‘Araphid’ Diatom Classification and The ‘Absolute Standard’

Abstract

‘Araphid’ diatom classification is discussed from the point of view of an ‘absolute standard’ for taxonomic rank. The absolute standard is the phylogenetic tree, its nodes, the included monophyletic groups and sub-groups. To illustrate this point a few species from the genus Licmophora are re-analysed and the resulting phylogenetic tree is discussed in terms of a possible classification, the groups and sub-groups and their ranks.