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Giovanni Pilato

  • Biodiversity Journal, 15 (4): 935-955

    Giovanni Pilato
    Discussion on the morphological and molecular data used in the study of tardigrade systematics
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.4.935.955

    ABSTRACT
    The tardigrade taxonomy is recently based on morphological and molecular data. Some cases are here discussed starting from the reasons that lead to consider the family Hexapodibiidae a valid taxon together with an evaluation on its position within the superfamily Isohypsibioidea. The matters that support the institution of the family Hexapodibiidae also offer the occasion to discuss not only this particular case but, in general, the use of molecular and morphological data in systematic and phylogenetic studies of Tardigrada. In particular, I try to warn against errors of diagnosis of the material used to obtain the molecular sequences, or the use of a low number of data, which could lead to even considerable errors in the construction of the phylogenetic trees.