Wheelis M L, Kandler O, Woese C R
Department of Microbiology, University of California, Davis 95616.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1992 Apr;89(7):2930-4. doi: 10.1073/pnas.89.7.2930.
Molecular sequencing technology has brought biology into the era of global (universal) classification. Methodologically and philosophically, global classification differs significantly from traditional, local classification. The need for uniformity requires that higher level taxa be defined on the molecular level in terms of universally homologous functions. A global classification should reflect both principal dimensions of the evolutionary process: genealogical relationship and quality and extent of divergence within a group. The ultimate purpose of a global classification is not simply information storage and retrieval; such a system should also function as an heuristic representation of the evolutionary paradigm that exerts a directing influence on the course of biology. The global system envisioned allows paraphyletic taxa. To retain maximal phylogenetic information in these cases, minor notational amendments in existing taxonomic conventions should be adopted.
分子测序技术已将生物学带入全球（通用）分类时代。在方法和理念上，全球分类与传统的局部分类有显著差异。对一致性的需求要求在分子水平上根据普遍同源功能来定义更高层次的分类单元。全球分类应反映进化过程的两个主要维度：谱系关系以及一个类群内分化的性质和程度。全球分类的最终目的不仅仅是信息存储和检索；这样一个系统还应作为进化范式的启发式表征，对生物学进程产生指导影响。所设想的全球系统允许并系分类单元。为了在这些情况下保留最大的系统发育信息，应采用对现有分类学惯例的微小符号修正。
