Will the PhyloCode Replace Taxonomic Nomenclature?

The Linnaean system of taxonomy, which classifies species by similarities of form and other traits, has served botanists for two and a half centuries. Molecular genetics now enable scientists to more accurately determine the descent of a species from its ancestors. A new nomenclature system, PhyloCode has been created to classify species based on their evolutionary history or phylogeny.

PhyloCode organizes species into clades, groups of organisms with a common ancestor. These clades are nested one within another on a phylogenetic basis. Proponents of PhyloCode claim that the new method will generate fewer name changes as well as a more precise view of the relationships between species, as modern molecular methods allow for more accurate classification than that based on physical resemblance.

Links:

• Attacks on Taxonomy from American Scientist


• PhyloCode the Phylocode website with a formal set of rules governing phylogenetic nomenclature


• Preface The Preface from the PhyloCode website gives a nice introduction to PhyloCode.

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 5:38 PM on June 27, 2005

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