Cladistic analysis of the europtantic Nemerteans (Nemertea : Hoplonemertea)

Abstract

A phylogeny for the 34 species we consider well enough described in the suborder Eureptantia (phylum Nemertea) is inferred by cladistic analysis based on 38 morphological characters. The phylogenetic reconstruction indicates that many previously recognised genera and families are paraphyletic. These findings are discussed and compared with earlier classifications. We also present an identification key to the species based on the cladistic analysis.