] "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." New Scientist - Fossil protein breakthrough will probe evolution |