Abstract:
This honors thesis is a complete taxonomic listing of all taxa in the kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata down to the genus level. This work is based on the research and devotion of several scientists collected from many sources. This compilation differs from other works, however, in that the entire phylum Chordata is included in this one listing. Also contained herein are the alternate or synonymous names of numerous taxa which are recognized by various authorities. Very few authors of works dealing with this topic include synonymous names; rather they lead the reader to believe that their categorization is correct. Taxonomy is never completely correct because of the complexity of evolutionary relationships, yet this thesis offers the objectivity coupled with the scope that virtually all other sources lack. If some sources say that family A belongs in order X and other souces claim family A belongs in order Y, regardless of which is more correct, because they are both widely accepted, this work acknowledges both placements. The only thing lacking here are complete species listings because of the incredibly large number of individual chordate species. However, references to such listings can be found in the appendix.
