Search citation statements
Paper Sections
Citation Types
Year Published
Publication Types
Relationship
Authors
Journals
Freshwater ecosystems provide essential services for human well-being, with their conservation success reliant on the precise quantification of biodiversity. Diplostraca (= Cladocera) and Copepoda are diverse groups of microcrustaceans in aquatic ecosystems, important for a multitude of these services. We examined biodiversity trends of these groups, utilizing a comprehensive dataset, approximately 2341 studies, spanning from the early 19th Century to the present day, aiming at predicting the total number of microcrustacean species that will have been described by 2100. Descriptions increased until the 1900s, surged, and then declined after 1975. The predictive models indicate that by the year 2100, an additional 16–68% of cladoceran species and 37–126% of copepod species are likely to be identified, representing a significant portion of currently unrealised biodiversity. Eighteen prolific authors contributed to a quarter of these descriptions, with the rest spread among numerous authorities. Based on our extrapolation, the total number of microcrustacean species could potentially exceed 6114 by 2050 and 9046 by 2100, notwithstanding extinctions. These findings, which point to a significant amount of unrealised biodiversity, underscore the need to refine biodiversity estimates beyond conventional expert opinion. Such accuracy is crucial for addressing the underappreciated scale of the current biodiversity crisis.
Freshwater ecosystems provide essential services for human well-being, with their conservation success reliant on the precise quantification of biodiversity. Diplostraca (= Cladocera) and Copepoda are diverse groups of microcrustaceans in aquatic ecosystems, important for a multitude of these services. We examined biodiversity trends of these groups, utilizing a comprehensive dataset, approximately 2341 studies, spanning from the early 19th Century to the present day, aiming at predicting the total number of microcrustacean species that will have been described by 2100. Descriptions increased until the 1900s, surged, and then declined after 1975. The predictive models indicate that by the year 2100, an additional 16–68% of cladoceran species and 37–126% of copepod species are likely to be identified, representing a significant portion of currently unrealised biodiversity. Eighteen prolific authors contributed to a quarter of these descriptions, with the rest spread among numerous authorities. Based on our extrapolation, the total number of microcrustacean species could potentially exceed 6114 by 2050 and 9046 by 2100, notwithstanding extinctions. These findings, which point to a significant amount of unrealised biodiversity, underscore the need to refine biodiversity estimates beyond conventional expert opinion. Such accuracy is crucial for addressing the underappreciated scale of the current biodiversity crisis.
Standardised terminology in science is important for clarity of interpretation and communication. In invasion science – a dynamic and rapidly evolving discipline – the proliferation of technical terminology has lacked a standardised framework for its development. The result is a convoluted and inconsistent usage of terminology, with various discrepancies in descriptions of damage and interventions. A standardised framework is therefore needed for a clear, universally applicable, and consistent terminology to promote more effective communication across researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers. Inconsistencies in terminology stem from the exponential increase in scientific publications on the patterns and processes of biological invasions authored by experts from various disciplines and countries since the 1990s, as well as publications by legislators and policymakers focusing on practical applications, regulations, and management of resources. Aligning and standardising terminology across stakeholders remains a challenge in invasion science. Here, we review and evaluate the multiple terms used in invasion science (e.g. ‘non‐native’, ‘alien’, ‘invasive’ or ‘invader’, ‘exotic’, ‘non‐indigenous’, ‘naturalised’, ‘pest’) to propose a more simplified and standardised terminology. The streamlined framework we propose and translate into 28 other languages is based on the terms (i) ‘non‐native’, denoting species transported beyond their natural biogeographic range, (ii) ‘established non‐native’, i.e. those non‐native species that have established self‐sustaining populations in their new location(s) in the wild, and (iii) ‘invasive non‐native’ – populations of established non‐native species that have recently spread or are spreading rapidly in their invaded range actively or passively with or without human mediation. We also highlight the importance of conceptualising ‘spread’ for classifying invasiveness and ‘impact’ for management. Finally, we propose a protocol for classifying populations based on (i) dispersal mechanism, (ii) species origin, (iii) population status, and (iv) impact. Collectively and without introducing new terminology, the framework that we present aims to facilitate effective communication and collaboration in invasion science and management of non‐native species.
The motivations for describing species are multifaceted and extend beyond the scientific disciplines, promoting public engagement and enhancing biodiversity communication. We delve into the practices of naming species of Rotifera, Diplostraca (= Cladocera) and Copepoda, underpinning the effects of time, taxon group and the lengths of genus names on the length of specific names. Our investigation revolves around a comprehensive dataset comprising 6319 names described between 1758 and 2021 of Rotifers, Cladocera and Copepoda. The overall annual average hovers around a mean length of slightly over 10 and 8 letters, respectively, for genus names and specific names, although it varied noticeably across taxa. Notably, our findings reveal no substantial temporal variation in the length of specific names over the years of description. We found a positive although not significant relationship between the length of specific and genus names, suggesting that longer genus names may influence the choice of longer specific names. We support the recommendation by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature and existing related publications on this topic, to prioritize short names, emphasizing the importance of concise and ultimately the use of mnemonic names assigned to zooplankton species.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.