The ebridian flagellates Ebria and Hermesinum

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

1-1-2002

Abstract

Ebridian flagellates have a long geological history, but only two extant species: Ebria tripartita and Hermesinum adriaticum. The former species feeds extensively on diatoms and has a widespread distribution in coastal oceans; the latter species is mixotrophic and possibly autotrophic, with numerous Synechococcus-like endosymbiotic cyanobacteria, and is restricted to warmer waters associated with hypoxic or anoxic conditions. Ebridians were previously classified erroneously with dinoflagellates, but their nuclear structure is similar to that of euglenoid flagellates. These relict flagellates exhibit a distinct dichotomy in their structure, distribution, and trophic status. Their role in coastal ecosystems and their proper taxonomic classification is unclear since they have yet to be grown in vitro, but their occasional abundance suggests they may have an impact on nanoplankton and picoplankton biodiversity and microbial loop processes.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Plankton Biology and Ecology

Volume

49

Issue

1

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