Re: Storing data and code in a Db with LISP-like interface
From: Frank Hamersley <terabitemightbe_at_bigpond.com>
Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2006 00:05:43 GMT
Message-ID: <r%c4g.17727$vy1.5013_at_news-server.bigpond.net.au>
>
> In the end, taxonomy is rather arbitrary. Hierarchy just doesn't work
> for things as complex as biological systems.
Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2006 00:05:43 GMT
Message-ID: <r%c4g.17727$vy1.5013_at_news-server.bigpond.net.au>
Bob Badour wrote:
> Marshall Spight wrote:
>> Neo wrote: >> >>>>>> The tomato is *not* a vegetable! >>>>> >>>>> :) why isn't it? >>>> >>>> It has seeds. The seeds make it a fruit. Actually I think it also >>>> qualifies as a berry, which is especially weird. >>> >>> So could one classify the following as fruits since they all have >>> seeds: zuchinni, yellow squash, butternut squash, pumpkins, chilis, >>> peppers, bell peppers, egg plant, bitter melon, okra, chayote, green >>> beans ... and how do I convince the average person, especially for >>> bittermelon. Who is right, the average person or you :) >> >> >> Neither; I advocate asking an expert for questions like these. >> The botanist is right.
>
> In the end, taxonomy is rather arbitrary. Hierarchy just doesn't work
> for things as complex as biological systems.
Why do we use them in that case?
Cheers, Frank. [B.Sc (UWA) Zool] Received on Fri Apr 28 2006 - 02:05:43 CEST