Cavenderia

Cavenderia is a genus of cellular slime molds (dictyostelids) within the broader group Amoebozoa. It includes several species that inhabit soil, leaf litter, and other decomposing organic matter in many regions around the world. Like other dictyostelids, Cavenderia species spend most of their life as solitary, amoeboid cells that feed on bacteria. When food becomes scarce, individual cells release signaling molecules and aggregate to form a multicellular structure, commonly referred to as a slug or pseudoplasmodium, which migrates toward favorable conditions. The slug then differentiates into a fruiting body (sorocarp) with a stalk and spore-bearing structures. Upon maturation, spores disperse to reinitiate the cycle.

In addition to asexual reproduction via spores, some Cavenderia species can undergo sexual reproduction, forming macrocysts through the fusion of compatible mating types. This sexual cycle provides a means of survival under harsh environmental conditions, such as extended drought or freezing.

Taxonomy and phylogeny place Cavenderia among the dictyostelids in the order Dictyosteliales. Advances in molecular phylogenetics during the 21st century led to the recognition of Cavenderia as a distinct genus, separate from other closely related dictyostelids, based on analyses of multiple gene loci, including ribosomal RNA genes.

Cavenderia, like other dictyostelids, is studied for insights into social behavior, cell differentiation, and multicellular development. Its members contribute to our understanding of how single-celled organisms coordinate collective movement and fate decisions in response to environmental cues.