Punctuated equilibrium and molecular clocks?

[Thorsten Burmester]

Johnjoe McFadden wrote:
> 
> Punctuated equilibrium and molecular clocks?

[...]

> Carl Wooese did suggest that mycoplasmas have gone through a rapid burst
> of evolution on the basis of ribosomal RNA sequences but is there any
> other evidence?

Yes, there is: Friedrich and Tautz (1997) An episodic change of rDNA
               nucleotide substitution rate has occurred during the 
               emergence of the insect order Diptera. 
               Mol. Biol. Evol. 14, 644-653

Thorsten