Model: a practical approach to representing multiple classifications Martin R. Pullan 1 , Mark

Summary Pullan, M.R., Watson, M.F., Kennedy, J.B., Raguenaud, C. & taxonomic concepts than purely descriptive circumscriptions , and is more explicit than merely providing pointers to where circumscriptions have been published. Using specimens as the fundamental elements of taxon circumscription also allows for the automatic naming of taxa based upon the distribution and priority of types within each circumscription, and by application of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. This approach effectively separates the process of naming taxa (nomenclature) from that of classificatio n, and therefore enables the system to store multiple classifications. The derivation of the model, how it compares with other models, and the implications for the construction of global data sets and taxonomic working practice are discussed.