Author
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Samuels, Gary |
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REBLOVA, MARTINA - CZECH REPUBLIC |
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Submitted to: Mycological International Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 6/24/2002 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Article 59 of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature enshrines a system that biases naming of pleomorphic fungi in favor of the teleomorph. The system maintains artificial separation of teleomorph and anamorph taxonomy resulting in loss of information and confusion in understanding species. DNA sequencing has eroded the significance of the teleomorph to taxonomy by integrating species and genera based on anamorph characters into the 'botanical' system. That all fungi may undergo outcrossing of some sort has further eroded the importance of the sexual morph in the life-cycle. Three scenarios are anticipated if Art. 59 is dropped. I. Retain primacy of the teleomorph but permit description of species for which no telemorph is known as botanical species; permit inclusion of genera for which no teleomorph is known as botanical genera. In case of priority conflict, the oldest type based upon teleomorph material will determine the correct name. II. Permit names based on teleomorph material compete with names based on anamorph material strictly on the basis of priority. III. Selectively give priority to teleomorph or anamorph names based on defined criteria (e.g. common usage). The advantages and disadvantages of the scenarios are discussed. The authors conclude that despite its shortcomings, the current system is so firmly established that change based on any of the three scenarios presented would result in an unacceptably high level of disruption. |
