What does the unification of the two historical genera into Stercorarius suggest about previous morphological distinctions?
Answer
The morphological differences were not significant enough to warrant generic distinction
The shift to a single genus, Stercorarius, implies that the morphological features previously used to separate the large Catharacta species from the smaller Stercorarius species were deemed insufficient for maintaining separate generic ranks.
Related Questions
To which taxonomic family do skuas and jaegers belong?What common name is typically used for these birds in North America?What is the single genus name adopted by most major taxonomic authorities for all skuas and jaegers?What historical genus designated the larger, heavier-bodied skuas?Skuas are grouped in the order Charadriiformes alongside which other types of birds?Approximately how many recognized species are currently encompassed by the genus Stercorarius?What aerial behavior, involving stealing food mid-flight, are skuas renowned for?Which specific species undertakes some of the longest migrations of any animal, traveling pole-to-pole?Historically, skuas were sometimes included within which other family due to close evolutionary ties?Besides kleptoparasitism, what capability is noted for the larger skua species?What does the unification of the two historical genera into Stercorarius suggest about previous morphological distinctions?