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Re: Trogons and Grebes



A strict phylogenetic taxonomist would probably call this clade
"Pantrogoniformes".

Fortunately phylogenetic nomenclature* is not synonymous with the Pan- convention. At least not yet.


* Actually... there is no such thing as "phylogenetic taxonomy". There's just phylogenetic systematics (cladistics) and phylogenetic nomenclature.

Sangster, G. 2005.

Ah. So not "Gangster". <phew> :-)

"A node- rather than a stem-based
definition of Mirandornithes is selected because its sister-taxon is
unresolved (see below)

What about *Juncitarsus*, as proposed by Mayr?

If _Neogaeornis_ and _Polarornis_ (both foot-propelled diving
birds fro the LK) are indeed divers (loons), then the
Gaviidae is a very ancient group.

As reported, even molecular divergence date estimates say they're too old for that. :-)