Lee, M. S. Y. 2005. Choosing stable reference taxa in phylogenetic nomenclature. Zoologica Scripta 34: 313-318. (original) (raw)

Phylogenetic nomenclature offers a more stable framework than traditional Linnaean taxonomy by tying taxon names to well-defined clades. The stability of phylogenetic definitions depends significantly on the choice of reference taxa. This work presents strategies to minimize instability in phylogenetic definitions through the selection of stable reference taxa, using quantifiable indices to identify them. The methodology proposed facilitates applying names to stable clades within phylogenies, thereby reducing nomenclatural disruptions caused by unstable taxa.