Re: infuriating taxonomic discussion

[Tompaleo@aol.com]

In a message dated 96-02-09 02:43:31 EST, you write:

>> No, it becomes a different bush because most of the organisms on the bush
>are
>> in so many ways different from most of the organisms in the parent bush.
>
>You seem to be missing the point.  It can never be a different bush, 
>because it's growing from the same root!

Yes but what if the tree of life is not a tree at all? Suppose it is a
sprawler like crabgrass? It sends out runners or rhizomes that each become a
new plant. The genetics are  all there but the new plant branches out on it's
own. ;-)


Regards,
Thomas R. Lipka
Paleontological/Geological Studies