What is the maximum number of character states that can be assigned to a character in PAUP*?
16 for a 16-bit machine 32 for a 32-bit machine 64 for a 64-bit machine This limit stems from the use of bit manipulation to perform the state-set calculations in parsimony, and corresponds to the “word length” of the computer–usually 32 bits (e.g., most x86 PCs) but occasionally 64 bits (e.g., Alpha, G5, etc).
