June 26, 2024
Seminar: Why is taxonomy so important?
Taxonomy underpins all biological sciences, making accurate species identification essential. A species name enables access to various databases and literature sources, allowing researchers to retrieve valuable information about that species, such as its distribution, ecology, genetic data, and more. However, many species, particularly among invertebrates, remain undescribed. Taxonomy is not a static science, especially in marine environments, where reexamination of previously described species often reveals they are actually groups of species that can be distinguished through additional molecular and morphological characteristics.
It is crucial for taxonomists to collaborate closely with other biologists, both within and across institutions, nationally and internationally. Museum collections play a vital role in documenting biodiversity. Well-organized, database-driven collections are particularly important at the national level, helping to track changes in species distributions due to climate change or to differentiate between native and introduced species.
Taxonomy is at a critical juncture, as many museums face funding cuts, leading to a reduction in positions. This lack of funding discourages students from pursuing taxonomic research if they cannot envision a viable career path.
speaker
Dra. Pat Hutchings (Australian Museum)
when and where
26/06/2024
11:00h
Edifici complex M2 (Carrer Blaise Pascal, 7, Parc Bit)