The aim of this study was to carry out the systematic classification in related groups and based on morphological similarities of 19 breeds of hens of the Mediterranean group. These breeds were 15 Spanish (Alicantina, Andaluza Azul, Cara Blanca, Castellana Negra, Empordanesa, Flor d’Ametller, Mallorquina, Menorquina, Murciana, Pairal, Penedesenca, Prat, Sobrarbe, Utrerana and Valenciana de Chulilla) and four Italians (Italiana, Livorno, Mericanel della Brianza and Paduana). The analysis included the evaluation of 17 qualitative morphological characteristics and was based on the principle of parsimony using Fitch method. The resulting phylogram should be interpreted as a group tree concerning the morphological relationships between breeds and not as a phylogenetic tree because does not allow a clear clustering of breeds according to their origin of purpose. This, together with the rates...

The aim of this study was to carry out the systematic classification in related groups and based on morphological similarities of 19 breeds of hens of the Mediterranean group. These breeds were 15 Spanish (Alicantina, Andaluza Azul, Cara Blanca, Castellana Negra, Empordanesa, Flor d’Ametller, Mallorquina, Menorquina, Murciana, Pairal, Penedesenca, Prat, Sobrarbe, Utrerana and Valenciana de Chulilla) and four Italians (Italiana, Livorno, Mericanel della Brianza and Paduana). The analysis included the evaluation of 17 qualitative morphological characteristics and was based on the principle of parsimony using Fitch method. The resulting phylogram should be interpreted as a group tree concerning the morphological relationships between breeds and not as a phylogenetic tree because does not allow a clear clustering of breeds according to their origin of purpose. This, together with the rates...