Towards the system

Abstract

Mayr (1982b, 1988) has stressed the contrast between macrotaxonomy, the science of classifying, and microtaxonomy, the science of species. I believe that this distinction rests largely on tradition, rather than on sound theoretical reasons. However, it is true that, until recently, people interested in macrotaxonomy and people interested in microtaxonomy have been different. This dichotomy has been unfortunate, as little exchange of ideas has occurred from one field to the other. Things are changing (Nelson, 1989a), however, in so far as this distinction mirrors the prevailing state of affairs, it justifies a separate treatment of what systematists are doing at the two levels of investigation.

Revision of the primary classification of organisms is a taxonomic operation, governed by taxonomic principles; it differs from revision of a family or genus only in wider scope. Because of the human need of an arrangement of organisms which will express as fully as possible existing knowledge and opinion concerning them, all groups are always subject to revision.

H.F. Copeland (1938, p.383)