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Open Nomenclature in the biodiversity era
Author(s) -
Sigovini Marco,
Keppel Erica,
Tagliapietra Davide
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
methods in ecology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.425
H-Index - 105
ISSN - 2041-210X
DOI - 10.1111/2041-210x.12594
Subject(s) - biodiversity , identification (biology) , vagueness , data science , harmonization , nomenclature , set (abstract data type) , taxonomic rank , computer science , geography , environmental resource management , ecology , taxon , biology , taxonomy (biology) , environmental science , fuzzy logic , physics , artificial intelligence , acoustics , programming language
Summary The uncertainty or the provisional status of a taxonomic identification can be expressed by a set of terms and abbreviations known as Open Nomenclature ( ON ) qualifiers. This approach is widely applied across biological disciplines, and a high amount of biodiversity data left in ON can be found in literature and data bases. However, there is no consensus about ON qualifiers and their meaning. The use of ON qualifiers has been reviewed in order to provide a summary and guide to current practice in zoology. Some recommendation is given to avoid inconsistencies or vagueness. A flow chart is proposed to clarify the sources of uncertainties during identification and to facilitate the application of ON qualifiers. This review provides a guide for taxonomists and ecologists currently involved in biomonitoring and biodiversity programmes, as well as for researchers dealing with biodiversity data infrastructures and tools, offering a starting point for a methodological harmonization.