HYB: 301 -- Computerized Taxonomy
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: HYB: 301 -- Computerized Taxonomy
- From: S* M* <7*@compuserve.com>
- Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998 13:18:32 -0700 (MST)
This is a bit more advanced than
the other topics we've been discussing,
But I assure you that it's meant for the =
Non-Taxonomists among you....
Many classification systems have
been used over the years. The best way
to understand them is "contrast & =
compare". Quite a chore decades ago.
I once covered a large double-blackboard
with index cards and magnets, just =
trying to trace the major divisions from =
Baker through Dykes to Lawrence.
Today's computer power makes it =
much easier. It's an iterative process.
Understanding the general systems =
makes it easier to understand the =
individual species and understanding =
the relationships among the individual
species makes it easier to see the
relationships among the various systems.
I'm just going to provide some tools. =
Your assignment will be to apply them
to those species you're most interested in.
First, learn the general hierarchy:
Genus
Subgenus
Section
Subsection
Series
Subspecies
Variety
Subvariety
Form
Cultivar
Notice that "Variety" does not have
the same meaning it's had in common
use. That's why we say that shows
are now staged by "cultivars" rather
than "varieties".
If you're interested in a single species,
you can set up a very simple spreadsheet.
1. List the hierarchical terms down the
lefthand side.
2. List the authorities across the top.
3. Fill in the blanks.
To start with a very easy one, let's take =
a look at I. mesopotamica:
It was not known in Baker's time.
Dykes classified it as
Genus Iris =
Subgenus Iris
Section Pogoniris
He used the term "group" rather than
subsection and described the groups
rather than naming them. So his
I. mesopotamica was simply one of =
the "Pogoniris of Syria and Asia Minor".
Lawrence classified it as:
Genus Iris
Subgenus Iris
Section Pogiris
Subsection Pogoniris
Series Elatae =
Rodionenko classified it as:
Genus Iris
Subgenus Iris
Section Iris
Werckmeister classified it as:
Genus Iris
Subgenus Iris
Section Pogon =
And Mathew as
Genus Iris
Subgenus Iris
Section Iris
I hope this one seems so simple
and straightforward that you're =
wondering why I've bothered with
it....
Sharon McAllister
73372.1745@compuserve.com =
