Patterns and processes in the evolution of animal parasitic nematodes

The parasitic Nematoda have traditionally been classified distinct from free-living species, and animal parasites treated separately from plant parasites. In classical concepts of phylogenetic relationships within the phylum, parasitic groups are usually afforded ordinal status and their origins are often obscure. We have been using molecular phylogenetics to examine the interrelationships of animal parasites with free-living and plant-parasitic groups, and find that a new view of the origins and radiation of animal parasites is warranted. Using sequence from the nuclear small subunit ribosomal RNA gene, we have constructed an alignment that allows robust phylogenetic inference. With this dataset, we place the Strongylida as a monophyletic clade nested within the Rhabditina. The Ascaridida, Oxyurida and Spirurida are closely related, but currently have no clear closest free-living sister taxon. Strongyloides spp. are rooted in a radiation of cephalobid/tylenchid species. Where available, other sequences in general confirm these relationships.