Figure 1. The molecular “Tree of Life†consists of three domains derived from 16S rDNA genetic data. 16S rDNA is the gene that codes for ribosomal RNA, a key part of cellular reproduction. Eukarya includes plants, animals, and fungi.
Kellogg, C., 2005, Coral microbial ecology: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2005–3039, 2 p.