As far as genetics goes and it's relation to ball python breeding, this is a hobby for most and profession for some. We have people in the hobby at many levels with a wide range of education and experience. A agree that an in depth scientific study to determine the nature of mutations would be the answer and help us define a proper labelling system. This is not realistic though. Too many morphs to study and who is going to invest the money for the research. The results of such research will not be quickly proven out either I assume. I am by no means an expert in genetics or ball pythons for that matter.

Personally I think the big issue is, we are using labels that many believe to be carved in stone or fit the scientific mould. This is not necessarily the case because morphs are proved out by many without scientific background. So the building blocks of our labelling of genetic traits is already a little shakey IMO. To say there hasn't been a mistake or mislabelled morph is lazy. I think this discussion (both sides of it) is fantastic. We are using these labels to help us with breeding projects and give those of us whom are not geneticists, a grasp on what is happening and expectations for breeding projects. It also play a part in marketing.

IMO most morphs are correct and this pied subject has arguments on both sides. I believe inc. Dom may prove better fit because there seems to be subtle and not so subtle visible differences in the het. I think if a handful of breeders did a breeding project to normals and documented the findings it could provide the proof that is required to satisfy the community. As it stands there is evidence that can't be ignored to warrant such a project to prove this out.

At the end if the day this is a challenging but healthy discussion and may inspire a project for breeders willing to sacrifice some time and resources. Genetics is a complex subject and has been perhaps oversimplified for the purposes of describing ball python morphs.

I think most has been said here but an objective breeding project among several breeders would help settle the debate.