From around the mid-1970s onwards, there was an increasing emphasis on comparisons of genes at the molecular level (initially ribosomal RNA genes) as the primary factor in classification; genetic similarity was stressed over outward appearances and behavior.
Sejak pertengahan 1970-an, semakin banyak riset di bidang komparasi gen pada level molekular (dimulai dengan gen ribosomal RNA) sebagai faktor utama dalam klasifikasi; kemiripan genetik ditekankan terhadap penampilan luar dan perilaku.