[2] As a member of the phylum Bacteroidota, its species are gram negative – meaning their outer cell wall contains lipopolysaccharides.

[3][4] As of January 2024 Prevotellaceae is split into 10 valid genera: Alloprevotella, Hallella, Hoylesella, Leyella, Palleniella, Paraprevotella, Prevotella, Pseudoprevotella, Segatella, Xylanibacter.

Prevotella species are among the most numerous microbes culturable from the rumen and hind gut of cattle and sheep, where they help the breakdown of protein and carbohydrate foods.

Prevotella, credited interchangeably with Bacteroides melaninogenicus, has been a problem for dentists' patients for years.

As a human pathogen known for creating periodontal and tooth problems, Prevotella has long been studied to counteract its pathogenesis.