A COMPARISON OF TRADITIONAL AND PHYLOGENETIC NOMENCLATURE

The traditional method of biological nomenclature and the phylogenetic nomenclature method are reviewed. Under a phylogenetic nomenclature, ranks would not be required, and names of taxa would be given definiti ons based on descent. The phylogenetic nomenclature method, as current ly proposed, would be in conflict, not only with the Linnaean hierarch y, but also with the notion of nomenclatural types. While the phylogen etic method would increase explicitness and universality regarding the application of names, it may do so at the expense of taxonomic flexib ility and circumscriptional stability of a taxon represented by a give n name. Suggestions are provided on how a code of nomenclature could b e designed so as to accommodate both systems.