>Phylogenetic research programs for invertebrates are pitifully
>lacking. As such, I'm generally critical of those who attempt phylum-level
>analyses; which seems to be the growing trend with the advent of the
>misguided and grossly naive notion that molecular sequence data will tell us
>how phyla are related.
>>Kirk Fitzhugh
>
As someone involved in trying to use molecular data to unravel lophophorate
relationships (especially brachiopods) I would disagree with this remark.
Whilst it may be true that any one gene (such as the 18s rDNA sequence) may
contain insufficient evidence to completely resolve phylum-level
relationships, it does very well at lower levels (e.g. Classes) and clearly
separates creatures belonging to different phyla. If the SSU gene alone can
show that phoronids and brachiopods are monophyletic, why, with more data,
should other relationships between phyla be impossible to discern?
Perhaps if Kirk has some solid evidence to support his remark he will share
it with us.
Bernie Cohen
Dr B. L. Cohen Phone: (+44) (0)141 339 8855 ext 5103/5101
Molecular Genetics Fax: 330 5994
University of Glasgow,
Pontecorvo Building,
56 Dumbarton Rd
Glasgow G11 6NU
Scotland, UK.
