Taxonomy is the science of defining and naming groups of biological organisms based on shared characteristics and, more recently, based on evolutionary relationships. Classical taxonomy was exclusively based on morphological-comparative techniques requiring

Nuclear ribosomal and mitochondrial genes have been utilized individually or in combination to identify known species and discriminate closely related species. However, compared with metazoans, genetic diversity within the ciliate order Euplotida is poorly

Ciliates are highly differentiated, morphological complex and widespread unicellular eukaryotes1,2. Ciliate encystment involves progressive and drastic physiological and morphological changes, including significant reduction of cellular volume, presence