I should point out that the new RAOU checklist, i.e Christidis and Boles,
does NOT follow the Sibley/Ahlquist/Monroe order in either order of families
or species within families.
C&B took a conservative approach in adopting some of the SAM work were there
is colloborating work.
Essentially C&B is a separate standard.
It seems to be a tradition in ornithology that checklists try to reflect
relationships between families and species. I don't think ornithologists
will come at an alphebetical listing; although mammal, reptile and frog
people and botanists are more than happy with that approach.
The problem is that avian taxonomy is a great state of flux. SAM have tried
to set a standard based on what they believe is an objective methodology. I
think it is premature. I expect things will settle down in about 50 years.
Simon Bennett
Melbourne, Australia.
http://www.peg.apc.org/~sbennett
PO Box 25, Lygon Street North,
Victoria 3057, Australia.
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