Mammal taxonomy without taxonomists: a reply to Zachos and Lovari
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1
Viale Liegi 48A, 00198 Roma
2
AEON - Africa Earth Observatory Network, Geoecodynamics Research Hub, c/o Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7602
3
School of Archaeology & Anthropology, Australian National University, Canberra
Publication date: 2013-04-29
Hystrix It. J. Mamm. 2013;24(2):145-147
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ABSTRACT
Ontological and epistemological properties of the Phylogenetic Species Concept (PSC) as applied in recent mammalian taxonomic works are redefined and defended against criticisms raised by Zachos and Lovari (2013), which we find inapplicable to taxonomy because they relate more to the field of population biology. We summarize the negative impacts of the polytypic species concept for conservation and evolutionary biology, with emphasis on Rhinocerotidae. The priority need to embrace and strengthen museum-based taxonomic research is emphasized.