Journal article
Mammalian species and the twofold nature of taxonomy: a comment on Taylor et al. 2019
Mammalia, Vol.84(1), pp.1-5
18/12/2019
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Source: InCites
Abstract
In a recently published paper, Taylor and colleagues discussed different approaches and interpretations of mammalian taxonomy and their bearing on more general issues such as conservation and evolutionary biology. We fully endorse the fundamental importance of taxonomy and its being grounded on scientific principles. However, we also deplore a lack of awareness in the literature of the fact that taxonomy is a twofold enterprise that encompasses not only (i) the scientific description and quantitative analysis of biodiversity but also (ii) an executive decision as to how the results of (i) are translated into names. This has serious ramifications for the conservation of our planet’s dwindling biodiversity and when taxonomic names are used as raw data for ecological and evolutionary analyses.
Details
- Title
- Mammalian species and the twofold nature of taxonomy: a comment on Taylor et al. 2019
- Creators
- Frank E Zachos - Natural History Museum ViennaLes Christidis - Southern Cross UniversityStephen T Garnett - Charles Darwin University
- Publication Details
- Mammalia, Vol.84(1), pp.1-5
- Publisher
- Walter de Gruyter GmbH
- Number of pages
- 5
- Identifiers
- 991012927062602368
- Copyright
- ©2020 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
- Academic Unit
- School of Environment, Science and Engineering; Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research; Faculty of Science and Engineering; Graduate School
- Language
- English; French
- Resource Type
- Journal article