6^th International Workshop on Cestode Systematics and Phylogeny

workshop home page

1. Ultrastructure

 Coordinators

David Bruce Conn, School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA, USA (bconn@berry.edu)

Zdzisław Piotr Świderski, W. Stefanski Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland (z.swider@twarda.pan.pl)

Annotation to working group

Ultrastructural studies often provide the most accurate information available related to function of cestode systems, because they are based on cellular and subcellular aspects of functional morphology.  Ultrastructural studies can also provide insight into phylogenetic relationships among cestode taxa, by careful analysis of and discrimination among plesiomorphic versus apomorphic structures and systems.  When combined with other microscopical methodologies, such as histochemistry, cytochemistry, and morphometric analysis, ultrastructural data can complement molecular data to help resolve critical phylogenetic questions, and can complement ecological data (including life cycles) to help elucidate patterns of cestode diversification.  Our current knowledge of cestode ultrastructure varies widely from characters that have been studied extensively (e.g., spermatozoa), to characters that have scarcely been studied (e.g., asexually generative tissues).  This working group will seek to develop consensus regarding the actual current state of our knowledge of cestode ultrastructure, the best ultrastructural characters for yielding future insight into phylogeny, appropriate standardization of terminology based on current knowledge, and the most appropriate approaches and methodologies for continuing work.

 Notes for active participants

These overlapping sessions will be primarily open for roundtable discussion, but contributed presentations to focus each discussion topic (see below) will also be welcomed.  Such talks may be formal or informal, but should be limited to 7-10 minutes.  To propose presenting such a talk, please contact Bruce or Piotr.  All participants are urged to bring micrographs, reprints, and/or other materials that might facilitate discussion of specific topics.

 Sessions and specific topics for discussions

Session 1.  Cestode ultrastructure – overview and status of knowledge.

Where do we currently stand on ultrastructure as a source of characters for phylogenetic analysis?

Session 2.  Cestode ultrastructure – prognosis and outline development.

Which characters show the greatest promise?  Which areas require further work, greater consensus, or standardization of terminology?

Session 3.  Cestode ultrastructure – building consensus and standardization.

Progressive development of consensus or standardization on selected characters.

Session 4.  Cestode ultrastructure – collaborating and communicating.

Further progress toward standardization.  In what ways is broad collaboration among experts positive or negative?  Are there ways we can enhance and expedite communication?