Yes, cost and technical equipments are the major constrains, yet much less
that in past years. To have a rough idea, consider that the average cost of
one sequence range (depends on the country, the lab, the quality etc...)
from 1 to 10 EURO (or USD). An automated sequencer is some 100-300 K-EURO.
However, most labs are currently becoming acquainted with these methods.
The fact is, that publishing (thus, working) on taxonomy is being
considered as "low level" job, not good for career, not good to fund
raising. Thus, most scientists are forced to shift to applied biology,
leaving basic taxonomy ....... but this is a well known issue!!!!


At 18.05 18/03/2004 -0500, you wrote:
>Isn't there some problem about cost for DNA testing? I think if it were
>reasonable, it would be a common malachological practice.
>    Art


=========================================================
Marco Oliverio - Evolutionary Biology PhD
Research Scientist

Dipartimento di Biologia Animale e dell'Uomo
Viale dell'Universita' 32
I-00185 Roma   ITALY

phone  +39.06.49914307
FAX    +39.06.4958259
e-mail: [log in to unmask]

----------------------------------------------------------------------
[log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs
To leave this list, click on the following web link:
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1
Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and
click leave the list.
----------------------------------------------------------------------