Re: Hello (posted for J. Small)

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Date: Mon, 30 Oct 1995 15:25:21 -0800
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To: paleonet-owner@nhm.ac.uk
From: bonebug@halcyon.com (Joe Small)
Subject: Re: Hello
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Hello Chip Pretzman,
     Is your offer to address question open to others too?  In the event you
are entertaining questions regarding genetics as it relates to paleontology,
I wonder if you can shed some light on an area where there seems to be some
disagreement between biochemical studies and comparative anatomy:

In the case of birds, there is an excellent discussion (we think?) of
*Biochemical Classification of Birds* vs *Morphological Classification of
Birds* in -Manual of Ornithology: Avian Structure & Function- by Proctor and
Lynch (1993).  More recently we read of disagreements about the validity of
genetic comparisons.

Similarly, we remember reading of a revised classification of whales based
on genetic comparisons.  The author(s) believe Sperm whales are more closely
related to baleen whales than to any other toothed whales.  At least one
paleo whale expert scoffs at the idea, but we observe some superficial
similarities between Sperm whales and baleen whales while noting many
differences between Sperm whales and other toothed whales. As we understand
it, anatomists are loath to accept the idea that echolocation might have
evolved 'twice', and teeth are here to stay.




>Hi to Matt Collins!
>
>Welcome Matt!
>
>Welcome to the paleonet. How did you get interested in the field?  I am a
>molecular geneticist at The Ohio State University and always interested in
>young budding scientists. Any ?'s you have, feel free to contact me.
>
>-Chip Pretzman
>cpretzma@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu
>
>
>
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Joe Small                              Editor of 'Fossil News -
                                       Journal of Amateur Paleontology'
                                       Monthly journal for the enthusiastic
bonebug@halcyon.com                    amateur
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