The Ciliated Protozoa: Characterization, Classification and Guide to the Literature, Second Edition presents a premature major overhauling of the systematics of the Ciliophora sensu lato, which is considered a separate phylum. This book includes a developed rationale and defined criteria that serve as a basis for the reclassification of the ciliates. Discussions of controversial taxa are provided, including arbitrary but critical resolution of their place in, or rejection from, the new overall system. The ideas concerning the evolution of ciliates, as well as "phylogenetic trees are also covered in this text. This text categorizes the ciliates into three classes—Kinetofragminophora, Oligohymenophora, and Polyhymenophora. This publication is a good source for biologists and students interested in ciliates.