[The fate of subspecies category in zoological systematics. 2. The present].

Abstract

The present approach to the use of subspecies category in zoological systematics is an integrative one. It counts as obligatory to confirm the validity of subspecies, defined by morphological data, with genetic criteria. This allows marking out those subspecies that really exist as separate monophyletic population groups. As a result, the system would be cleared of many 'phantom' taxa established in course of non-critical use of the subspecies concept. However, detailed analyses of intra-species variability by methods of molecular taxonomy in many cases reveal a quite complicated divergence pattern which cannot be adequately described in terms of the classic scheme of 'species and its subspecies'. Keeping in mind the irregularity of intra-species divergence rate when dealing with molecular and morphological traits, it is proposed to use an extended system of subspecies taxa when describing 'extra complicated' situations. In addition to a 'subspecies' such categories as 'allospecies', 'morphotype', 'morphospecies' may be used for which operational definitions are suggested. As an example, the micro-systematics of the great pond snails (the complex Lymnaea stagnalis s. lato) from Palaearctic region is examined. The provisional system of this group, developed by the author, is based on morphological and phylogeographical data. Applying the series of subspecies categories of different level allows reflecting with maximal completeness the intra-species variability of great pond snails and, to some extent, the process of their genetic divergence and geographic range forming. The second part of the article deals with modern approaches to subspecies category usage in zoological systematics as well as the problems of so called micro-systematics, i.e., systematics operating at the lowest level of categories such as ones of subspecies and infra-subspecies rank (Mayr, 1982).