The genetic diversity and molecular phylogeny of Radiolaria in South China Sea

We scanned 18S rDNA environmental clone libraries constructed from the South China Sea samples and found four libraries that contained radiolarian-affiliated sequences. Comparing them with available data from elsewhere in the open sea, we discovered a high number of novel radiolarian sequences in the South China Sea. These novel radiolarian sequences were clustered together in the phylogenetic tree, indicating the existence of several unique biogeographical groups forming two new clades.