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Abstract.-
The flux ratio method is a simple method for estimating the rate of synonymy within a group based on variations over time in the status of species names. Here, we correct an error in this method.
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Introduction
Taxonomies are constructed by classifying individual specimens into species and then grouping (and subdividing) species to form an inclusive hierarchical arrangement. Because classification is an imperfect process, taxonomies are subject to error. One type of taxonomic error is synonymy. Synonymy refers to the situation in which two (or more) species names actually refer to the same species. The observed rate of synonymy, defined as the ratio of the number of to the total number of names, can 50% in some groups (Gaston and 1993). Elevated rates of synonymy pose a challenge to understanding biodiversity and the processes that and maintain it.
Solow et al. (1995) noted that the observed of synonymy will underestimate the true when recent names have not had a to be synonymized and went on to a method for estimating the true rate synonymy that accounts for this effect. (2002) pointed out that this method not allow for the re-validation of names and proposed a different - the flux ratio method - that does. flux ratio method has been used by Alroy to analyze taxonomic inflation in North fossil mammals and by Benton in a study of dinosaur taxonomy is now widely cited (e.g., Scotland and 2003; Agapow et al. 2004; Wang and Dodson 2006; Butterfield 2007). The purpose of this note is to identify and correct an error in this method.
The Flux Ratio Method
The flux ratio method is based on the following stochastic model of variations in the status of species names over time. Consider a single name. At its first appearance, this name is valid. As time goes by, it...