Document of bibliographic reference 287653

BibliographicReference record

Type

Bibliographic resource

Type of document

Journal article

BibLvlCode

AS

Title

A warning for ecologists and conservation biologists using species checklists: How the European marine fauna ‘lost’ all of its 16 Discodoris species (Mollusca: Gastropoda)

Abstract

The European marine fauna used to be considered to include 16 species of Discodoris sea slugs until a recent worldwide revision demonstrated that there is not a single Discodoris species in European waters. This exemplary case illustrates the fact that species checklists do not accurately represent biodiversity unless they are based on sound taxonomic work in which (1) the status of every available species name has been addressed, i.e. whether it is valid, synonymous, or of doubtful application, and (2) classification reflects phylogenetic relationships. It is argued that taxonomic revisions are critically needed, because the status of species names can only be addressed properly through revisions. It is discussed that fields which depend on taxonomic data, such as conservation biology and ecology, might be affected deeply if problematic species names (synonyms and nomina dubia) have not been recognized. Consequently, it is proposed that a taxon that has not been revised be red-flagged in checklists, so that non-taxonomists will know which species names should be applied with caution or not at all.

WebOfScience code

https://www.webofscience.com/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:000290987100007

Bibliographic citation

Dayrat, B. (2010). A warning for ecologists and conservation biologists using species checklists: How the European marine fauna ‘lost’ all of its 16 Discodoris species (Mollusca: Gastropoda). Org. Divers. Evol. 11(1): 75-82. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13127-010-0036-9

Topic

Marine

Is peer reviewed

true

Access rights

open access

Is accessible for free

true