Integrative Taxonomy Working Group
Chair
- Dr. Simon Weigmann | based in Germany (Indian Ocean Region member)
Introduction
Taxonomy is defined as the “theory and practice of classifying organisms”. In other words, this discipline describes the fundamental units of life – the species – and provides an essential foundation for all other life sciences. More precisely, the definition and differentiation of known species, as well as the formal description of new species in accordance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, are key examples of taxonomic work.
Despite the importance of taxonomic research, there is a world-wide shortage of taxonomic knowledge and trained taxonomists, in combination with decreasing funding. Of greatest concern is the impact of this shortage on our ability to conserve, use and share the benefits of biodiversity – a situation described as “taxonomic impediment” in the Convention on Biological Diversity.
In classic taxonomic research on chondrichthyans, morphometrics (the measurement of living organisms and their parts) and meristic counts (countable traits such as number of tooth rows, vertebrae, fin rays etc.) are two of the most important variables. Based on radiographs and/or dissections, skeletal morphometrics and meristics are also taken, possibly highlighting differences between two related species, for example by means of vertebral counts. Focusing on skates, other important characteristics are found in the copulatory organs, the claspers, of adult males. Accordingly, much time is spent examining, describing and illustrating the external and skeletal clasper features. If fresh or recently collected material is available, conclusive genetic analyses provide a valuable addition to classic, morphological taxonomy, substantiating the results through mutual evidence. As a combination of genetic and morphological, morphometric and meristic evidence should be considered ideal, this integrative taxonomic approach is the basis of our group.
Despite the importance of taxonomic research, there is a world-wide shortage of taxonomic knowledge and trained taxonomists, in combination with decreasing funding. Of greatest concern is the impact of this shortage on our ability to conserve, use and share the benefits of biodiversity – a situation described as “taxonomic impediment” in the Convention on Biological Diversity.
In classic taxonomic research on chondrichthyans, morphometrics (the measurement of living organisms and their parts) and meristic counts (countable traits such as number of tooth rows, vertebrae, fin rays etc.) are two of the most important variables. Based on radiographs and/or dissections, skeletal morphometrics and meristics are also taken, possibly highlighting differences between two related species, for example by means of vertebral counts. Focusing on skates, other important characteristics are found in the copulatory organs, the claspers, of adult males. Accordingly, much time is spent examining, describing and illustrating the external and skeletal clasper features. If fresh or recently collected material is available, conclusive genetic analyses provide a valuable addition to classic, morphological taxonomy, substantiating the results through mutual evidence. As a combination of genetic and morphological, morphometric and meristic evidence should be considered ideal, this integrative taxonomic approach is the basis of our group.
The tasks of this Working Group will be to
- Stay updated regarding taxonomic changes (descriptions, redescriptions, resurrections, synonymizations);
- Evaluate the validity of newly described chondrichthyan species for future assessments;
- Advice the Red List Authority Coordinator to initiate changes to existing assessments (including uncovering junior synonyms, range extensions…) and plan for future assessments;
- Coordinate communication between different regional groups and working groups if taxonomic knowledge is required;
- Maintain an updated list of chondrichthyan species and provide yearly updates on taxonomic changes to SSG members.
Dr. Simon Weigmann
|
‘I am delighted to have been appointed the chair of the new Integrative Taxonomy Group within the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group. One of the main reasons I am drawn to taxonomy is piecing together the subtle differences between poorly known elasmobranch species. It is like doing a puzzle, trying to find missing pieces to connect things – to find links between animals. Sometimes you see that something is different between animals, but you do not even know what is different. Such detective work is among the reasons why taxonomy is a fascinating field of research. I look very forward to working together with my colleagues in this new group and collaborating and exchanging with other IUCN SSC SSG groups.’
Dr. Simon Weigmann |
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