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A higher level classification of all living organisms
Michael A Ruggiero1, Dennis P Gordon2, Thomas M Orrell1
1Integrated Taxonomic Information System, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America.
Plos One
|April 30, 2015
Summary
A new consensus classification of life, the Catalogue of Life (CoL), unifies over 1.6 million species based on expert opinions. This hierarchical system serves diverse users and taxonomic research needs.
Area of Science:
- Taxonomy and Systematics
- Biodiversity Science
- Information Science
Background:
- Existing taxonomic systems lack a unified, hierarchical structure for a vast number of species.
- Over 3,000 taxonomists' expert opinions are available but not integrated into a coherent system.
- The Linnaean system is familiar to users but requires updates for comprehensive biodiversity data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a unified, hierarchically ranked consensus classification of life.
- To serve the needs of the Catalogue of Life (CoL) database and its users.
- To provide a reference for taxonomic research, biodiversity databases, and societal communication.
Main Methods:
- Synthesizing expert opinions from over 3,000 taxonomists.
- Developing a coherent, hierarchically ranked classification system.
- Accommodating taxonomic choices, practical compromises, and conflicting evidence.
Main Results:
- A comprehensive consensus classification of life encompassing over 1.6 million species.
- A unified system that accommodates diverse expert opinions and practical compromises.
- A classification that is neither strictly phylogenetic nor evolutionary, but a consensus view.
Conclusions:
- The Catalogue of Life (CoL) provides a valuable, modern hierarchical backbone for biodiversity information.
- This classification is essential for taxonomic research, data management, and public understanding.
- The CoL facilitates societal communication and serves as a foundational tool for various scientific and educational applications.
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