Adaptive radiation and phylogenesis in marine tardigrada and the establishment of neostygarctidae, a new family of heterotardigrada

Abstract

Adaptive radiation which has occurred in marine Tardigrada is discussed on the basis of the wide variety of species. The establishment of a new family, Neostygarctidae, is proposed and the hypothesis that two evolutive lines started from it is advanced. The possible affinities with other phyla are also discussed. © 1987 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.