THE CLASSIFICATION OF PROBOSCIDEA: HOW MANY CLADISTIC CLASSIFICATIONS?

Area of Science:

• Systematic biology
• Phylogenetic classification
• Taxonomy

Background:

• Willi Hennig proposed a phylogenetic system intended as a universal reference for biology.
• This system required phylogenetic trees to be directly translatable into phylogenetic systematics.
• The classification of Proboscidea was reviewed over twenty years of proposed technical improvements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of a single, universal phylogenetic system for biology.
• To analyze the relationship between cladograms and formal classification systems.
• To assess the practical application of phylogenetic systematics in biological classification.

Main Methods:

• Review of classificatory technical improvements, conventions, and rules over the past twenty years.
• Application of these rules to the classification of the Proboscidea.
• Analysis of the relationship between cladograms and formal classification systems.

Main Results:

• More than one formal classification system can be derived from a single cladogram.
• The "phylogenetic system" is more synonymous with a cladogram than a written classification.
• A universal "general reference system of biology" remains theoretical due to communication preferences.

Conclusions:

• A single, universally accepted "phylogenetic system" for biology is not practically achievable.
• Written classifications are preferred for communication over diagrams, hindering a unified system.
• Cladograms represent phylogenetic relationships, but multiple classifications can stem from them.