- Split View
-
Views
-
Cite
Cite
Paul C. Sereno, Definitions in Phylogenetic Taxonomy: Critique and Rationale, Systematic Biology, Volume 48, Issue 2, June 1999, Pages 329–351, https://doi.org/10.1080/106351599260328
- Share Icon Share
Abstract
A general rationale for the formulation and placement of taxonomic definitions in phylogenetic taxonomy is proposed, and commonly used terms such as “crown taxon” or “node-based definition” are more precisely defined. In the formulation of phylogenetic definitions, nested reference taxa stabilize taxonomic content. A definitional configuration termed a node-stem triplet also stabilizes the relationship between the trio of taxa at a branchpoint, in the face of local change in phylogenetic relationships or addition/deletion of taxa. Crown-total taxonomies use survivorship as a criterion for placement of node-stem triplets within a taxonomic hierarchy. Diversity, morphology, and tradition also constitute heuristic criteria for placement of node-stem triplets.