PHYLOGENETIC DISSECTION OF THE FAMILY MICROCOCCACEAE

A comparative analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA sequences in the Micrococcaceae shows the family not to be a phylogenetically coherent unit. In fact, at least two of its three genera are themselves not valid phylogenetic units. Species, of the genus Micrococcus are phylogenetically inseparable from those of Arthrobacter. The genus Planococcus groups specifically with certain members of Bacillus, and Staphylococcus is also related to the genus Bacillus, though more peripherally. These findings question the validity of spherical shape as a valid indicator of phylogenetic relationships on all but the lowest levels. © 1979 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.