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A classification of marine microorganisms by numerical taxonomy

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Abstract

A method of numerical taxonomy is presented, namely a clustering technique by which bacteria are classified into clusters according to their overall similarity. In this way it is possible to establish a taxonomic system and hence to construct dendrograms. It is furthermore possible to evaluate the fundamental characteristics of the clusters by the determination of typical sequences.

The analysis of a dendrogram concerning 229 bacterial strains is then reported.

A preliminary classification key is then set up. The constancy of the characters is tested and a new key is set up on the basis of the modifications observed. The influence of the number of characters is also tested. Some applications for the key are suggested.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto di Statistica, Università Bocconi, Milano, Italy

    Frank Möller

  2. Laboratorio per lo studio della contaminazione radioattive del mare, CNEN-EURATOM, Fiascherino, 19030, La Spezia, Italy

    Corrado Peroni

Authors
  1. Frank Möller
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  2. Corrado Peroni
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Additional information

3 A contribution under the Association Contract CNEN-EURATOM and National Science Foundation (Project G-21011).

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Möller, F., Peroni, C. A classification of marine microorganisms by numerical taxonomy. Qual Quant 2, 162–175 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00234215

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00234215

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