[Taxacom] A PhyloCode with paraphyletic definitions allowed??

[Ken Kinman]

Dear All,
      Some may remember our debates here on taxacom a few years back on 
trying to make PhyloCode less "strict" (allowing for occasional paraphyletic 
taxa).  It didn't do much good, but I am still trying in other venues, such 
as a phylocode discussion forum.  Here's what I just posted about defining 
Reptilia (paraphyletically, rather than holophyletically as a clade):

    I voted for Number 8 (other).  I actually like dinoguy2's attempt at a 
paraphyletic definition of Reptilia, but definitely agree with Mike that 
using "hair" for excluding the mammalian exgroup is not a good idea.  It has 
to be something that fossilizes well, like the transition of the bones for 
hearing from the jaw to the ear.  It might need some fine-tuning, but this 
mammalian apomorphy easily beats either hair or mammary glands.  As for the 
apomorphy for excluding birds, it should likewise be something easily 
fossilized (osteological), although specific types of feathers would be 
easier to document than types of hair.  The apomorphy for defining basal 
Reptilia (and also Amniota) should be the amniotic egg.  It isn't really 
osteological, but it can be inferred indirectly from such evidence (unlike 
hair or even feathers).

     In any case, if PhyloCode won't allow the recognition of any formal 
paraphyletic taxa whatsoever, it's sort of moot.  They have so far 
arbitrarily refused to give that possibility a real chance.  If that 
continues, perhaps giving Reptilia a self-destructive definition, or putting 
it on a list of rejected PN names, might be the best alternatives.  In which 
case, doing the same for Amphibia would definitely be fine with me (and 
instead using Lissamphibia for the crown amphibians).

      But in the long run, I think the "Prohibition" of formal paraphyletic 
taxa will become as unpopular as the "Prohibition" of alcohol.  Some of us 
actually get along quite nicely on small amounts of both alcohol and 
paraphyetic taxa.  A little alcohol is apparently good for the heart, and a 
little paraphyly is definitely good for balanced classifications (not to 
mention long-term stability and utility).  Strict cladists may not see 
themselves as Prohibitionists, but a lot of people do.
   -----Ken Kinman

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