It appears that the scientific naming of living organisms is in a state of flux (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/07/scientists-put-forward-plan-to-create-universal-species-list-aoe). A number of groups of organisms appear to have competing classification systems, making taking decisions about conservation difficult. Strangely, for example, IUCN (which produces its 'red lists' of endangered animals and plants) and Cites (responsible for controlling the inappropriate exploitation- and endangering- of living organisms) currently use different systems. That means that you can't always check the status of an animal or plant named by one group, in the documentation provided by the other. Even when you can find the name listed by both groups, it may turn out not be the same organism. Although the definition of a species (the basic starting point of taxonomy) works well for about 90% of organisms, 10% do not fit the standard description. Getting a single inventory of all living organisms, that everyone agrees on, is a real priority. Given the history of arguments in taxonomic circles, I can't see it being achieved any time soon.
No comments:
Post a Comment