] "The first complete sequencing of protein from a fossil
] bone suggests that proteins can survive for millions of
] years - long enough to probe the evolution of many
] extinct species, including the ancestors of modern
] humans.
] For many years, biologists have deduced evolutionary
] relationships from the visible features of living animals
] and fossils. Molecular biology has given them a new tool
] for living animals - comparing DNA sequences. However,
] DNA survives for only a short time after death, so
] paleontologists have been limited to comparing the shapes
] and sizes of the bones of extinct species.
] But analyzing ancient proteins now gives them a new
] option, says Christina Nielsen-Marsh of the University of
] Newcastle, because their amino acid sequences reflect
] genetic codes."