Ghent scientists find new animal species in recreational domain
The microscopically small worm was discovered in a park in Ghent and has never been found anywhere else in the world
PhD research
Nematodes live in all ecosystems, from the polar regions to the tropics. Most of them feed on bacteria and fungi and are not harmful, but there are also nematodes that live as parasites on people, animals or plants. The new variety was found in the Blaarmeersen recreation domain in Ghent (pictured).
“This newly discovered species, which moves via insects, probably also exists in other parts of the world,” the researchers said in a statement. “It’s probably not been found anywhere else yet because only a few people are looking for organisms living in mushrooms.”
The new species resembles a parasite but is not strictly one. “The study of the evolution of nematodes and their relationships with other organisms is important to better understand plant parasitic species and fight them,” the researchers said.
The species’ intestine is filled with needle-shaped crystals which may be related to its relationship with insects. “The species has a phase in which it lives on insects and a phase when it lives in insects. It means it can go via insects from mushroom to mushroom.”
The research is part of PhD research at the university examining the relationship between nematodes and mushrooms and a PhD in which a group of evolutionary predecessors of plant parasites are examined.
Photo courtesy Stad Gent
