Phylogeny of platyzoan taxa based on molecular data

Abstract

In this chapter we discuss the concept of Platyzoa (Platyhelminthes Gastrotricha Gnathifera) with a focus on recent molecular phylogenetic evidence.Besides an introduction to the taxa, we present an up-to-date summary of molecular phylogenetic analyses and highlight the results of studies generated within the ‘Deep Metazoan Phylogeny' priority project 1174 of the German Research Foundation. While several aspects of internal phylogenies of Platyzoan subgroups (Syndermata, Acanthocephala) could already successfully be addressed, the question for monophyly of Platyzoa is awaiting further analysis. In this context, we provide novel data on the position of Gastrotricha and discuss potential long-branch artifacts in molecular phylogenetic analyses of platyzoan taxa. © 2014 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.