Re: Defining crocodiles as "fish"... :-)

[Nick Pharris <npharris@umich.edu>]

Quoting Guy Leahy <xrciseguy@sbcglobal.net>:

> Using different criteria than phylogenetic taxonomy,
> fortunately... :-)

Though, according to phylogenetic taxonomic principles, if lampreys, 
sharks, salmon, and coelacanths are all "fish", then crocodiles are, 
too (along with aardvarks, salamanders, hummingbirds, etc....)!

On another topic, the article you quote gives the following definition 
of "fish":

"completely aquatic vertebrates, having gills, commonly fins, and 
typically an elongated body usually covered with scales."

"Commonly" fins?  Are there any species of fish that completely lack them?

--
Nick Pharris
Department of Linguistics
University of Michigan

"Creativity is the sudden cessation of stupidity."
    --Edwin H. Land