ISSN:
1522-9602
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Mathematics
Notes:
Abstract This paper considers a class of set-theoretical entities, calledn-rank Linnaean structures, which are intended as abstract models of the taxonomic classificatory systems of biology. In the first part, devoted to formalism, finite Linnaean structures are discussed in complete generality; but, in addition, eight distinct subclasses are noted and some of the properties of their elements are explored. In the second part, concerned with applications, it is shown that taxonomic systems may be recast in the form of finite Linnaean structures, and an effort is made to show that some undesirable features of earlier models are avoided without artificiality and without abandoning extensional mathematics.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02476893
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