Radiolaria Divided into Polycystina and Spasmaria in Combined 18S and 28S rDNA Phylogeny
2011

Phylogenetic Study of Radiolaria Using 18S and 28S rDNA

Sample size: 25 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Anders K. Krabberød, Jon Bråte, Jane K. Dolven, Randi F. Ose, Dag Klaveness, Tom Kristensen, Kjell R. Bjørklund, Kamran Shalchian-Tabrizi

Primary Institution: University of Oslo

Hypothesis

This study aims to resolve the relationship between the major groups of Radiolaria using combined 18S and 28S rDNA phylogenies.

Conclusion

The study shows that Radiolaria is divided into two main lineages: Polycystina and Spasmaria, with strong support for the Retaria hypothesis that Foraminifera groups within Radiolaria.

Supporting Evidence

  • Radiolarians are marine planktonic protists that have been traditionally classified into four groups based on morphology.
  • Recent molecular phylogenies indicate that the traditional classification does not reflect true evolutionary relationships.
  • The study successfully amplified both 18S and 28S rDNA from single radiolarian cells, which is a significant methodological advancement.

Takeaway

Scientists studied tiny ocean creatures called radiolarians to understand how they are related to each other and to other similar creatures, finding that they can be grouped into two main families.

Methodology

The study used single cell whole genome amplification combined with targeted PCR amplification of the 18S and 28S rDNA genes.

Limitations

The phylogenetic relationships among Radiolaria groups remain uncertain due to weak statistical support in molecular phylogenies.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0023526

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