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Phylogeny, genealogy and the Linnaean hierarchy: a logical analysis

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Abstract

Phylogenetic terms (monophyly, polyphyly, and paraphyly) were first defined in the context of a phylogenetic tree. However, reproduction is the background process that largely determines phylogeny. To establish a connection between genealogy and phylogeny, definitions of phylogenetic terms are presented and studied within a genealogical context. The correctness of the definitions is corroborated with results that show they satisfy the appropriate properties in the context of a phylogenetic tree. In an application of the definitions, a formal analysis shows why the monophyletic condition makes a Linnaean hierarchy entirely monotypic.

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Correspondence to Rex Bing Hung Kwok.

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Kwok, R.B.H. Phylogeny, genealogy and the Linnaean hierarchy: a logical analysis. J. Math. Biol. 63, 73–108 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00285-010-0364-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00285-010-0364-6

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