Global diversity and taxonomic overview of the phylum Annelida: An integrative review
Hasan, M.N.; Reynolds, J.W.; Narayanan, S.; Kosygin, L.; Barnerjee, D.; Ghosh, S.; Mandal, C.K. (2026). Global diversity and taxonomic overview of the phylum Annelida: An integrative review. Zootaxa 5849(4): 502-524. https://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5849.4.3
In: Zootaxa. Magnolia Press: Auckland. ISSN 1175-5326; e-ISSN 1175-5334, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Hasan, M.N.
- Reynolds, J.W.
- Narayanan, S.
- Kosygin, L.
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- Barnerjee, D.
- Ghosh, S.
- Mandal, C.K.
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| Abstract |
Annelids comprise one of the most ecologically and evolutionarily significant lineages of metazoans, dominating marine benthic communities and representing key soil engineers in terrestrial ecosystems. Despite extensive research across more than two centuries, large gaps persist in the unified taxonomic treatment of the phylum, particularly due to fragmented historical literature, regional biases in sampling, and the growing recognition of cryptic diversity. Recent advances in molecular systematics, phylogenomics, and digital identification tools have catalysed major revisions of annelid systematics, including the restructuring of Polychaeta and Clitellata and the integration of formerly separate taxa such as Echiura and Sipuncula. This review synthesises global patterns of annelid diversity, current higher-level taxonomy, family-level diagnostics, and biogeographic distributions using integrative sources including WoRMS, GenBank, BOLD, and ANNiKEY Linear. We highlight major ecological functions, evolutionary innovations, classification challenges, and future directions for global annelid research. The review advocates for worldwide collaboration, standardized molecular repositories, and unified digital taxonomic tools to address persistent gaps and enhance annelid systematics. |
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