Introduction to <i>Pristionchus pacificus</i> anatomy

Abstract

<i>Pristionchus pacificus</i> has emerged as an important nematode species used to understand the evolution of development and behavior. While <i>P. pacificus</i> (Diplogasteridae) is only distantly related to <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i> (Rhabditidae), both use an identical reproductive strategy, are easily reared on bacteria in Petri dishes and complete their life cycles within a few days. Over the past 25 years, several detailed light and electron microscopy studies have elucidated the anatomy of <i>P. pacificus</i> and have demonstrated clear homology to many cells in <i>C. elegans</i>. Despite this similarity, sufficient anatomical differences between <i>C. elegans</i> and <i>P. pacificus</i> have allowed the latter to be used in comparative evo-devo studies. For example, the stoma of <i>P. pacificus</i> contains a large dorsal tooth used during predation on other nematodes when supplementing its primarily bacterial diet. This review discusses the main anatomical features of <i>P. pacificus</i> with emphasis on comparison to <i>C. elegans.</i>