On Lumpers and Splitters of Higher Taxa in Ciliate Systematics

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Abstract
The question of the difference between lumpers and splitters in taxonomy is a complex one, as much so in the systematics of members of the phylum Ciliophora as in any major plant or animal group. Attention is directed to the problem only as it concerns the suprafamilial taxa of ciliates in the hierarchy comprising the overall scheme of classification of this phylum. Bases for differences involve choices of characters and of ideas applied, the narrowness of expertise of workers in the field, the amount of utilizable data available and the degree of recognition of balance relative to groups at the same or nearby levels. Reliable characters for use in higher-level ciliate systematics are discussed and 6 relevant hypotheses are presented; the extent of application of such guiding principles can throw light on the rationale behind any worker''s proposal of a new or revised classification scheme. Neither lumping nor splitting, if reasonably moderate, is necessarily bad, and different situations may justify one or the other action. A plea is made for greater self-criticism and greater caution before promulgation of major changes while recognizing that new discoveries (new species, etc.), new techniques and new ideas are bound to result in revisions and in expansions of older or outmoded schemes of classification.

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