A classification of marine microorganisms by numerical taxonomy

A method of numerical taxonomy is presented, namely a clustering technique by which bacteria are classified into clusters according to their overall similarity. In this way it is possible to establish a taxonomic system and hence to construct dendrograms. It is furthermore possible to evaluate the fundamental characteristics of the clusters by the determination of typical sequences. The analysis of a dendrogram concerning 229 bacterial strains is then reported. A preliminary classification key is then set up. The constancy of the characters is tested and a new key is set up on the basis of the modifications observed. The influence of the number of characters is also tested. Some applications for the key are suggested.