MOLECULES VS MORPHOLOGY IN PHYLOGENETICS: A NON-CONTROVERSY

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Abstract
The so-called molecules vs morphology ‘controversy’ currently plaguing phylogenetic systematics is discussed within a historical and philosophical context. It is concluded that the controversy is an artifact of flawed philosophy, improper project design and incorrect methods of data analysis, and that the controversy is sustained primarily by conflict of personalities. Moreover, the controversy may be resolved simply by closer collaboration between morphologists and molecular biologists, and by the use of philosophically sound phylogenetic methods (i.e. cladistics), founded on consilience and parsimony, and by the standardized use of mathematically correct analytical procedures.