key requirement for publication

[ricardo]

I agree with Joseph comment, to tell  that "key of 10 close related species
is reqired" make situation worse than before, but to tell that in the new
descriptions has to be : What Has It Common With Related Species! In other
words,  the (presumable) synapomorphs has to be indicated, ...this is
achievement....

>Very good point. If I say "Similar to Planta hypothetica
>but with purple flowers" I am implying but not stating
>that they have the same leaf shape, stem pubescence, etc.
>But the two species might differ in other ways beyond
>the flower color. Indeed, if there were only one character
>separating the two, I would desire more evidence that
>the new taxon was worthy of recognition as distinct.
>    A dichotomous key would not necessarily address this
>point. Most such keys concentrate on differences between taxa
>one character at a time. The are better ways in which to
>discuss similarities and differences between two
>closely related species.
>   My basic point is that there are thousands of different
>circumstances, each with its own solution. Sometimes the
>solution may be very simple, other times complex. Compare
>the following two statements:
>
>1. Planta novissima has purple flowers.
>
>2. Planta novissima has purple flowers whereas all the
>other members of this genus have yellow flowers.
>
>In my humble opinion, #2 has successfully distinguished
>between this new species and all of the others related. A
>few more such comparisons and a key becomes superfluous
>in establishing the novelty of the new species.
>
>--
>Dr. Joseph E. Laferriere
>who believes very strongly that one should
>not have opinions.
>
Keep care and be of good cheer.

Regards

(name) Vratislav Richard Eugene Maria John Baptiste
(surname) of Bejsak (Bayshark)-Collorado-Mansfeld

Coleoptera - Australia, Tenebrionidae of World
(incl. Lagriinae, Alleculinae)

University of Sydney
The Wentworth Bldg.,
P.O.Box 62
NSW 2006
AUSTRALIA
phone  :  +61 414 540 465
e-mail: vratislav at bigfoot.com
           ricardo at ans.com.au
           (before Ricardo at compuserve.com
             and    ricardo at login.cz )

http://www.coleoptera.org

Home address:
32 Girrawheen Ave.
Kiama NSW 2533
Australia

Only after the last tree has been cut down,
only after the last river has been poisoned,
only after the last fish has been caught,
only then will you find that money can not be eaten.'
        CREE INDIAN PROPHECY.