The group was initially contested by a significant minority of biologists. Some argued for groupings based on more traditional taxonomic techniques,[13] while others contested the interpretation of the molecular data.[14][15]
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^Aguinaldo, A.M.A.; Turbeville, J.M.; Linford, L.S.; Rivera, M.C.; Garey, J.R.; Raff, R.A.; Lake, J.A. (29 May 1997). "Evidence for a clade of nematodes, arthropods, and other moulting animals". Nature. 387 (6632): 489–493. Bibcode:1997Natur.387R.489A. doi:10.1038/387489a0. PMID9168109. S2CID4334033.
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