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Taxonomy as the key to life
Costello, M.J. (2020). Taxonomy as the key to life. Megataxa 1(2): 105-113. https://dx.doi.org/10.11646/megataxa.1.2.1
In: Megataxa. Magnolia Press: Auckland. ISSN 2703-3082; e-ISSN 2703-3090
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Author 
    Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee: Open access 346180 [ download pdf ]

Keywords
    Biodiversity
    Databases
    Earth
    Literature > Publications > Reference works > Checklists
    Taxa > Species
    Water bodies > Oceans

Author  Top 
  • Costello, M.J.

Abstract
    Taxonomy is a key to life not only in providing guides to distinguishing species but in opening the door to knowledge about biodiversity. Names of species, as the only standardised measure of biodiversity, are essential for communication of information about nature. However, new knowledge means that what we understand each species to be may change over time. Online species databases are improving accessibility to this knowledge and expertise and provide an easy way to keep up to date with species nomenclature and classification. I propose three practical priorities for taxonomy: (1) complete a world list of all known species; (2) establish an online cooperative community infrastructure that updates species nomenclature and links it to associated literature, information and expertise; (3) create an internet portal as a key to life on Earth. The first is near completion in the Catalogue of Life. The second has an exemplar in the World Register of Marine Species. The third goal has not begun but some of its ingredients exist. This key to life should make it easy for anybody with internet access to accurately name, and discover unnamed, species, and learn about their natural history. Moreover, a “key to life” infrastructure suitably supported by the community and science organisations, could be a focal point for a world taxonomic society and a taxonomy based mega-science initiative to understand life on Earth.

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