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Aspects of the phylogeny of Platyhelminthes based on 18S ribosomal DNA and protonephridial ultrastructure

  • Taxonomy and phylogeny
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Abstract

DNA studies of 23 taxa (20 platyhelminths, 1 nemertean, Homo and Artemia) and electron-microscopic studies of the protonephridia of many platyhelminths (supported by some additional ultrastructural data) have led to the following conclusions: the Neodermata are monophyletic; Temnocephalida and Dalyelliida form one clade and are not the ‘primitive’ sister group of the Neodermata; Gyrocotylidea, Amphilinidea and Eucestoda form one monophylum; Pterastericolidae and Umagillidae are dalyelliids and not the sister group of the Neodermata; and Proseriata are unlikely to be closely related with the Tricladida. A large taxon consisting of the Proseriata and some other ‘turbellarians’ may represent the sister group of the Neodermata.

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Author notes

  1. P. R. Baverstock

    Present address: Faculty of Resource Science, Southern Cross University, 2480, Lismore, N.S.W., Australia

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, University of New England, Armidale, 2351, N.S.W., Australia

    K. Rohde & N. A. Watson

  2. Department of Microbiology, University of Technology, Westbourne Street, Gore Hill, 2065, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia

    A. M. Johnson

  3. School of Resource Science and Management, University of New England, Northern Rivers, 2480, Lismore, N.S.W., Australia

    P. R. Baverstock

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  3. P. R. Baverstock
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  4. N. A. Watson
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Rohde, K., Johnson, A.M., Baverstock, P.R. et al. Aspects of the phylogeny of Platyhelminthes based on 18S ribosomal DNA and protonephridial ultrastructure. Hydrobiologia 305, 27–35 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00036359

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