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]

Please see the link I provided above, which is to a relevant Article from the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN, which is produced by the International Association for Plant Taxonomy), which is clearly unrelated to schoolbooks. This is a fundamental set of rules to which all botanists must adhere in their use of nomenclature w/regards to taxomic names. Here's the relevant part:

International Code of Botanical Nomenclature

(Saint Louis Code), Electronic version

CHAPTER I. TAXA AND THEIR RANKS

Article 3

3.1. The principal ranks of taxa in descending sequence are: kingdom (regnum), division or phylum (divisio, phylum), class (classis), order (ordo), family (familia), genus (genus), and species (species). Thus, each species is assignable to a genus, each genus to a family, etc.

There is a corresponding zoological Code (the ICZN), although it explicitly regulates only names between the family-group ranks (superfamily down) through genus group ranks, and to the species group ranks (including subspecies). I do not know how you can claim they are "for amatures only" and "not in science." Where did you get this bizarre idea? WhyAskWhyNot 14:43, 11 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

So, how is this relevant? Such things as you quote above should be dealt with in the relevant pages. Not everything that comes to mind should be cited in every entry. You could also put a lengthy treatise here about what constitutes a species (it would be a lot more relevant than your favorite material) or a lengthy treatise about what constitues good museum practice concerning specimens (also a lot more relevant). Give me a break. Hiplis 08:41, 13 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Wow. I believe the relevancy has been established in the entry, if you would take a moment to read it. Ranks are relevant as alpha taxonomy focuses on a particular subset of them in contrast to some other related sciences. It's called context. Give you a break? This discussion stems from your hyperbole (see above!), and now we see it again: I see no lengthy treatise under discussion in this article (whatever is it you mean by my "favorite material?"), just TWO sentences that provide relevant context. Maybe we can all give/get a break.WhyAskWhyNot 01:04, 14 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I am seeing no trace of relevance, only misdirection. The entry is about alpha taxonomy, not about the schoolbook idea that taxonomy is about hierarchies (this gets ample exposure elsewhere in wikipedia). Well, if these two sentences are not your favourite material why are you pushing not only for including them, but putting them at the very front of the entry, and for displacing the actual definition of the topic by them? And no, you did not put in a lengthy treatise on items that are more relevant to the topic. Maybe you should read before starting to hit your keyboard? Hiplis 11:27, 16 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]