Which group tends to remain in the core, true Sylviidae family after splits?
Answer
Whitethroats (Sylvia)
The extensive taxonomic reorganization of the Old World warblers, necessitated by molecular findings that revealed the historical Sylviidae to be polyphyletic, resulted in the consolidation of only the most closely related lineages remaining under the core Sylviidae designation. The species that generally constitute this remaining, refined family are those referred to as the Whitethroats, scientifically classified under the genus *Sylvia*. This contrasts with groups like the Reed Warblers and Marsh Warblers, which were definitively moved to separate families (Acrocephalidae and Locustellidae, respectively) because their genetic distances warranted distinct classifications.
Related Questions
What causes the superficial resemblance between Parulidae and Sylviidae?Which family formally classifies the New World warblers?What heavily influenced warbler classification before molecular analysis?Which families absorbed species removed from the traditional Sylviidae definition?What specific habitat is the Kirtland’s Warbler (Setophaga kirtlandii) critically dependent upon?Where are the Reed Warblers (Acrocephalus) now classified following taxonomic reorganization?What distinguishes Parulidae nest building behavior from some Old World counterparts?Which group tends to remain in the core, true Sylviidae family after splits?Within which superfamily are the New World warblers (Parulidae) scientifically classified?What behavioral trait can often help focus identification on many Parulidae in North America?