[Taxacom] Use of geographic range data as diagnostic characters

[Derek Sikes]

Zoologists,

Does anyone know of a publication that addresses the issue of using
geographic range data in a species diagnosis? And /or in an identification
key?


Does the ICZN forbid or recommend against this?


I expect someone has discussed the issue of range data being somewhat like
phenotype (inherited from one's parents - both a habitat preference and a
geographic location).

We all know species turn out well outside their known ranges all the time
so it's not a very reliable data source but I'm looking for a good
published treatment of the issues...

Thanks!

Derek Sikes

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Derek S. Sikes, Curator of Insects
Associate Professor of Entomology
University of Alaska Museum
907 Yukon Drive
Fairbanks, AK   99775-6960

dssikes at alaska.edu
http://users.iab.uaf.edu/~derek_sikes/sikes_lab.htm

phone: 907-474-6278
FAX: 907-474-5469

University of Alaska Museum  -
http://www.uaf.edu/museum/collections/ento/
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