Comments on subspecies, names, P. joanae, USGS, etc.

James J Kruse fnjjk1 at aurora.uaf.edu
Thu Feb 1 12:35:16 EST 2001


On Wed, 31 Jan 2001 HpAzures at aol.com wrote:

>   However, in many cases, subspecific rank, based on even the most
> minimal traits, may be the only means by which small populations of
> butterflies receive any recognition for protection.

This is not true. The law requires only that a population may be
distinct somehow, and does not even have to be named. The rank of
subspecies is unnecessary for protection.

> In light of recent advances in DNA research, I hope that we move away
> from the traditional use of the catch-all term subspecies.

If the new 'rank-less' taxonomy catches on, there will be no more
taxonomic ranks at all, just one or two names that are neither genus and
species nor species and subspecies. Then this whole arguement will seem
silly in hindsight.

Regards,
James J. Kruse, Ph.D.
Curator of Entomology
University of Alaska Museum
907 Yukon Drive, PO Box 756960
Fairbanks, AK  99775-6960
Phone: 907.474.5579
Fax: 907.474.1987/5469
http://www.uaf.edu/museum/


 
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