A Phylogenetic Comparison of 18s-Ribosomal Rna Sequences of Lungfish With Those of Other Chordates

Abstract

A rapid RNA-sequencing technique was used to partially sequence the 18S ribosomal RNA of species representing seven taxa: Holocephali, Cladistia, Chondrostei, Holostei, Dipnoi, Anura and Caudata. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences strongly suggests that both the Holocephali and Cladistia, and the Anura and Caudata, are each monophyletic groups. There is a weaker suggestion that the Chondrostei and Holostei are monophyletic. The Dipnoi did not group with any one of these more than with any other.