Książki

This book is an extended argument for abandoning the various single concepts and the "species" rank. The author proposes that the rank of "species" be replaced by a pluralistic view. In such taxonomy, the smallest identifiable lineages would be used within various divergent phylogenies in a context dependent manner. In such a view, "species" represents different sorts of things depending on the organism/lineage being considered. In practice, this is what is already done although it is not formally recognized.





Key selling Features:


Proposes the replacement of restrictive species concepts with a pluralistic view

Suggests abandoning the formal taxonomic rank of "species"

Considers zoological, botanical and microbiological aspects of the species level

Deals with practical issues such as conservation, inventories and field guides

What, if anything, are species?

Author





1. Introduction





Part I: What Should the Species Level Represent within the Current Ranked Codes of Nomenclature?





2. The Need for Pluralism Because of Different Biologies in Different Taxa





3. A Phylogenetic Species Concept





Part II: What Should Happen to Taxa at the Traditional Species Level under a Rankless Code of Nomenclature?





4. General Principles of Rankless Classification Extended to the Species Rank





5. Discussion: What Would the World Be Like without the Species Rank?





Endnotes





Index