Dave Neely wrote:
> The most logical way to look at the diversity of life on Earth is in the
> framework of a phylogenetic classification. The term "fishes" as is
> generally used, includes members of several different independent lineages,
> and not all of the descendents of some lineages. In "phylospeak", such a
> group is called paraphyletic (or a grade). Another groups like this is the
> "Reptilia."
>
> Why is this bad? A classification scheme should try to maximize information
> content. Recognizing unnatural groups (grades or paraphyletic groups)
> reduces the amount of information in the classification. As an example,
> Linnaeus erected a group <Vermes>, in which he put long, skinny things like
> snakes, eels, worms, etc. Hopefully the logical error here is obvious to
> everyone. The recognition of a formal group called "fishes" is amost as
> blatant an error.
>
> >You must also remember that the term "fish" in itself has no >phylogenetic
> >meaning. Lampreys are as different from sharks and true >fishes as they are
> >from humans. Heck, even lungfishes are more >closely related to mammals
> >than they are to other fishes.
>
> Unfortunately, this isn't often the way it is presented in the school
> systems. It also isn't the way the general public views these critters.
> Therein lies the real tragedy.
>
> >They [lampreys] are too cool to give to anyone else!
>
> Very much agreed.
>
> cheers,
> Dave
>
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