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A Concoction Pipeline for Generating Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs) Among Riparian and Aquatic Beetles

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Is parasite taxonomy really in trouble? A quantitative analysis.

Robert Poulin¹, Bronwen Presswell¹

¹Department of Zoology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.

International Journal for Parasitology

|March 31, 2022

Summary

The field of parasite taxonomy faces a crisis due to a concentration of species descriptions among a few prolific researchers. Most of these experts are nearing the end of their careers, indicating a potential loss of expertise.

Keywords:

Biodiversity Fish hosts Gini coefficient Helminths Lorenz curve Species descriptions

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Area of Science:

Zoology
Systematics
Parasitology

Background:

Concerns exist regarding a decline in experts in parasite taxonomy and systematics.
Previous claims of a declining field lacked quantitative analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

To quantitatively assess the state of expertise in helminth taxonomy, using fish parasites as a model.
To analyze trends in new species descriptions and author productivity over the past two decades.

Main Methods:

Analysis of a dataset of over 2000 helminth species described in the last 20 years.
Application of standard indices of inequality to assess author productivity and concentration.
Examination of author turnover and career stage based on publication dates.

Main Results:

A small group of highly prolific taxonomists are responsible for the majority of new helminth species descriptions.
Research output concentration has not improved over time, with no significant turnover in top-ranking authors.
A majority of the most prolific taxonomists are in the later stages of their careers, suggesting an impending loss of expertise.

Conclusions:

Persistent inequality in species descriptions, lack of author turnover, and the advanced career stage of key researchers support claims of an impending crisis in parasite taxonomy.
The field faces a significant risk of losing critical taxonomic expertise in the near future.