distances between groups of ciliates were as vast as significant hurdles to obtain copyright permissions the genetic distances between plants and animals for the over 1,000 required illustrations, and I put – THE major eukaryotic kingdoms at that time! the publication schedule ahead of this element. I continued to collaborate with Mitch, and in There are a number of significant illustrated guides 1991 my first “molecular” Magisterial student, to genera and species that have recently been pub- Spencer Greenwood, published an article estab- lished. References are made to these throughout lishing 1990 or thereabouts as the beginning of the book as sources that readers can consult for this the “Age of Refinement” – the period when gene aspect of ciliate diversity. A future project that I am sequencing techniques would deepen our under- contemplating is an illustrated guide to all the valid standing of the major lines of evolution within ciliate genera.

Ciliated protozoa are one of the most relevant biological communities in the reactors of wastewater treatment plants. These organisms are excellent tools to assess the biological status of the reactor being used to monitor wastewater treatment plants performance. This book has been designed to simplify identification of ciliates, bearing in mind the difficulties on the manipulation and proper identification of these species. The specific role of ciliates in WWTP is discussed; methods for observation together with a glossary of scientific words and a simple and easy key to the taxonomic groups of ciliates are also provided. Illustrations, drawings, photographs and brief morphological descriptions of the species are included. Guidelines for the Identification of Ciliates in Wastewater Treatment Plants is the first book to use the new official classification proposed by the Society of Protozoologists (2005). It includes a complete chapter on methodology that is designed to be easy to follow and reproduce. A simple key to classify main taxonomic groups and genera is included, as are detailed descriptions to aid observation and identification of species of ciliates, in addition to drawings and photographs that accurately reproduce ciliate species.

Planktonic protists both produce and consume most of the primary production in the world ocean. They not only play key roles in the oceans but also represent an astounding amount of diversity: ecological morphological and genetic. However, for most taxa their ecology, morphology, phylogeny and biogeography are either poorly known or appear to be largely unrelated to one another; this hinders our understanding of their biology as well as interpretation of emerging genetic data. Tintinnid ciliates represent a singular exception. Compared to nearly all other groups of planktonic protists, there is a very substantial and relatively detailed literature (both modern and historical) on tintinnids. This volume synthesizes knowledge concerning a wide variety of topics ranging from anatomy and systematics, physiology, behavior, ecology (including ecological roles, predators, parasites, biogeography, and cysts) to fossil history. It will appeal to an audience ranging from advanced undergraduates to researchers in the fields of Oceanography, Marine Biology and Microbial Ecology.