Re: The Need for Subspecies

Posted by ok, how about this on November 16, 1998 at 12:30:13:

In Reply to: Re: The Need for Subspecies posted by Dave Beamer on November 16, 1998 at 09:13:37:

Alright Dave,
If you gave me picta from Eastern Illinois I would say it is Chrysemys picta belli x marginata. If you give me one from extreme Southern Illinois or adjacent Kentucky then I would say it was Chrysemys picta dorsalis x marginata. If you handed me a painted turtle from the Dakotas, what could be said about this animal? By the species method, it is just Chrysemys picta? If you call it Chrysemys picta belli then you know that it will have a red plastron with an elaborate pattern and that it will be pretty flat, etc.

: How about if I gave you some picta from eastern Illinois, south central Illinois, and central Ohio. In the range maps of Ernst, Lovich and Barbour no attempt is even made to map subspecies range as the whole thing is futile and uninformative. Though there may have been more than one species in this genus in the past it is clear that they now have the same evolutionary fate. If the genus becomes divided in the future and there is speciation I am sure the future herpetologists will be glad to change their taxonomic status.
: Dave Beamer

Follow Ups:

• Re: The Need to Step Back and Regroup Jwemes 11/16/98 (0)
• Re: The Need for Subspecies Dave Beamer 11/16/98 (4)
  • Subspecies Dave Russ 01/19/00 (0)
  • Re: The Need for Subspecies answer 11/16/98 (2)
    • Re: The Need for Subspecies Dave Beamer 11/16/98 (1)
      • Re: The Need for Subspecies Mike 11/16/98 (0)

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: Alright Dave, : If you gave me picta from Eastern Illinois I would say it is Chrysemys picta belli x marginata. If you give me one from extreme Southern Illinois or adjacent Kentucky then I would say it was Chrysemys picta dorsalis x marginata. If you handed me a painted turtle from the Dakotas, what could be said about this animal? By the species method, it is just Chrysemys picta? If you call it Chrysemys picta belli then you know that it will have a red plastron with an elaborate pattern and that it will be pretty flat, etc. : : : How about if I gave you some picta from eastern Illinois, south central Illinois, and central Ohio. In the range maps of Ernst, Lovich and Barbour no attempt is even made to map subspecies range as the whole thing is futile and uninformative. Though there may have been more than one species in this genus in the past it is clear that they now have the same evolutionary fate. If the genus becomes divided in the future and there is speciation I am sure the future herpetologists will be glad to change their taxonomic status. : : Dave Beamer

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

---

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Herp Law Forum ] [ FAQ ]

KINGSNAKE.COM Enjoy all our content free of charge with a user account that gives you full access to every feature. For added visibility, paid options are available - post in our Classifieds, showcase your business with Banner Ads or a Directory listing, promote reptile events, and more. Quick Links Home Advertise Classifieds Lost Password Your Account Community Journals Events Featured Articles Forums Photo Gallery Legal & Safety Terms of Service Classified TOS Age Verification Business Verification Vendor Complaint Support Banner Ad Help Classified Help Classified Tips Contact Us Forum Help Register for free ✓ Sign up! Kingsnake.com ® is a registered trademark © 1997-