine protozoa for experimental studies on ecology, toxicology and molecular biology.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 40976075)a Post-Doctoral Fellowship of Inha University,a Grant from the Center of Excellence in Biodiversity Research,King Saud University and 111 project of China (No. B08049)
文摘The ecological processes and interrelationships between protists,either autotrophic or heterotrophic,and environmental factors in mariculture ponds are largely unknown.This study investigated the temporal dynamics of potentially harmful dinoflagellate,Prorocentrum minimum (Pavillard) Schiller,and its relationship to physico-chemical factors and protozoan grazers over a complete cycle in a semi-enclosed shrimp-farming pond near Qingdao,Northern China.P.minimum occurred frequently in low numbers from June to August,followed by a sharp increase from the middle of August,reaching a single maximum peak value of 2.2×105 cells L-1 in October.Temporal variation in abundance was positively correlated with dissolved nitrogen,but showed a significant inverse relationship to abundance of the dominant ciliates,Tintinnopsis lohmanni and Askenasia stellaris.The results provide statistical evidence that the number of P.minimum increased with increasing nitrogen,and the suppression or shortening of algal bloom may be associated with protozoan grazers,such as Tintinnopsis lohmanni,in mariculture ponds.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.31071898,31111120437)the Scientific Research Foundation for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars,State Education Ministry of China+1 种基金the Key Laboratory of Mariculture(KLM),Ministry of Education,Ocean University of China,the Research Group Project(No.RGP-VPP-083)the King Saud University Deanship of Scientific Research
文摘In this paper, we explore possible conflict between morphological and molecular interpretations of phylogenetic relationships within the well-known peritrichous genus Zoothamnium. On the basis of morphological evidence, for a long time this genus has been believed to be a well-defined monophyletic taxon. Nonetheless, Zoothamnium exhibits higher genetic diversity than the gross morphology of its species. Here, we used all available genetic information for the small subunit of ribosomal RNA （SSU rRNA） and internal transcribed spacer region （ITS1-5.8S-ITS2） for this genus to reconstruct phylogenies for four datasets （SSU rRNA, ITS1, ITS2, and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2） and a combined dataset （SSU rRNA＋ITSI-5.8S- ITS2） using different phylogenetic methods and with consideration of the secondary structure of the genes. Confidence in phylogenetic tree selection was assessed with the approximately unbiased test. The molecular results showed both that Zoothamnium is more likely to be polyphyletic, and morphologically similar genera Zoothamnopsis and Myoschiston were always nested among Zoothamnium species. Accordingly, as with some other groups of ciliates, to understand more fully the correct phylogeny of Zoothamnium there remains a need for additional data from both morphological and molecular studies, covering additional Zoothamnium spp. and members of closely related genera （e.g. Zoothamnopsis, Myoschiston, and Epistylis）.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.30870264and40976099)the Centre of Excellence in Biodiversity,King Saud University
文摘The phylogeny of the oligotrich ciliates is currently a hot debate despite the availability of both morphological and molecular data.In the present paper,further small subunit rRNA(SS rRNA) genes were analyzed from the Genera Omegastrombidium and Novistrombidium,as well as from Strombidium,and combined with three new SS rRNA sequences from Strombidium basimorphum,S.sulcatum population QD-1,and Novistrombidium testaceum population GD.The phylogenetic positions of these organisms were inferred using Bayesian inference,Maximum Likelihood,and Maximum Parsimony methods.The main results are:(1) the SS rRNA gene sequence analyses match the recent findings about the molecular evolution of oligotrichs,indicating that the family Strombidiidae is paraphyletic;(2) the Genus Omegastrombidium is separated from the Genus Strombidium,as shown in recent cladistic analyses;(3) morphospecies in Genus Novistrombidium,based on similarity of somatic ciliature,are separated from each other in all topological trees,indicating that this genus could be a paraphyletic group;(4) the molecular data indicate a possibility of paraphyly for the genus Strombidium;and(5) the similarities of the SS rRNA gene of specimens identified as S.sulcatum and S.inclinatum are 99.8%-100%.However,present knowledge on the oligotrichs sensu stricto is still insufficient and further studies based on both molecular and other technologies are required.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.U0633006,30700069,41076089)from the Center of Excellence in Biodiversity Research,King Saud University
文摘Ciliated protozoa play important roles in micro-ecosystems, especially in marine biotopes. However, few studies have been carried out on the periphytic, or aufwuch, forms in mariculture waters so far. In this study, we sampled periphytic ciliate communities in two closed mariculture ponds (ponds CP1 and CP2) and a natural seawater reservoir (pond RP) using a glass slide method to evaluate their colonizing processes and general ecological features, as well as their application as water quality indicators. We analyzed species compositions, structural parameters (species number, richness, diversity, evenness, abundance and dBP) and functional parameters (G, Seq and T90%). Pond RP was characterized by higher levels of structural parameters (except for abundance and dBP) and more equal proportion of the major taxonomic groups. The values of Seq were significantly higher in pond RP and similar in both pond CP1 and CP2. It was also demonstrated that environmental factors, including NO2-H, NO3-H, NH3-H, soluble reactive phosphate, temperature and pH, were the first principal factors affecting the communities. Among them, temperature and chemical factors were all significantly and negatively correlated with species number (P<0.01), richness (P<0.01), diversity (P<0.01), and positive correlated with abundance (P<0.01). Opposite correlations between pH and structural parameters were observed. This study showed that there were significant differences in species composition, structural parameters and functional parameters of the periphytic ciliate communities among the ponds, which were in agreement with the water quality. Results of this study confirmed the periphytic ciliate communities to be useful bioindicators of water quality in intensive mariculture waters.
