The species concept in Clavatoraceae (fossil Charophyta) reviewed

Abstract

SummaryFeist, M. & Wang, Z.: The species concept in Clavatoraceae (fossil Charophyta) reviewed. – Taxon 44: 351‐361.1995. – ISSN 0040‐0262.In a cladistic analysis, phylogenetic lineages of the Mesozoic charophyte family Clavatoraceae have recently been interpreted as evolutionary species. However, a reappraisal of the Perimneste‐Atopochara lineage shows the existence of several evolutionary divergences which in our opinion are incompatible with monophyly as postulated under the evolutionary species concept. The revolution of classification brought about by application of that concept causes confusion and error, and the transfer of validly named species to subspecific rank causes instability and detracts from their usefulness as stratigraphic markers. The species that we accept are listed in an overall classification of the Clavatoraceae. A new combination, Globator steinhauseri (G. maillardi subsp. steinhauseri Mojon) is proposed.