Dear Paul and aul;-
    The problem with the fossil record is that juveniles of that day (whenever that was) did not succumb to drugs, alcohol, and rock-and-roll in its many sinister forms. Therefore juveniles grew up happily mowing the lawn, reading, and cleaning their oyster beds. Today, they must face such challenges as Ronald Reagan, the Marlboro Man, Aunt Jemima, and Elian Gonzales. It's more than a juvenile can handle.
    I hope this clears it up for you.
        Art

Paul Drez wrote:

> Art:
>
> Right on. At least in the Olividae, and I suspect in other families, there have been many cases of juveniles being described as new species and just screwing (sorry - seemed appropriate) up systematics and doing synonymies even more complicated. This occurs not only in the recent but also in the fossil arena. Why do the specimens have to be "live" collected - why not collect dead juveniles or dead "teenagers" for your series?
>
> One of the most intriguing aspects of the fossil record is the decided lack of juvenile specimens of fossil species. I think that is why they are often described as new species since they are so rare! With all the talk about how few juveniles (at least in the recent) make it to adulthood you very, very rarely see juveniles in the fossil record, this based on sorting through thousands of pounds of bulk material. Are they eaten and chewed up by larger predators, are their shells so thin that they do not last very long (abrade in the wave action or dissolve), do they go to "juvenile" heaven, etc.?
>
> Paul
>
> P.S. Also, we haven't even touched on "dwarfed" populations which is another nemesis of the fossil record!
>
> At 02:25 PM 6/5/00 -0400, you wrote:
> >>>>
>
>      Dear Nancy;-
>      I think we are supposed to save some juveniles. In the case of the Epitoniidae, Mama Eps always tell their kids, " Be home by 10 O'clock or you'll get washed up on the beach!"
>      Also, we have the problem of Juveniles being described as "NEW" species. Once described and published, the name sticks around. Growth series are very important. It would be nice if all describers would ask themselves: Now what would this look like if it was bigger.
>      Art
>
>           Nancy Smith wrote: For your consideration and opionions, please....
>
>           Do folks look negatively upon study of juvenile specimens? I know not to
>           take any live juveniles, I don't think I could do that anyway... :) What
>           about purchasing them? I find them fascinating to "watch" the growth
>           stages but don't want to be harming the species populations either by
>           providing even a small outlet for juveniles harvested even unintentionally.
>
>           Thank you for your opinions,
>
>      Nancy