Phylogeny of Kinorhyncha Based on Morphology and Two Molecular Loci.

Abstract in brief

• The phylogenetic analysis of Kinorhyncha utilized both morphological traits and molecular sequences (18S rRNA and 28S rRNA), revealing two major clades: Cyclorhagida and Allomalorhagida.
• Bayesian inference indicated that Allomalorhagida is a new class containing certain known genera and a new related genus, while Cyclorhagida was subdivided into three lineages.
• The study found that while molecular analyses supported major clades, they also revealed incongruences, particularly with the monophyly of Homalorhagida and certain cyclorhagid genera, leading to a complex view of Kinorhyncha's phylogenetic relationships.