East–West relations in the mouse world: A historical perspective

Abstract

Population genetics of the house mouse,Mus musculus/domesticus, has become a “hot” area of research, in which the biochemical–molecular approach has largely replaced the more traditional morphological–anatomical methods of investigation. In this essay – commemorating Professor Uzi Ritte’s recent passing – the authors, one of whom abandoned mouse genetics some 30 years ago, offer a historical perspective in which they point out the confusion that has accompanied mouse taxonomy from its modern beginnings. They then tender their view of the problems associated with the biochemical–molecular studies of mouse taxonomy and speciation. They conclude with a plea to rely less on abstract models and more on empirical data and mouse biology, and for a return to the Heraclitean–Darwinian view of nature in taxonomy.