East–West relations in the mouse world: A historical perspective

Abstract

Population genetics of the house mouse, Mus musculus/domesticus, has become a “hot” area of research, in which the biochemical–molecular approach has largely replaced the more traditional morphological–anatomical methods of investigation. In this essay – commemorating Professor Uzi Ritte’s recent passing – the authors, one of whom abandoned mouse genetics some 30 years ago, offer a historical perspective in which they point out the confusion that has accompanied mouse taxonomy from its modern beginnings. They then tender their view of the problems associated with the biochemical–molecular studies of mouse taxonomy and speciation. They conclude with a plea to rely less on abstract models and more on empirical data and mouse biology, and for a return to the Heraclitean–Darwinian view of nature in taxonomy.

Keywords:

• Mus musculus
• species
• taxonomy
• speciation
• Mus poschiavinus

Acknowledgments

J. K. thanks professors Jiří Forejt, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Praha and Pavel Munclinger, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science; Charles University, Praha, for answering many questions and Uzi Ritte for many hours of stimulating discussion that, sadly, can no longer continue.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Akie Sato

Akie Sato is Associate Professor at Tsurumi University.

Jan Klein

Jan Klein is Visiting Professor at the Pennsylvania State University. He is also Emeritus Professor of the Max-Planck Society.