Hi Ross
The answer is "NO", at least as this stage. You find clear DNA differences
between two very separate species, i.e. Conus textile and Conus lividus,
but when they are closely related i.e. conus chaldaeus/ebraeus the
differences are much smaller. When it comes to Cape Verde cones, there are
differences, but these are very small (usually less than 10 %). The big
(unanswered) question is therefore, which is the threshold in DNA
differences for species separation? Usually comparison is made with
outgroups such as terebridae, turridae, cancellaridae or mitridae in order
to check how big differeces can be between families and make some sort of
calibration.
Also, the method used in DNA analysis is important. Normally, mithocondrial
DNA is analysed, but this is just a small portion of the entire genetic
code. Nuclear DNA analysis is far more accurate but also far more complex
and expensive and therefore has not yet been extensively used.The work is
going on and results are coming out progresively. If you want to know more,
I will gladly sent you copies of several articles on this interesting
subject.
Warmest regards

Manuel Jimenez Tenorio



On Fri, 8 Jul 2005 03:08:15 -0300, J. Ross Mayhew <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:

>Just wondering if DNA testing can always differentiate species with
>complete accuracy?  It is the "ultimate" in taxonomic study, or are
>there still uncertainties involved?
>
> From Novelle Ecosse,
>ross mayhew.
>
>From:
>"Manuel J. Tenorio" <[log in to unmask]>
>Date:
>Thu, 7 Jul 2005 16:09:03 -0400
>
>
>Yes, there are a number of papers dealing with DNA studies on conidae.
>Much of the work has been carried out by Alan Kohn, Thomas Duda, Palumbi
>and others, and also Rafael Zardoya and Regina Cunha have examined DNA of
>Cape Verde cones and are involved in more in depth studies of this kind.
>I have references if anyone is interested.
>Warmest regards
>
>Manuel Jimenez Tenorio
>
>
>
>
>

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