[Taxacom] Integrative taxonomy

[Stephen Thorpe]

"potential new species" is a bit of a vague term, but if I understand it 
correctly, then there is no reason to name such things! The "big gap" is in the 
argument below between "potential new species" and "this undescribed diversity" 
- actually it is only a POTENTIAL undescribed diversity! An interim naming 
system (e.g. candidate species) isn't going to help taxonomists one bit to keep 
up with the relentless stream of "potential new species" "discovered" by the 
molecular systematics - how is that supposed to work? The mole. systs. (hey, 
very apt abbrev.!) should not name anything on the basis of just supposed DNA 
differences, and if they do, then they should be prepared for most balanced 
taxonomists to treat their names as synonyms ... Everything is a "potential new 
species" until a balanced taxonomist has examined it ...



________________________________
From: Bob Mesibov <mesibov at southcom.com.au>
To: Stephen Thorpe <stephen_thorpe at yahoo.co.nz>
Cc: TAXACOM <taxacom at mailman.nhm.ku.edu>
Sent: Sun, 1 August, 2010 7:28:08 PM
Subject: Re: [Taxacom] Integrative taxonomy

Padial et al. wrote (FIZ article):

"In the practice of current (increasingly molecular) systematics, phylogeography 
and DNA barcoding studies of eukaryotes are revealing units that might represent 
potential new species at a faster pace than results can be followed up by 
taxonomists. This situation suggests a need for guidelines to order and classify 
this undescribed diversity."

Stephen Thorpe wrote:

"I don't see a problem here that needs fixing! If anyone, gel-jockey or 
traditional taxonomist thinks they have a novelty - then describe it as a new 
species (in full compliance with the ICZN/ICBN)."

Big gap here. I won't comment further.
-- 
Dr Robert Mesibov
Honorary Research Associate
Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, and
School of Zoology, University of Tasmania
Home contact: PO Box 101, Penguin, Tasmania, Australia 7316
03 64371195; 61 3 64371195
Webpage: http://www.qvmag.tas.gov.au/?articleID=570