Hennig's dichotomous distinction of properties into apo- and plesiomorphies is inconsistent. Properties simply can''t be consistently partitioned into these two classes, because if they could, then they would not be ambiguous between these classes, which they are. This ambiguity actually shows that the classes are inconsistent, thus telling us that there is no non-contradictory solution to be found. A chase for a consistent solution is thus vain. Never can it be found.
The truth is instead that classes are relative by being orthogonal. It means that classes simply can't be arranged consistently and unambiguously, but only either consistently contradictory (in a non-orthogonal system like cladistics) or consistently and ambiguously (in an orthogonal system like the Linnean systematics).
It means that evolutionary entities (including biological species if they are evolutionary entities) have to be ambiguous to the extent that they can be said to exist, because they are both intermediate and overlapping the single objects over time. This property, i.e., being both intermediate and overlapping at the same time, is actually the definition of relativity.
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