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

[Ron Gatrelle]

Rankles taxonomy is rank taxonomy. It is a reversion to the chaotic dark
ages pre Linnaeus. We CAN'T junk the system as that would require the
elimination of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature. Are
we to become taxonomic anarchists?

You are mistaken. Go to court against Big industry and try to get your
lawyer to win the case for a fly or worm or flea that does not have
scientific recognition. Convince the judge or jury. The Karner Blue should
be so lucky.

----- Original Message -----

From: "James J Kruse" <fnjjk1 at aurora.uaf.edu>
To: <Leps-l at lists.yale.edu>
Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2001 12:35 PM
Subject: Re: Comments on subspecies, names, P. joanae, USGS, etc.


> 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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