Syst. Biol. 48(2):329–351, 1999 Denitions in PhylogeneticTaxonomy:Critique and Rationale PAUL C. SERENO Department of Organismal Biologyand Anatomy, Universityof Chicago, 1027E. 57thStreet, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA; E-mail:
[email protected] Abstract.—Ageneralrationale forthe formulation andplacement of taxonomic denitions in phy- logenetic taxonomyis proposed, andcommonly used terms such as“crown taxon”or “ node-based denition” are more precisely dened. In the formulation of phylogenetic denitions, nested refer- ence taxastabilize taxonomic content. Adenitional conguration termed a node-stem triplet also stabilizes the relationship between the trio of taxaat abranchpoint,in the face of local changein phylogenetic relationships oraddition/ deletion of taxa.Crown-total taxonomiesuse survivorship asa criterion forplacement of node-stem triplets within ataxonomic hierarchy.Diversity,morphol- ogy,andtradition alsoconstitute heuristic criteria forplacement of node-stem triplets. [Content; crown; denition; node;phylogeny; stability; stem; taxonomy.] Doesone type ofphylogenetic denition Mostphylogenetic denitions have been (apomorphy,node,stem) stabilize the taxo- constructedin the systematicliterature since nomiccontent of ataxonmore than another then withoutexplanation or justi cation for in the face oflocal change of relationships? the particulartype ofde nition used. The Isone type of phylogenetic denition more justication given forpreferential use of suitablefor clades with unresolved basalre- node- andstem-based de nitions for crown