Received: by alpheratz.cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk id EAA23195 (8.6.9/5.3[ref pg@gmsl.co.uk] for cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk from fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk); Fri, 30 Nov 2001 04:42:43 GMT X-Originating-IP: [209.240.222.132] From: "Scott Chase" <ecphoric@hotmail.com> To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk Subject: Re: Taxonomy and speciation Date: Thu, 29 Nov 2001 23:37:46 -0500 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed Message-ID: <F8CBlGkVf370SkbsGuB0000370b@hotmail.com> X-OriginalArrivalTime: 30 Nov 2001 04:37:46.0406 (UTC) FILETIME=[C2203C60:01C17958] Sender: fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk Precedence: bulk Reply-To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
>From: "Philip A.E. Jonkers" <phae@uclink.berkeley.edu>
>Reply-To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
>To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
>Subject: Re: Taxonomy and speciation
>Date: Wed, 28 Nov 2001 16:42:48 -0800
>
>Scott:
> > I suppose endangered and threatened species are actually just endangered
> > and threatened "name tags".
>
>I don't have the impression you understand the point I'm trying to get
>across.
>Species-names have all the virtues as functioning as pointers to the
>organisms they represent. It's shorthand to a set of properties the
>specie-name reflect (furry, 4-legged, aggressive, cudly, mammalian,
>reptilian, small, big, etc.). Each species has its own set of properties. I
>recognize the virtues of having species-names just as much as the next guy.
>But the name-giving process is a mentally human one. It is based on human
>intention not some intrinsic process in nature.
>I do not deny organisms evolve of course, but the fluid act of
>speciation does not occur in nature since the invention of names is
>an entirely human enterprise. Why don't you have a look at On the
>origin of species chapter 2, where Darwin mentions the problems
>taxonomists having in deciding which groups of organisms to label
>as varieties and which as species. Small wonder since this whole business
>of name-tagging is a human enterprise.
>
>
So you're saying that speciation does not occur? Do I have you correct here?
Varietes or subspecies may represent species in the making. Ever here of
incipience? This got Goldschmidt's dander up if I recall him aright.
You have a series of subspecies along a continuum. Each subspecies can
interbreed with the other except for those at the extremes of the continuum.
If the intermediates were wiped out the extreme subspecies *could* be
considered full-fledged species.
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