Literaturdatenbank
Literaturdatenbank |
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Bickham, J. W., Parham, J. F., Philippen, H.-D., Rhodin, A. G. J., Shaffer, B. H., Spinks, P. Q., & van Dijk, P. P. (2007). Turtle taxonomy: Methodology, recommendations, and guidelines. In H. Shaffer, N. N. FitzSimmons, A. Georges & A. G. J. Rhodin (Eds.), Defining Turtle Diversity: Proceedings of a Workshop on Genetics, Ethics, and Taxonomy of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises Vol. 4, (pp. 73–84).Chelonian Research Foundation.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich (06 Jul 2014 16:10:31 UTC) |
| Resource type: Book Article BibTeX citation key: Bickham2007a View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Emydidae, Genetik - genetics, Malaclemys terrapin, Schildkröten - turtles + tortoises, Systematik - taxonomy Creators: Bickham, van Dijk, FitzSimmons, Georges, Parham, Philippen, Rhodin, Shaffer, Shaffer, Spinks Publisher: Chelonian Research Foundation Collection: Defining Turtle Diversity: Proceedings of a Workshop on Genetics, Ethics, and Taxonomy of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises |
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| Abstract |
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Taxonomy is the logical outcome of systematic research and knowledge; together, taxonomy and systematics form the basis for virtually all research in evolution, ecology, and conservation biology. Turtle taxonomy has been a very active field in the last few decades, particularly as new research has demonstrated that many traditionally recognized higher taxa are not monophyletic and therefore in need of revision. Unfortunately, there has been little consensus on how systematic research should be translated into taxonomic change, leading to a somewhat chaotic situation, with taxonomic and nomenclatural instability and a greatly reduced ability to communicate effectively with taxonomic names. We review the importance of a stable, efficient taxonomy for turtles, both for improved scientific communication and as the legal and scientific foundation of international conservation efforts, and suggest a set of guidelines for researchers to consider when name changes are being considered. These guidelines emphasize the crucial importance of a strong, well-supported phylogeny, clear criteria for species delimitation, and classifications that avoid monotypic higher taxa and unnecessary name changes. Finally, we briefly discuss the Phylocode and DNA barcoding as examples of the new directions in which taxonomy may be moving. We illustrate our points with examples from turtles, and implore the community of turtle researchers and conservationists to work together toward a stable taxonomy that will lead to both strong science and effective conservation. KEY WORDS. – Reptilia; Testudines; taxonomy; nomenclature; systematics; turtles; Emydidae; Actinemys; Clemmys; Emys; Emydoidea; phylocode; DNA barcoding
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich |