Re: Taxonomy is a matter of evidence...most of the time

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Posted by WW on October 16, 2002 at 12:15:30:

In Reply to: Re: Taxonomy is a matter of evidence...most of the time posted by pjay on October 15, 2002 at 16:19:49:

:The practice of ignoring legitimate name changes is a widespread problem in herp taxonomy.

An excellent point. Perhaps this is not so much of a problem in herp taxonomy, but it certainly is in other herp-related fields. If you want a nice throwback to 1960s nomenclature, take a look at some current toxinological papers - any contents page of Toxicon will suffice. You's thinlk nobody has done anything in venomous snake taxonomy in the last 30 years.

: The ICZN (not Collins et al or any other list maker) has complicated rules, so when a publication meets those standards the name should stick

That would be an overstatement. The ICZN rules are PROCEDURAL rules that govern cover the format a description for a new taxon has to take, and also govern the priority of names. They say absolutely nothing about the quantity or quality of BIOLOGICAL evidence that has to go behind a taxonomic act. This is a major red herring whichis not infrequently used as a cover for shoddy taxonomic work (it's valid under the ICZN rules, so it must be OK). It's like saying that someone who has never had a traffic ticket must therefore be a good driver - we all know that's rubbish.

Cheers,

Wolfgang

Follow Ups:

Re: Taxonomy is a matter of evidence...most of the time vvvddd 10/16/02 (19)
- Re: Taxonomy is a matter of evidence...most of the time Langaha 10/17/02 (18)
  - Re: Taxonomy is a matter of evidence...most of the time vvvddd 10/17/02 (0)
  - Re: Taxonomy is a matter of evidence...most of the time WW 10/17/02 (16)
    - Re: Taxonomy is a matter of evidence...most of the time Langaha 10/17/02 (7)
      - Re: Taxonomy is a matter of evidence...most of the time WW 10/18/02 (6)
        
        Re: Taxonomy is a matter of evidence...most of the time Langaha 10/18/02 (5)
        
        Re: Taxonomy is a matter of evidence...most of the time WW 10/19/02 (4)
        
        Re: Taxonomy is a matter of evidence...most of the time Langaha 10/19/02 (3)
        
        You should see how bad some of them have screwed up... Kenny Wray 10/21/02 (1)
        
        :) Langaha 10/21/02 (0)
        
        Re: Taxonomy is a matter of evidence...most of the time WW 10/19/02 (0)
    - but do YOU use Elaphe allegheniensis??? troy h 10/17/02 (7)
      - Re: but do YOU use Elaphe allegheniensis??? pjay 10/17/02 (0)
      - Good Q.... WW 10/17/02 (5)
        
        Re: Good Q.... troy h 10/17/02 (4)
        
        Re: Good Q.... Langaha 10/17/02 (3)
        
        Re: Good Q.... pjay 10/17/02 (2)
        
        It is far from the "correct"... Kenny Wray 10/18/02 (1)
        
        Re: It is far from the pjay 10/18/02 (0)