The emerging relevance of a pluralistic view of systematic biology.

Abstract

The impact of molecular data and the application of analytical methods for the inference of phylogenies have promoted an epistemological division and separation among taxonomists. A diagnosis of this dissociation are the molecular phylogenies without reference to taxonomic characters, homology, synapomorphy, nor to the taxonomic conclusions inferred by monophyletic groups. We argue the relevance of systematic biology as an epistemologically pluralist science with at least three components: the historical perspective, the exploration of biodiversity, and the management of taxonomic information. Epistemological plurality leads to integration, not antagonisms, or internal competition. Under this vision, each of the three areas has the same importance, although different empirical, analytical, and technological requirements.