REFERENCE OF THE DAY:
 
Ronald G. Ledoux and Alan J. Kenyon "Protides of the Mustelidae-II.
Immunologic Relatedness." 1974 *Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology*
51A:213-217.
 
This is an oldie but a goodie for several reasons.  First of all, the study
looks at blood proteins from 14 different mustelids and 2 viveridids, and
compared how related the different species are, based on immunologic
reactions.  This is based on the presumption that the closer related the two
species, the less reactions will take place.  Second, it shows how correct
data can be misinterpreted.  And last, it took place in the early 70s when
music was still very cool.  (I once told a new graduate student that the
Beatles had broken up on her birthdate, so I couldn't be her friend.  Too
much bad karma korn.)
 
In short, the study confirmed that the viverrids are only distantly related
to the mustelids, and the subgroups within the Mustelidae are fairly
accurate; that is, the skunks group together, as do the badgers, the otters,
and the weasels.
 
However, the study (although not discussed, you have to really look at the
data) also shows the problems with this type of investigation.  According to
the results, mink and ferrets (polecats were not tested) are as closely
related as are ferrets and sea otters, which we know is not true.  This
study attempts to use this type of data to form a timeline of evolution; the
more reaction, the longer the time of separation.  The problem is, just
because time passes, things don't to have to change at the same rates.  So
one group can have more biochemical changes in a shorter time than another
group.  (The fatal flaw in this paper)
 
Excluding the flaw, the rest of the paper stands up well.  Oh yeah, this
type of technique (as described in the paper) is not as commonly used
because of the advances in genetics (Go Pat!)
 
One bit of irony in the paper.  How did they check the relatedness of
ferrets to other species?  By using antisera made in, you guessed it,
rabbits.  (Using rabbits to ferret out mustelid relationships?  he he he)
 
Mo' Bob and the 18 Nonrelated Rascals (Missing Gus)
[Posted in FML issue 1742]