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Article: Problems for taxonomic analysis using intracrystalline amino acids: an example using brachiopods

Publication: Palaeontology
Volume: 41
Part: 4
Publication Date: August 1998
Page(s): 753 770
Author(s): Derek Walton
DOI:
Addition Information

How to Cite

WALTON, D. 1998. Problems for taxonomic analysis using intracrystalline amino acids: an example using brachiopods. Palaeontology41, 4, 753–770.

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The Palaeontological Association (Free Access)

Abstract

Multivariate statistical analysis of the absolute abundance of amino acids extracted from the intracrystalline sites of brachiopods has the potential for constructing a molecular phylogeny. In all cases, separation of the brachiopods was possible to subordinal level and in some cases to subfamilial level. Older samples showed a merging of closely related genera, indicating the loss of specificity caused by the degradation of amino acids. Amino acid data alone are therefore not sufficient for molecular taxonomy in fossils; the degradative pathways should be sought to allow reconstruction of the original amino acid content.
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