On the Unnecessary and Misleading Taxon “Cetartiodactyla”

The name “Cetartiodactyla” was proposed in 1997 to reflect the molecular data that suggested Cetacea is closely related Artiodactyla. Since then, taxon has spread popularity, even outside scientific literature. However, implications of are confusing, because and Artiodactyla not sister-taxa. Instead, evidence clearly shows cetaceans a group embedded within Artiodactyla, sister-taxon equal rank. It long been accepted practice systematists do modify names higher groups when new subgroups added them. For example, Owen’s original concept did change its more disparate taxa were it. Dinosauria become “Avedinosauria” it became clear birds subgroup dinosaurs, nor Reptilia “Avereptilia”. In interests taxonomic priority stability, especially inherently misleading, we recommend be abandoned. If one wishes make reference fact whales now considered artiodactyls, they could referred informally as “whales other artiodactyls” or terrestrial without using formal confusing misleading.