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 > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------