Abstract

This article presents an approach to define a natural category for the genus within the Linnean taxonomic hierarchy using an agglomerative hierarchical classification method. The term classification refers to the process of grouping objects based on their characters, resulting in a system of classes. The methodology begins with the species as the fundamental object for the classification process, focusing on exploratory species like the biological and ecological species, both are identified through phenetic homogeneity within temporally bound evolutionary lineages. Only monophyletic species must be considered in the classification analysis, where species are grouped into classes based on decreasing homogeneity. Discontinuities during class formation serve as indicators of natural categories. The initial discontinuity in the rate of class formation following identity is employed to delineate the natural genus category.

Keywords: Characters; Genus; Binomen; Hierarchical classification; Class formation rate; Natural category