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To: Stultis
The normal (and only reasonably objective and operational) definition of "macro-evolution" is "evolution above the species level,"

You are then making macroevolution dependent on the accuracy of taxonomic classifications. Taxonomy is admittedly dynamic. If evolution happened, it didn't happen because we defined it into existence. The theory of evolution should be descriptive but often becomes prescriptive and even proscriptive. Taxonomy can only be properly descriptive.

108 posted on 05/23/2003 11:04:55 AM PDT by Dataman
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To: Dataman
You are then making macroevolution dependent on the accuracy of taxonomic classifications.

Yes. On the one taxa that (even if imperfectly or sometimes misidentified in the particular instance) corresponds to an objective existent: the species. All other taxa, however useful, and however much and even successfully the attempt is made to give them a consistent sense, are artificial human constructs.

124 posted on 05/23/2003 12:09:39 PM PDT by Stultis
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