[Taxacom] SUSPECT: Re: Congruence of gene trees

[Richard Zander]

We should make a distinction between classification, which can easily
accept the "best choice" and science, which accepts only a
well-supported choice. A hypothesis can be anything with a modicum of
support, but a theory requires something more. Classification seems to
incorporate both hypotheses and theories.

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Richard H. Zander 
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Missouri Botanical Garden
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richard.zander at mobot.org
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-----Original Message-----
From: taxacom-bounces at mailman.nhm.ku.edu
[mailto:taxacom-bounces at mailman.nhm.ku.edu] On Behalf Of John Grehan
Sent: Sunday, August 16, 2009 8:55 AM
To: Taxacom
Subject: SUSPECT: Re: [Taxacom] Congruence of gene trees
No, one usually chooses the best supported configuration (by whatever
criterion) as most likely representing a differentiation sequence. The
lineage sorting issue potentially applies as much to morphology as it
does to molecules.