Dear Capitellites,
The Capitella discussion has been interesting. In addition to
important ecological work, there are some other reasons for getting
Capitella issues sorted out sooner rather then later. For example the
genome sequencing of Capitella sp 1 (sensu Grassle) is well under
way. As it becomes more of a model system it will be important to
have a better idea of phylogeny and species designations. Also
because of the apparent relationship between capitellids and
echuirids, some of us (on the molecular phylogeny end of things) have
been talking (in a no specific way) about doing some Capitellid work.
Given Sergio's comments about working together as a scientific
society and Kristian's comments about the problems of naming strictly
on morphological grounds, I would like to suggest that perhaps a
community effort could be undertaken from the molecular perspective
as well. I have a few samples for DNA study that I am willing to
commit to the cause, and perhaps one of the up and coming stars
Sergio mentioned would be interested in visiting my (or another) lab
to to some molecular work. Or maybe two or three labs could pool our
resources to contribute molecular information for especially
problematic issues from the morphological angle. Other than getting
someone to do the bench work, I suspect the biggest issue will be
availability of samples.
We would also need some direction from those most familiar with
Capitella, in terms of prioritizing the issues in order of importance.
Ken
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Kenneth M. Halanych
Marine Biology Coordinator
Life Sciences Department
Rouse 101
Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849
http://www.auburn.edu/academic/science_math/biology/faculty/halanych/
index.html
http://www.whoi.edu/science/B/people/khalanych/kmhpage.html
Phone: (334)-844-3222
Ken's Fax: (334)-844-2333
Biology Fax (334)-844-1645
e-mail: ken at auburn.edu
Friday Harbor Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms Class 2001
http://www.whoi.edu/science/B/people/khalanych/evodevo2001/index.html
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