A PHYLOGENETIC CLASSIFICATION OF WATERFOWL (AVES, ANSERIFORMES), INCLUDING SELECTED FOSSIL SPECIES

A summary classification of 175 modern species and 30 well-represented fossil forms of waterfowl (Aves: Anseriformes) is presented, based on a series of phylogenetic (cladistic) analyses of the group using morp hological characters (Livezey, 1986a, 1986b, 1986c, 1989a, 1989b 1990, 1991, 1993a, 1993b, 1995a, 1995b, 1995c, 1996a, 1996b, 1996c, 1997a, 1997b). The proposed classification includes a superordinal grouping w ith the Order Galliformes, and subdivides the Anseriformes into two su borders (Anhimae and Anseres), two superfamilies (Anseranatoidea and A natoidea), and five families (Anhimidae, Anseranatidae, dagger Presbyo rnithidae, dagger Cnemtornithidae, and Anatidae). Among the latter, th e Anatidae is the largest and comprises six subfamilies: Dendrocygnina e (comprising two tribes and two genera), Dendrocheninae (two genera), Anserinae (four tribes, nine genera). Stictonettinae (one genus), Tad orninae (four tribes, 15 genera), and Anatinae (five tribes, 31 genera ). The classification also incorporates: phylogenetic inferences and a ssociated taxonomic decisions subsequent to the preliminary work by Li vezey (1986a); corrections of classifications included with the earlie r analyses; recognition of two species of comb-duck (Sarkdiornis); and provisional partitions of several problematic species groups (Branta canadensis, Merganetta armata, and Somateria mollissima). Also include d are a concise historical review of the classification of the order, ail assessment of the relative support documented for the taxonomic gr oups defined within the classification, and suggestions for future inv estigations.