How taxonomic change influences forecasts of the Linnean shortfall (and what we can do about it)?

Journal of Biogeography, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 51(8), P. 1365 - 1373

Published: March 8, 2024

Abstract The gap between the number of described species and that actually exist is known as Linnean shortfall fundamental importance for biogeography conservation. Unsurprisingly, there have been many attempts to quantify its extent different taxa regions. In this Perspective , we argue such forecasts remain highly problematic because does depend not only on rates exploration (sampling undescribed taxa) which estimates commonly based but also taxonomic change (lumping splitting). These changes concepts adopted information methods used delimit species. Commonly estimating unknown (e.g. discovery curves, taxon ratios) can underestimate or overestimate if they do effectively account trends change. A further complication history well documented most typically available in biodiversity databases. Moreover, wide geographic variation adoption delimitation mean comparison even same regions may be unreliable. Given high likelihood future major taxa, propose two main strategies consider influence species: (i) a conservative approach shortfall, restricting analysis groups where taxonomies are relatively stable (ii) explicitly incorporating metrics into models estimates. short, relevant will achieved by accounting dynamic nature process itself.

Language: Английский

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TerrANTALife 1.0 Biodiversity data checklist of known Antarctic terrestrial and freshwater life forms

Biodiversity Data Journal, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: Feb. 1, 2024

Incomplete species inventories for Antarctica represent a key challenge comprehensive ecological research and conservation in the region. Additionally, data required to understand population dynamics, rates of evolution, spatial ranges, functional traits, physiological tolerances interactions, all which are fundamental disentangle different elements Antarctic biodiversity, mostly missing. However, much fauna, flora microbiota emerged ice-free land continent have an uncertain presence and/or unresolved status, with entire biodiversity compendia prokaryotic groups (e.g. bacteria) being All available information requires consolidation, cross-validation, re-assessment steady systematic inclusion order create robust catalogue continent. We compiled, completed revised eukaryotic present terrestrial freshwater ecosystems new living database: terrANTALife (version 1.0). The database includes first integration compendium many microorganisms. also introduce amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) biodiversity. Available literature date were searched species, integrated, taxonomically harmonised curated by experts checklists organisms. final comprises 470 animal (including vertebrates, free-living invertebrates parasites), 306 plants Viridiplantae: embryophytes green algae), 997 fungal 434 protists (sensu lato). provide account microorganisms, including non-lichenised fungi multiple unicellular (Stramenophila, Alveolata Rhizaria (SAR), Chromists Amoeba), jointly referred as "protists". In addition, we identify 1753 bacterial (obtained from 348117 ASVs) 34 archaeal genera (from 1848 ASVs), well as, at least, 14 virus families. formulate basic tree life main lineages listed region their “known-accepted-species” numbers.

Language: Английский

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Pytaxon: A Python software for resolving and correcting taxonomic names in biodiversity data

Biodiversity Data Journal, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 13

Published: Jan. 8, 2025

The standardisation and correction of taxonomic names in large biodiversity databases remain persistent challenges for researchers, as errors species can compromise ecological analyses, land-use planning conservation efforts, particularly when inaccurate data are shared on global portals. We present pytaxon, a Python software designed to resolve correct by leveraging the Global Names Verifier (GNV) API employing fuzzy matching techniques suggest corrections discrepancies nomenclatural inconsistencies. pytaxon offers both Command Line Interface (CLI) Graphical User (GUI), ensuring accessibility users with different levels computing expertise. Tests spreadsheets derived from datasets published Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) demonstrated its effectiveness identifying resolving errors. By mitigating propagation inaccuracies researchers' databases, supports more reliable decisions robust scientific investigations. Its contributions enhance integrity promote informed management rapidly evolving environment.

Language: Английский

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Effective conservation and management of giraffe require adopting recent advances of their taxonomy

Biodiversity and Conservation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 29, 2025

Language: Английский

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A harmonized dataset of sediment diatoms from hundreds of lakes in the northeastern United States

Scientific Data, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 9(1)

Published: Sept. 3, 2022

Sediment diatoms are widely used to track environmental histories of lakes and their watersheds, but merging datasets generated by different researchers for further large-scale studies is challenging because taxonomic discrepancies caused rapidly evolving diatom nomenclature concepts. We collated five lake sediment from the Northeastern USA using a harmonization process which included updating synonyms, tracking identity inconsistently identified taxa, grouping those that could not be resolved taxonomically. Each step led an increase in variation explained variables parallel reduction attributable inconsistency. To maximize future use data underlying specimens we provide original harmonized counts 1327 core samples 607 lakes, name translation schemes, sample metadata, specimen museum locations, Northeast Lakes Voucher Flora, set light microscope images grouped into 1154 morphological operational units. Post-hoc enables quality control when other approaches (e.g., upfront management consistency) possible.

Language: Английский

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Towards a global list of accepted species IV: Overcoming fragmentation in the governance of taxonomic lists

Organisms Diversity & Evolution, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 21(4), P. 645 - 655

Published: July 23, 2021

Language: Английский

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Towards a global list of accepted species V. The devil is in the detail

Organisms Diversity & Evolution, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 21(4), P. 657 - 675

Published: Oct. 22, 2021

A consensus among biologists has been growing in recent years for the development of a global list accepted species (and other taxa). To date, much discussion focused on visions how such would benefit many scientific and societal disciplines. Less emphasis placed understanding technical challenges compiling maintaining list. Challenges include details implementation as defining what each entry represents, scope (taxonomic breadth), granularity (only species, all taxonomic ranks, unnamed operational units), level confidence status individual entries. The specific properties minimum information requirements items need to be defined, process ensuring accuracy, consistency, noting uncertainties, needs adopted. Perhaps greatest challenge is developing procedures by which created, updated, maintained. Considerations incorporate obscure newly described taxa, extent review process, mechanisms arbitrating disputes or alternative viewpoints will addressed through an open transparent with broad engagement from multiple communities. Details concerning can accessed, it maintained, way its contents are properly cited determined. Many these issues have considered sometimes solved Catalogue Life, should serve core foundation actual any species.

Language: Английский

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On species concepts, species delimitation criteria, taxonomy committees, and biases: a response to Lima (2022a)

Ornithology Research, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 31(1), P. 62 - 70

Published: Jan. 17, 2023

Abstract In a recent commentary, Lima (Ornithol Res 30:225–228, 2022a) claims that the Brazilian Ornithological Records Committee (CBRO) bases its species ranking decisions on misinterpretation of general lineage concept (GLSC), with two major detrimental consequences: (1) misinform ornithological community about nature interspecific limits and (2) mislead users CBRO checklist “…about taxa it contains.” Here, I review arguments behind Lima’s demonstrate they are unfounded stem from an inaccurate interpretation GLSC coupled lack understanding differences between inherent theoretical concepts their actual implementation in real-life situations by taxonomists taxonomy committees particular. Accordingly, provide several examples taxonomic treatments implemented CBRO, confirming as guiding committee. If not addressed properly, unsubstantiated commentaries such put forward — which cast serious doubts standards upon checklists produced may have unintended effect amplifying current representation bias against Latin American ornithologists global initiatives publication single worldwide avian checklist.

Language: Английский

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A plea for preregistration in taxonomy

Megataxa, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 10(1)

Published: April 26, 2023

There are notoriously many different definitions of species and methods delimitation, forcing taxonomists to make a long range methodological decisions in delimitation. Because this, there sometimes multiple viable competing paths, which could lead ranking (or even grouping) decisions. As result, it is often unclear what means for group be recognized as species, the groups not always comparable, some have called ‘subjective’. To mitigate problems this causes users taxonomy taxonomists, we propose that across tree life should start preregistering their research design criteria delimitation advance research. We argue if were require additional effort, taxonomic would strongly benefit term, by increasing transparency usability outcomes reducing need ad hoc

Language: Английский

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The global influence of the IUCN Red List can hinder species conservation efforts

Authorea (Authorea), Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Nov. 8, 2023

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is an extinction risk assessment tool that has guided species conservation over the last five decades. However, as wildlife scientists and conservationists, we argue its influence on global agenda can hinder effective efforts. Here, review limitations misuse in priority setting, which overlook local regional contexts. This result improper allocation resources, especially Global South, where financial resources are limited. In particular, funds directed towards red-listed may fail to address a broader range priorities. We also contend insufficient for guiding efforts recommend broadening planning decision-making beyond reliance List. Thus, more inclusive decentralized approach, summarize guidelines at appropriate ecological, spatial, taxonomic scales. Finally, encourage collaborative stakeholder engagement setting priorities efficient funding allocation.

Language: Английский

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