Phylogenetic Relationships of the Aphyllophorales Inferred from Sequence Analysis of Nuclear Small Subunit Ribosomal DNA

Phylogenetic classification of the Aphyllophorales was conducted based on the analysis of nuclear small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (nuc SSU rDNA) sequences. Based on phylogenetic groupings and taxonomic characters, 16 families were recognized and discussed. Although many of the characters had more or less homoplasies, microscopic characters such as the mitic system and clamp, spore amyloidity and rot type appeared to be important in the classification of the Aphyllophorales. Phylogenetically significant families were newly defined to improve the classification of the order Aphyllophorales.