WOS:000168107800007International audienceAs many data as possible must be included in any scientific analysis, provided that they follow the logical principles on which this analysis is based. Phylogenetic analysis is based on the basic principle of evolution, i.e., descent with modification, Consequently, ecological characters or any other nontraditional characters must be included in phylogenetic analyses, provided that they can plausibly be postulated heritable, The claim of Zrzavy (1997, Oikos 80, 186-192) or Luckow and Bruneau (1997, Cladistics 13, 145-151) that any character of interest should be included in the analysis is thus inaccurate. Many characters, broadly defined or extrinsic (such as distribution areas), cannot be considere...