>So we need DNA labs set up in every workers house or at least access to it,
>not here in Brisbane, the police and some lucky people at the Uni have it
>tied up. But what a boon for collectors in the field, they can cart their
>mini DNA sampling gear with them on each field trip and we won't have to
>worry about variaton within species any more, I'm sure this will be a blow
>to cypraea and conidae collectors, imagine the synonymy.
>Sorry I dont think there is any way you can beat the old method, if you find
>three definate variations between two species the odds are in your favour
>that you have a new species and the cost is nil.

Dead right, Kev! The idea is preposterous. Well, some live in the
real world, where you find variations
and - HORROR - hybrids! The others will be taken in entirely by this
newfangled toy and be left out in the cold.

Sure, molecular work is important (it's being carried out right now
on a new species of Marinula I have discovered, and a couple of other
ellobiids), but it's just one more tool in our armory... like
cladistics, anatomy or experienced hunch, and no more important than
any of those.
--
Andrew Grebneff
165 Evans St, Dunedin 9001, New Zealand
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