Presents a debate among the top phylogenetic theorists about which classification approach may be best. Debaters include (1) Ernst Mayr (Biological Species Concept), (2) Rudolf Meier and Rainer Willmann (Hennigian species concept), (3) Brent Mishler and Edward Theriot (one version of the Phylogenetic Species Concept), (4) Quentin Wheeler and Norman Platnick (a competing version of the Phylogenetic Species Concept), and (5) E. O. Wiley and Richard Mayden (the Evolutionary Species Concept). The first part of the book presents each concept, the second part presents counterpoints to each approach, and the last provides rebuttals.
Preface, by Quentin D. Wheeler & Rudolf Meier
1: Introduction, by Joel Cracraft
A. Position Papers (Point)
2: The Biological Species Concept, by Ernst Mayr
3: The Hennigian Species Concept, by Rudolf Meier and Rainer Willmann
4: Monophyly, Apomorphy, and Phylogenetic Species Concepts, by Brent D. Mishler and Edward Theriot
5: The Phylogenetic Species Concept, by Quentin D. Wheeler and Norman I. Platnick
6: The Evolutionary Species Concept, by Edward O. Wiley and Richard L. Mayden
B. Critique Papers (Counter-Point)
7: What is a Species, and What is Not?: A Critique from the Biological Species Concept Perspective, by Ernst Mayr
8: A Critique from the Hennigian Species Concept Perspective, by Rainer Willmann and Rudolf Meier
9: Monophyly, Apomorphy, and Phylogenetic Species Concepts: A Critique from "the" Phylogenetic Species Concept Perspective, by Brent D. Mishler and Norman I. Platnick
10: Problems with Alternative Species Concepts: A Critique from "the" Phylogenetic Species Concept Perspective, by Quentin D. Wheeler and Norman I. Platnick
11: A Critique from the Evolutionary Species Concept Perspective, by Edward O. Wiley and Richard L. Mayden
C. Reply Papers (Rebuttal)
12: A Defense of the Biological Species Concept, by Ernst Mayr
13: A Defense of the Hennigian Species Concept, by Rudolf Meier and Rainer Willmann
14: Monophyly, Apomorphy, and Phylogenetic Species Concepts: A Defense of "the" Phylogenetic Species Concept, by Brent D. Mishler and Edward Theriot
15: A Defense of "the" Phylogenetic Species Concept, by Norman I. Platnick and Quentin D. Wheeler
16: A Defense of the Evolutionary Spoecies Concept, by Edward O. Wiley and Richard L. Mayden
Quentin D. Wheeler is professor of systematics in the Department of Entomology and Liberty Hyde Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University and is a research associate in entomology at the American Museum of Natural History. Rudolf Meier is associate professor and curator in the Department of Entomology at the Zoological Museum, Copenhagen.
"This is an important and valuable book, with the arguments coming straight from the horses' mouths. Even if readers do not change their minds, they will at least be better informed in their prejudices."
– Biologist
"This book focuses on the numerous controversies in phylogenetic theory and the underlying philosophies which are of importance to a diverse audience. Scientists, conservationists, and students of biology will find that this book provides a critical evaluation of the literature on this complex field."
– Southeastern Naturalist