Talk:Alpha taxonomy

This page needs some explanation of why alpha taxonomy is called alpha taxonomy, and how it differs from other forms or schools or branches of taxonomy. DGG 03:00, 13 September 2006 (UTC)[reply]

"This is sometimes known as molecular systematics and is doing well, likely at the expense of taxonomy (Wheeler, 2004)." - This contradicts itself; while molecular systematics (as a technology) does not really plays the role for alpha taxonomy it does for systematics (as sciences), it is just one viable method among others to gather data for alpha taxonomy. I'd rather say it invigorates alpha taxonomy, especially in the long run. What Wheeler seems to complain about is rather lax standards due to the early 2000s (decade) trend to consider molecular evidence alone (see also molecular barcoding debate) Dysmorodrepanis 03:01, 20 November 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Taxonomic Classification for Non-Earth Organisms?

Suppose we find a new type of organism on a completely different planet. What will happen in terms of taxonomic classifications? Will a new domain be added here, or will there be a higher taxon added to the alpha taxonomic system superior to domain, indicating planet of origin? Scetoaux 05:53, 21 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Addition of "domain"?

Seems like the rank grouping "domain" has little to do with alpha taxonomy per se, and more to do with bolting on a higher-level grouping that few alpha taxonomists actually use... but perhaps others disagree... Certainly I wouldn't call it traditionally within the "domain" [pun intended] of alpha taxonomy!!! My understanding of alpha taxonomy is it is more tied in to the species group level, though certainly in generic groupings and with cascading changes upwards... But what alpha taxonomist works at the domain level?!? WhyAskWhyNot 03:17, 30 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Inclusion or removal of reference to traditional rank groups

April 10 edit included comment "Minus curious and unreferenced statement about levels (what tradition? where?)", and removal of: "Traditionally there are seven major levels of taxonomy (though alpha taxonomy traditionally focuses more on the specific and infraspecific level): Kingdom, Phylum (for animals) or Division (for plants and fungi), Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species."

"Curious and unreferenced statements" about taxaonomic levels and traditions?? OK, I'll bite: http://www.bgbm.org/iapt/nomenclature/code/SaintLouis/0007Ch1Art003.htm

These ranks are absolutely "traditional" in biological taxonomy. As to whether they belong in this article or not, I leave that to others to decide. I found prior versions of that paragraph getting carried away with higher-level classification (even to the point of putting "domain" in too, though it has little or nothing to do with alpha taxonomy per se!), and focused it a little more on the species group arena where much "alpha taxonomy" takes place. On second thought, I do think this information belongs here. I'll try to phrase it a little less "curiously." WhyAskWhyNot 01:49, 11 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

No. there has been a tradition of some schoolbooks to present these levels, but not elsewhere. In alpha taxonomy they are irrelevant: in most of the real literature they are not present. Hierarchies are for amateurs only. Not in science. Hiplis 11:36, 11 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]