Open AccessA taxonomic renaissance in three acts
Author(s) -
Quentin D. Wheeler
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
megataxa
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2703-3090
pISSN - 2703-3082
DOI - 10.11646/megataxa.1.1.2
Subject(s) - the renaissance , mandate , taxonomy (biology) , diversity (politics) , data science , environmental ethics , ecology , engineering ethics , environmental resource management , computer science , political science , biology , engineering , history , environmental science , philosophy , law , art history
Rapid species extinction means that a limited time exists in which to revitalize taxonomy and explore the diversity of species on earth. Three actions have the potential to ignite a taxonomic renaissance: (1) clarify what taxonomy is, emphasizing its theoretical advances and status as a rigorous, independent, fundamental science; (2) give taxonomists a mandate to organize and complete an inventory of earth species and the resources to modernize research and collections infrastructure; and (3) collaborate with information scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to inspire the creation of a sustainable future through biomimicry.