Pristionchus phylogeny

We have provided a robust phylogeny of all available Pristionchus species based on a set of 27 ribosomal protein genes encompassing a total of 10,971 bp. The phylogenetic tree provides evidence for North American and European clades, while Asian species have a basal position. It also indicates putative invasion events. Of the 19 Pristionchus species, 14 are gonochoristic and five are hermaphroditic. The phylogeny indicates that all hermaphroditic species have arisen independently within the genus Pristionchus.
A robust phylogenetic framework of the genus Pristionchus is essential for the evolutionary interpretations of differences in developmental and ecological patterns. An additional major implication of our studies is the use of Pristionchus for nematode biodiversity assessments. While some species are represented by more than 100 isolates, others were found less than five times. Such patterns were observed on all continents and in all phylogenetic clades indicating that species asymmetry is a widespread phenomenon that can only be investigated by molecular tools.

Scientist(s) involved:

Dr. Werner Mayer, Senior Research Scientist




Key publications:


Mayer, W. E., Schuster, L., Bartelmes, G., Dieterich, C. & Sommer R. J. (2011): Horizontal gene transfer of microbial cellulases into nematode genomes is associated with functional assimilation, high gene turnover and positive selection. BMC Evolutionary Biology, 11: 13.

Molnar, R., Bartelmes, G., Dinkelacker, I., Witte, H. & Sommer, R.J. (2011): Mutation rates and intra-specific divergence of the mitochondrial genome of Pristionchus pacificus. Mol. Biol. Evol., doi: 10.1093/molbev/msr057.

Mayer, W., Herrmann, M., Sommer, Ralf J. (2009): Molecular phylogeny of beetle associated diplogastrid nematodes suggests host switching rather than nematode-beetle coevolution. BMC Evolutionary Biology, 9:212.


Mayer, W., Herrmann, M. & Sommer, R. J. (2007): Phylogeny of the nematode genus Pristionchus and implications for biodiversity, biogeography and the evolution of hermaphroditism. BMC Evolutionary Biology, 7, 104