The user-friendly guide to coastal planktonic ciliates

The User Friendly Key to UK Coastal Planktonic Ciliates Ciliates are an important component of the UK plankton, but are difficult to identify as present guides are inadequate. This study, funded by the UK Natural Environmental Research Council's Thematic Marine Productivity Programme, is assembling and disseminating relevant observational data on the biodiversity and identification of planktonic ciliates in UK waters. A webpage has been developed ("liv.ac.uk/ciliate") containing the following information: 1) a series of data-sheets on taxa - For each species there is a data sheet, comprised of two pages.

These sheets are primarily illustrative, using different fixation and staining methods. We also provide information such as: key features, measurements, ecological data, references, a detailed taxonomic description, and lists of similar species and/or synonyms. 2) Schematic drawings of the major ciliate groups show their characteristic features. Species affiliated with a group are listed below the drawing. 3) Common sampling, fixation, and staining techniques for planktonic ciliates are briefly explained. 4) Terms used in the descriptions are explained and illustrated where appropriate. 5) The references from all sections are combined in an independent list. 6) Instructions lead you through the organisation of the web page and provide more detailed information about the options.