The attitrion of taxonomic expertise

[A. Contreras-Ramos]

>The "best fit" part is circular; the data that are used to choose the tree
>that provides the best fit are used to test homology (the data).

nature (raw data)   --->   proposed homologies (analysis)   --->
obtained (not chosen) tree(s) with hypothesized synapomorphies   --->
additional information (e.g., more characters), new assumptions, new
sources of characters (= testing of proposed phylogenetic relationships
and so of supporting synapomorphies)

where is the circularity?


Atilano Contreras-Ramos
Inst. Biologia, Depto. Zoologia; U.N.A.M.;
Apdo. Postal 70-153; 04510 Mexico, D.F.; MEXICO.
(525) 622-5705,06,12; exts. 286,287 (oficina)
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atilano at ibiologia.unam.mx
species at servidor.unam.mx