Retraction

[augwhite@neosoft.com (Toby White)]

The muffled sound of this note is due to the paper bag over my head, as well
as the duct tape I am applying to my mouth.

A week or so ago, I responded to Dann Pigdon's suggestion that microbes
might be used for model evolutionary studies by observing that (a) bacterial
genetics made such studies problematic and (b) that _Dictyostelium_ was
being used instead.

WRONG on both counts.  Thanks to a gentle hint by Bill Adlam, I did my
homework.  Bacteria are frequently used in model studies, although the
genetics are considered a problem for the reasons I indicated.  In fact, one
group has even demonstrated punctuated equilibrium in a Petri dish!
Guppies, flour beetles, etc. have also been used.  _Dictyostelium_, however,
is not used for these kinds of studies as far as I can tell.  Its really a
fascinating area, and surprisingly little has been done with these model
systems (all you Ph.D. candidates take notice).

So, I screwed up!  So sue me, already.  

  --Toby White