The Giant Zooxanthellae-Bearing Ciliate Maristentor dinoferus (Heterotrichea) is Closely Related to Folliculinidae.

Determines and compares the small subunit rDNA sequence of Maristentor dinoferus with sequences from other Heterotrichea and Karyorelictea. Resemblance of Maristentor to Stentor in basic morphology; Results of phylogenetic analyses; Support of the creation of a separate family for Maristentor; Significance of Maristentor in understanding the origins of folliculinids from their aloricate ancestors.