[Taxacom] Taxonomy in Europe in the 21st century

[Bob Mesibov]

I've read two 'white papers' on taxonomy's future in recent weeks, this
EDIT one and a draft backgrounder produced for the new lobbying body
TaxA (Taxonomy Australia).

It's very pleasing to see that the EDIT paper includes mention of a
topic I ranted about on TAXACOM recently:

'What expertise will we need?...
...5. The relative importance of amateurs or citizen scientists will
increase and the challenge for the professional community is to provide
opportunities for their effective contribution.'
'Who will be using taxonomy/systematics and how?...
7. Europe has a rich amateur sector that needs encouragement and further
integration to exisiting and developing infrastructures. This may be a
major challenge.'

However, it's not so pleasing to see a heavy emphasis in both documents
on the expanded use of barcoding to increase the 'service value' of
taxonomy. The TaxA document sells it this way:

'i) Massive biodiversity scans will be delivered through new generation
sequencing platforms that have a formidable capacity. Imagine blending a
mix of insects from a recently arrived containership and knowing the
species composition – and the associated biosecurity threat - of the
slurry within seconds.

ii) Point-of-contact identifications for single specimens will be
possible through devices that execute all of the steps in barcode
analysis (DNA extraction, PCR amplification, sequencing). Imagine a
sophisticated hand-held device that allows you to input DNA on the spot,
in an instant, anywhere in the country, and generate a species
identification if the query sequence matches one in the library
reference library, but also flags the discovery of a new species.'

I can't think of a more efficient way to kiss taxonomy goodbye than to
replace it with barcoding. The new species whose discovery was flagged
by the sequencer would become 'n.sp. 0011873336' in some database
indefinitely, because the relevant taxon specialist wouldn't exist.

Why fund the study of biodiversity, when the principal human-relevant,
service-oriented tasks carried out by taxonomists can be replaced by
sequencers and sequence databases?

Even field trips will change their nature, according to EDIT:

'What facilities will we use?...
5. Collecting will remain an essential component of taxonomy, though
emerging technologies (e.g. digital imaging, bioacoustics) might
automate collection of ‘specimens’ and make field trips more productive.
There is a pressing need for ‘pocket identifiers’ (digital, molecular,
bioacoustic) for use in the field.'

Notice the marks around 'specimens'? In the future, all you'll need to
bring back from the field are digital images, digital sound records and
sequences. Interesting way to learn about all that undiscovered life out
there.

I'm thinking of putting a provision in my will to have myself stuffed
and mounted when I die. The label will read 'Example of taxonomist -
extinct, fl. ca. 1700-2020. Discovered and documented previously unknown
forms of life, service provider for naturalists and biologists (also
extinct, see next cabinet).'
-- 
Dr Robert Mesibov
Honorary Research Associate, Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery
and School of Zoology, University of Tasmania
Contact: PO Box 101, Penguin, Tasmania, Australia 7316
(03) 64371195; 61 3 64371195
http://www.qvmag.tas.gov.au/mesibov.html
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