Quote:
Originally Posted by Rosim_in_BR
Can these decisions keep coherence when you know that the differences are only of degree of relationship?
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Exactly! It seems like there is no standard for how close or distant a degree of relationship needs to be in order to determine whether or not a species or genus should be lumped or divided. Why doesnt Kew or
AOS or someone else come up with a definitive way to determine kinship? For example, maybe a 1% difference in DNA could constitute a significant enough difference to separate two species into two genera. Clearly, I just pulled this number out of the air, but you get my point. Is there a system like this? I have a feeling the answer is 'no' because of the arbitrary nature of the 'scientific' reorganization of Laeliinae.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rosim_in_BR
The article in the AOS Orchids magazine gives a perfectly clear indication of the truth behind the scenes... the entire article is dedicated to speak about how simple and easy the new hybrid orchid names are going to be! Not a word on the scientific reasons of the proposed change! |
I definitely agree with Mauro that simplifying for the sake of simplifying is wrong, as is simplifying for the sake of hobbyists. When reclassifying genera, science should be the ony reason for doing so. Dont get me wrong, I would love to see all these genera lumped into one genus, but that my own selfish desire for a more simplistic view!
