No viruses species

Aug 6, 2003 Dov,in biologicalEvolution forum.

Re genetical relationship between viruses

From "The Scientist" Vol 17,Issue 15, 30 Jul.28,2003; "From Dirt Comes Diversity", Researchers probe viruses that infect tuberculosis bacteria. By Barry A. Palevitz

(The group of researchers) postulates that viruses cannot be grouped in simple, hierarchical family trees. Instead, phages are related in a 'reticulate' network marked by various gene exchange events. "Species doesn't apply to this, unless you come up with a new definition," says Hatfull.

DH