Suggestions for Better Handling of the Genus in Palaeo-Palynology

Abstract Many of the difficulties in handling palaeo-palynologic miospore data arise from misuse of the genus. Some the these difficulties are analysed, and it is suggested (1) that diagnoses should require inclusion of a statement of limits of morphology against adjacent genera, (2) that diagnoses should include geologic time limits, and (3) that the ‘type species concept’ for the genus could be abandoned as superfluous. The suggestions are believed to apply equally if Linnean nomenclature is retained, if a system of neutral taxa such as biorecords of Hughes and Moody-Stuart (1969) be applied, or if both are used simultaneously.