Articles tagged with Animal Taxonomies
The Pan-European Species-directories Infrastructure (PESI) project provides a harmonized taxonomic reference system and high-quality data sets to efficiently handle big taxonomic data. It integrates five pillars, including knowledge, consensus, standards, data, and dissemination, to standardize taxonomic information across platforms.
A new digital method developed by Dr. Giuseppe Montesanto allows for the creation of detailed and accurate scientific illustrations for taxonomy, making it easier and faster to describe new species. The method uses bitmap graphics with GIMP and produces realistic ink-made drawings.
A team of Brazilian and English zoologists has developed a comprehensive guide to identifying 19 species of planktonic copepods from the 'de la Plata' basin, the second largest river basin in South America. The study provides detailed information on taxonomy, phylogenetic relationships, and identification keys for each sex.
Researchers have identified a second possible specimen of the rare 'pocket shark,' measuring just 5.5 inches long, with distinct physiological features and an unhealed umbilical scar.
A new taxonomic toolkit has resolved a century-long neglect of the Ophion parasitic wasp genus, revealing six new species and redefining the group's diversity. The toolkit uses a combination of molecular and morphometric analyses to accurately describe species, increasing confidence in taxonomy.
The Fauna Europaea project has published a collection of data papers covering 56 taxonomic groups, involving over 400 contributors. The publication marks a significant milestone in the dissemination of biodiversity data and highlights the importance of expert involvement in scientific research.
The Reptile Database has recorded over 10,000 known species, making it the most diverse vertebrate group after fish and bird species. The 10,000th species, Cyrtodactylus vilaphongi, is a tiny gecko discovered in Laos.
A new species of cetacean, the Australian humpback dolphin (Sousa sahulensis), has been officially named by researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society and Clymene Enterprises. The discovery provides taxonomic clarity to a previously taxonomically confused group of marine mammals.
A new study explains how Avibase, an online global database of birds, successfully addresses issues related to standardized scientific names and their meanings. The database pairs scientific names with citation definitions using taxonomic concepts.
Scientists discover six new Dracula ants species in Madagascar that challenge the traditional ant caste system. The study reveals that minor workers become queens, revolutionizing our understanding of ant biology.
Scientists have discovered two new butterfly species in the eastern United States, one of which is a close relative of the well-known Carolina Satyr. The study reveals distinct differences in genitalia and DNA sequences between the two species, highlighting the complex genetic diversity of these butterflies.
The Norwegian Taxonomy Initiative has identified nearly 60% of the newly discovered species as insects or small terrestrial invertebrates. DNA analysis has also revealed new insights into fungal and marine species, providing a better understanding of Norway's ecosystems.
The latest issue of ZooKeys has been automatically registered in ZooBank, marking the successful deployment of an automated registration-to-publication pipeline for taxonomic names. This innovation is part of a joint EU and US National Science Foundation project to develop the Global Names Architecture.
A new collaboration describes a new centipede species using a holistic approach combining 3D imaging, DNA barcoding, transcriptomic profiles, and video of the living specimen. The 'cyber-type' allows for global access to the specimen's data, enabling faster conservation efforts.
A new approach to describing new species uses big data techniques like next-gen sequencing and barcoding. This allows scientists to create detailed datasets and make it easier to manage biodiversity information.
Researchers have identified 138 new species of beetles within the Operclipygus genus, significantly expanding our understanding of tropical insect diversity. The study, published in ZooKeys, reveals that these tiny beetles play a crucial role in controlling pest populations and highlights the need for continued conservation efforts.
A team of researchers from Hellenic Centre for Marine Research used X-ray computed tomography to create detailed 3D representations of tiny animals, facilitating the study of morphology and improving taxonomy. The method enables virtual rotation, magnification, and dissection of specimens, extracting new scientific information.
Despite concerns about high extinction rates, Griffith University researcher Professor Nigel Stork says the actual number is lower than feared. The study estimates around 5 million species on Earth, with conservation efforts protecting rich biodiversity in key areas.
Biologists from Naturalis Biodiversity Center and Institute of Biology Leiden describe two new cichlid fish species from Lake Victoria, one of which is named in honor of Tijs Goldschmidt. The study reveals that the newly described species exhibit distinct morphological differences, suggesting they are separate species.
The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) has passed an amendment allowing purely digital publications to meet its requirements. This change aims to speed the process of publishing biodiversity information, improve access, and reduce the 'taxonomic impediment' hindering cataloguing. The new rules open the door to e...
A new web-based resource, Taxonomic Name Resolution Service (TNRS), resolves up to 30% of incorrect plant names in major databases. The service uses exact matching, parsing, and fuzzy matching to resolve taxonomic names, providing a critical tool for plant scientists.
The Hawai'i Undersea Research Laboratory has developed an online deep-sea animal photo-guide with over 1,500 images, making it easier for scientists and the public to identify and appreciate marine life. The guide is organized by major taxa and includes tags indicating depth levels.
The newly discovered Antispila oinophylla species, originating from eastern North America, is found to infest Italian vineyards, particularly on Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Muscat grapes. The leafminer's life cycle and distribution have been studied in detail, highlighting the potential economic impact of this invasive species.
The open access journal ZooKeys has seen significant growth in publications and articles since its launch in 2008, reaching over 10,000 pages and 420 articles in 2011. The journal's innovative publishing model with automated extraction and dissemination of information allows for easy distribution of valuable data on biodiversity.
Scientists have described two new species of extremely long-legged beetles from the Philippines, assigning larval stages to adult images using mitochondrial DNA. The researchers aim to provide basic knowledge and identification tools for tropical species as freshwater bioindicators.
The most precise estimate of Earth's species total is based on a novel analytical technique that narrows previous estimates. The study predicts approximately 8.7 million species, with 91% of marine and 86% of land species remaining undiscovered. This new understanding is crucial for conservation efforts and ecosystems services.
A new evolutionary history of primates reveals complex patterns of species divergence and gene sequence evolution. The analysis provides a validated framework for understanding human adaptation and disease, and sheds light on zoonoses and primate conservation.
A new study reveals that historical socio-economic factors, not current ones, drive alien species richness in Europe. The researchers found that economic activities from 1900 were more influential on the establishment of invasive species than those from 2000.
Nepenthes attenboroughii, a rare carnivorous pitcher plant from the Philippines, is ranked #1 on the list of newly discovered species in 2009. The plant was named after Sir David Attenborough and features pitchers up to 30 cm high.
The discovery of three new Philippine monitor lizard species and a new subspecies sheds light on the immense biodiversity of these giant reptiles in the region. The study highlights the importance of museum collections and the need for continued research to recognize and name all species, emphasizing the global taxonomy crisis.
A new study has created a more accurate family tree for arthropods, including insects, crustaceans, and others. The research identified five newly discovered groupings, including remipedes as the closest living relatives of insects.
Prosta Chakrabarty, an LSU ichthyologist, has landed a major grant to reconstruct the genetic heritage of heroine cichlid fishes. He also discovered two new species of angler fishes native to Louisiana, shedding light on the planet's history and biodiversity.
A recent study by Dr. David Spooner highlights the limitations of DNA barcoding in distinguishing species within complex plant groups, such as wild potatoes (Solanum section Petota). The technique's accuracy is compromised due to intraspecific variation and hybridization among species.
The International Institute for Species Exploration announced the top 10 new species discovered in 2008, including a pea-sized seahorse, caffeine-free coffee, and bacteria that live in hairspray. The list also includes the world's longest insect, the world's smallest snake, and a ghost slug from Wales.
A new species of diving beetle, Agaporomorphus colberti, has been named in honor of Stephen Colbert. This recognition highlights the importance of biodiversity and taxonomy, as there are an estimated 10 million to 100 million species on Earth that remain undiscovered.
A new website allows scientists to collaborate on bacterial strain identification through multilocus sequence analysis. The database grows in size and utility as taxonomists add their isolates, enabling electronic taxonomy.
Taxonomist Barbara Taylor highlights the need to consider uncertainty in taxonomy for threatened and endangered species. She proposes incorporating uncertainty into decision-making processes using risk assessment models, which can aid precautionary conservation measures.
Researchers from the American Museum of Natural History have identified three distinct species of African dwarf crocodiles through genetic analysis. The study reveals that these animals are diagnostically distinct and have been on their own evolutionary trajectory for a long time.
Researchers have discovered that the diversity of parasitic wasps is even higher than initially suspected, with 313 provisional species identified through a combination of ecological and genetic data. The new analysis sheds light on a group of insects that are already known for their staggering diversity, with estimates suggesting that...
Researchers developed a model explaining why large species dominate certain taxonomic groups, and how this relates to metabolism and habitat. The simple yet accurate model also omits traditional ideas from evolution and ecology.
NOAA researchers are part of the FISH-BOL initiative, a global effort to barcode marine and freshwater species. This allows for fast and accurate identification of species, including larval fish and fishery products.
The study analyzes data on 9,500 bird species and finds that most have small geographic ranges, while the northern hemisphere shows high variation. Biodiversity peaks in tropical regions, and there's a link between species richness and range size, with high biodiversity areas having smaller ranges.
Researchers at Indiana University found that plant species can be just as easily divided into categories as animal species, contrary to previous claims. The study also revealed that many bird and fish species successfully hybridize in the wild, while ferns are less likely to produce fertile hybrids.
A new study revisits DNA barcoding for species identification and discovery, finding it performs well in highly characterized groups but error-prone for novel species. A comprehensive database of over 2,000 cowrie COI sequences reveals the need for refinement and collaboration with taxonomists.
Researchers have identified new amphibian species through genetic analysis and bioacoustic tools, contrary to the assumption that taxonomic inflation is driving species discoveries. This finding underscores the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts in this endangered vertebrate group.
Researchers discover two distinct COI barcodes in each of four species: solitary sandpiper, eastern meadowlark, marsh wren and warbling vireo. The findings indicate that these species should be split, confirming suspicions among taxonomists.
The ITIS system provides a unified way of naming nature's living organisms, enabling easy access to credible databases and information on species origin and distribution. This standardized terminology facilitates accurate documentation, data sharing, and research among scientists, resource managers, and the general public.