As a method CVTree is independent of 16S rRNA analysis. First, it uses protein products in a genome instead of RNA segments in the genome. Second, it does not do sequence alignment. CVTree generates stable trees but cannot tell which branch corresponds to what taxon. Only after comparison with the existing classification and nomenclature one would be able to make connections with taxonomy. In this sense it does depend on 16S rRNA taxonomy. Anyway, CVTree does not challenge 16S rRNA analysis but makes it more convincing in most cases. The revealed discrepancies call for further study.
are describing a comprehensive analysis of archaeal phylogeny with a genome-based alignment free method, and then comparing the findings to 16S rRNA based phylogenies.