I've heard of people being against splitting and reclassification of groups, but I've never heard the accusation that "splitters" are porridge-brained mixed cereals before
I like argue, but I find it difficult to argue in English, because I'm afraid to "sit in a puddle" (as was the case with "teledu"). It seems that I am clear said about "kolonok" and about "weasel" what I wanted to say. Including thanks to you. And you need to understand before others - what I said - is the objective reality given us in sensation.
True - 'clade' was not the best choice of words - but unless I've been very forgetful all the species in the subfamilies of mustelids called 'badgers' are called 'badgers' (if you follow!). And we're talking mustelids, so Mydaus doesn't count!
At least English names stay the same (as do names in other languages too of course). They are not changed, unchanged, rechanged and generally argued over by opinionated splitters and lumpers.
Ah, but English names do change, and often for more frivolous reasons than scientific ones. As for the changes to scientific names as opinions change, I shall fall back on one of my favourite quotations:
'Science, my lad, is made up of mistakes, but they are mistakes which it is useful to make, because they lead little by little to the truth.' - Jules Verne, Journey to the Centre of the Earth
True - 'clade' was not the best choice of words - but unless I've been very forgetful all the species in the subfamilies of mustelids called 'badgers' are called 'badgers' (if you follow!). And we're talking mustelids, so Mydaus doesn't count!
Yes - "clade" was not good word.
In Russian someone it has long been said "teledu" for Arctonyx collaris - and I stupidly believed and repeated.
In English someone it has long been said "Siberian weasel" - you have repeated...
In the case of attributing Mydaus in family Mephitidae - I don't know where are the end of the facts (analysis of facts) and begins opinions (mixed cereals). Probably it is consequence of the usual splitters trend ("more different (and new) species"; better two than one; better in differents than in general).
Ah, but English names do change, and often for more frivolous reasons than scientific ones. As for the changes to scientific names as opinions change, I shall fall back on one of my favourite quotations:
'Science, my lad, is made up of mistakes, but they are mistakes which it is useful to make, because they lead little by little to the truth.' - Jules Verne, Journey to the Centre of the Earth
Of course, and "no man is infallible".
In childhood I liked more the "L'ile mysterieuse" of Jules Verne...
In this case it is not opinion. In addition to body size and others, some clear facts: there are hybrids M.sibirica with other ferrets, and among hybrids and males and females are fertile...
