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Toward transparent taxonomy: an interactive web-tool for evaluating competing taxonomic arrangements
Oksana V Vernygora1,2, Felix A H Sperling2, Julian R Dupuis1
1Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, S225 Ag Science Center North, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA.
Cladistics : the International Journal of the Willi Hennig Society
|October 12, 2023
Summary
TaxonomR is a new tool that makes taxonomic classifications transparent by quantifying common criteria. It helps scientists compare different classifications and resolve taxonomic tensions for better biodiversity assessments.
Area of Science:
- Systematic Biology
- Biodiversity Science
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Consistent taxonomy above the species level is crucial for evolution, biodiversity, and conservation.
- Current taxonomic practices are often perceived as subjective and opaque by non-specialists.
- Previous attempts to standardize taxonomic ranking and inclusiveness have faced limited adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce TaxonomR, an interactive online decision-support tool for evaluating alternative taxonomic classifications.
- To provide a method for quantifying criteria used in taxonomic treatments.
- To facilitate transparent and objective comparisons of different taxonomic arrangements.
Main Methods:
- Developed TaxonomR, an interactive online tool.
- Implemented a quantitative approach to assess taxonomic criteria.
- Allowed users to interactively adjust weightings for different criteria to compare taxonomic groupings.
- Demonstrated the tool's application using the butterfly taxon Argynnis.
Main Results:
- Different weightings of taxonomic criteria yield significantly different genus-level classifications for Argynnis.
- These variations in classification are often geographically specific, with different classifications prevalent in different regions.
- TaxonomR objectively quantifies and compares these differences, revealing the basis of historical classifications.
Conclusions:
- TaxonomR enhances transparency in taxonomic decision-making through explicit prioritization schemes.
- The tool aids in understanding alternative taxonomic classifications and their underlying criteria.
- It has the potential to foster global harmony in biodiversity assessments by supporting evidence-based discussions and resolving taxonomic disagreements.
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