[Taxacom] Propaganda (was: Molecules vs. Morphology)

[John Grehan]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: taxacom-bounces at mailman.nhm.ku.edu [mailto:taxacom-
> bounces at mailman.nhm.ku.edu] On Behalf Of Stephen Thorpe

> I think there is something in what John says - specifically there is
> "propaganda" associated with molecular methods, but realistically it
> is the UNCRITICAL acceptance of the molecular over morphological that
> leads to problems. 

I am in agreement. The propaganda is when it is asserted that the
superiority of molecular evidence is assumed to be self evident.

John Grehan

The Scydmaenidae example is relevant here. To argue
> for "total evidence" sounds all well and good, but what if half of it
> points one way, and half of it the other? Sometimes it seems like
> every new method gives a different result! Another good example
> involves the enigmatic Xenoturbella. Are people familiar with the
> story? An uncritical molecular analysis revealed that it was a bivalve
> mollusc without a shell! Then it was discovered:
> 
> Bourlat, S.J.; Nielsen, C.; Lockyer, A.E.; Littlewood, D.T.J.;
> Telford, M.J. 2003: Xenoturbella is a deuterostome that eats molluscs.
> Nature, 424: 925-928.
> 
> Doh!
> 
> Stephen
> 
> 
> 
> Quoting Kenneth Kinman <kennethkinman at webtv.net>:
> 
> > John,
> >       One of these days, all these people who have tried to
> > scientifically reason with you might actually make a break-through.
> > Except for you, almost everyone agrees that an argument based solely
on
> > morphology, and just opportunistically lashing out at anything
molecular
> > to the contrary, is most likely an exercise in futility.
> >       Your accusations of "propoganda" aren't really taken
seriously.
> > Unless whole genome analysis clearly shows that you are correct
(which I
> > obviously doubt), you are sorely in need of a molecular specialist
to
> > back you up.  Arguing from a morphological perspective alone,
without
> > molecular confirmation, is getting you nowhere.
> >         -------- Ken Kinman
> >
> >
> >
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> 
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