Clarification

Posted by chris_harper2 on May 10, 2003 at 12:11:36:

In Reply to: It Won't Work! posted by patricia sherman on May 10, 2003 at 05:50:12:

::"Pantherophis and Elaphe (and Spalerosophis) are incompatible."

Almost certainly true, but science is a process of rejection, not verification. On this level, we do not know that any of the three possible inter-generic crosses are "incompatible".

::"It is because of their incompatibility that the genus of the New World rat snakes has been renamed,"

Absolutely not true - even if it were scientfically demonstrated that these inter-generic crosses were possible (or not possible for that matter) that would have NO bearing on their inclusion in certain genera.

So it's not the incompatibility or compatibility that places them in certain genera. Otherwise Pantherophis, Pituophis, and Lampropeltis (and Arizona for the sake of monophyly) would have to be assigned the same generic name.

::"... and IMO that renaming is far past due."

No disagreement there :-)

Follow Ups:

• Clarification patricia sherman 05/11/03 (2)
  • Clarification chris_harper2 05/11/03 (1)
    • Clarification Sybella 05/14/03 (0)

---

[ Follow Ups ] [ The Rat Snake Forum ]

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-