The role of taxonomy in species conservation

Taxonomy and species conservation are often assumed to be completely interdependent activities. However, a shortage of taxonomic information and skills, and confusion over where the limits to 'species' should be set, both cause problems for conservationists. There is no simple solution because species lists used for conservation planning (e.g. threatened species, species richness estimates, species covered by legislation) are often also used to determine which units should be the focus of conservation actions; this despite the fact that the two processes have such different goals and information needs. Species conservation needs two kinds of taxonomic solution: (i) a set of practical rules to standardize the species units included on lists; and (ii) an approach to the units chosen for conservation recovery planning which recognizes the dynamic nature of natural systems and the differences from the units in listing processes that result. These solutions are well within our grasp but require a new kind of collaboration among conservation biologists, taxonomists and legislators, as well as an increased resource of taxonomists with relevant and high-quality skills.     

Taxonomic significance and ecological role of triterpene glycosides from holothurians

The results of chemotaxonomic research on triterpene glycosides of holothurians (Holothurioidea, Echinodermata) and studies on the ecological role of these glycosides as protective substances and trophic markers are reviewed with a focus on research performed in 2011–2015.     

Education and taxonomy: the role of the Field Studies Council and AIDGAP

The taxonomic disciplines, classification and identification, are fundamental to most biological sciences. Yet, taxonomic teaching and research have declined to a level where adequate support for the other sciences can no longer be sustained. New teaching initiatives are needed, combined with the provision of suitable resource materials and identification guides. Bodies such as the Field Studies Council and the Linnean Society have a tradition of publishing identification keys, but the experience of the AIDGAP project, first started in 1976, shows that considerable thought must be given to content and presentation. Testing prior to publication is vital.     

Taxonomic composition of algae and its indicator role in the ecosystem of the Zayandehrud River,Iran

Data on the species composition of the algal flora of the Zayandehrud River (central Iran) are given. A total of 201 species represented by 212 infraspecific taxa are recorded, five of them new to Iran. Saprobic indexes are calculated and the quality of water is estimated for different areas of the river in different seasons on the basis of the saprobity of indicator species and physicochemical parameters. It is proposed to use as indicators 93 species of algae, for which saprobic valences and indicator weights are calculated in light of the peculiar features of the watercourse.     

A specification of numerical taxonomy: Thermodynamical taxonomy

Thermodynamic taxonomy (ThT) is established from both a theoretical and pragmatical point of view. An application of thermodynamic taxonomy is given.     

Taxonomic re-evaluation of the jaguar

The purpose of this report is to re-examine jaguar (Panthera onca) subspecies using morphometric skull characters and multivariate statistical methods to analyze differences. Eleven skull characters used historically to define jaguar subspecies were measured on 170 specimens in U.S. natural history museums. Relationships among the eight recognized subspecies of jaguar were examined. using Multigroup Discriminant Analysis (MDA) and univarite statistics. Discriminant analyses of these skull characteristics does not indicate distinct groups, supporting the null hypothesis. This analysis was conducted to add to systematic studies such as DNA analysis to assist the Felid Taxon Advisory Group (Felid TAG) and the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) establish valid taxonomic differences in the jaguar. Zoo Biol 16:107–120, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The taxonomy of the genusFrankia

Summary A discussion covering the problems ofFrankia taxonomy was held at the Frankia Workshop in Wageningen, September 4–6, 1983. It was agreed that the genusFrankia can be satisfactorily defined, but that solid criteria for species determination are not now available and that use of specific names should be avoided for the present.