WORKSHOP ON SYSTEMATICS OF OCTOCORALS
Lawrence, Kansas, USA
12-13 July 2003
Octocorallia classification has had considerable changes in the course of
its history but no clarity from a phylogenetic perspective exists.
Particularly, molecular phylogenies among octocorals have uncovered disagreement
with the current classification. With the new challenges of internet database
cross linking and likely modifications of the zoological code, a revision
of the Octocorallia classification is urgently needed. The aim of this workshop
is to develop an agenda to review and correct the
Octocorallia classification according to phylogenetic relationships among
taxa.
Workshop activities and objectives:
(1) we will review the current classification and diagnose specific classification
problems among different taxonomic levels.
Problems can arise from both morphologic and molecular perspectives exposed
by the participants (e.g., paraphyly).
(2) phylogenetic information among octocorals available up to now will be briefly presented and compared to the current classification.
(3) we will discuss possible solutions to the identified problems of octocoral classification, with objective of developing an Octocorallia classification recapitulating phylogenetic relationships.
(4) we hope to plan a future agenda for a collaborative effort among all
interested participants to fill in the gaps . We can set a target
date to gather all the information, which ultimately will provide the background
for a unifying multi-coauthored paper on Octocorallia classification.
We encourage all the participants to bring along questions and classification irregularities found in their specific studies. Additionally, any media material that you can provide (e.g., PowerPoint, slides, overheads, etc.) for use in the session introductory presentations will be appreciated.
Opening
Carlos Daniel Pérez
Chair: Carlos Daniel
Pérez Secretary: Cerrano
Carlo