Zofia Komala

Distribution of the Paramecium aurelia Species Complex (Protozoa, Ciliophora) in the Carpathian Chain of Poland*

Four species of the Paramecium aurelia complex were found in the Carpathian chain: P. primaurelia, P. biaurelia, P. tetraurelia and P. novaurelia. However, variation in the frequency of settlement of these species in the region was observed; P. biaurelia and P. novaurelia appeared with the greatest frequency, P. Primaurelia occurred less frequently. while P. tetraurelia was rather rare being found only in the Tatras.

Species of the Paramecium aurelia complex (Protozoa, Ciliophora) in the Middle Sudetes of Poland

Four species of the Paramecium aurelia complex were found in the studied territory (Klodzko Basin) of the Middle Sudetes in Poland, i.e. Paramecium primaurelia, P. biaurelia, P. tetraurelia and P. novaurelia. Of these, P. biaurelia and P. novaurelia appeared with greater frequency than P. primaurelia. Both species dominated over P. primaurelia in the number of determined habitats, as well as in the number of examined clones. Paramecium tetraurelia was rare in the area, being found in only one habitat.

The Paramecium aurelia Species Complex in the Sudeten Mountains

Summary Five species of the Paramecium aurelia complex were identified in the Sudeten Mts., namely P. primaurelia, P. biaurelia, P. triaurelia, P. tetraurelia, and P. novaurelia. Among them P. biaurelia and P. novaurelia occurred most often and dominated over P. primaurelia, P. triaurelia and P. tetraurelia. The habitats of P. triaurelia there might represent the northern limit of this species in Europe.