The September 30th issue of the Economist points to an article in PLoS Biology by Hebert, et al, discussing a new technique for identifying species. The technique, which relies on mitochondirial genes for cytochrome c oxidase I (COI), which is a 648 pair gene. [1] This technique helps settle the question of “Is Astraptes fulgerator…
Read More The Tree of Life, COI-lyA small window into a large world, with its own software: biological software, including DELTA, a DEscription Language for TAxonomy, database software, ecology software, morphometric, paleontologic, and phylogentics software. (Hey, I need a taxonomy just to keep the breakdowns straight!) Or DMOZ has a page, but it doesn’t seem as comprehensive. What I want to…
Read More Taxonomic SoftwareBiological taxonomy is not fixed, and opinions about the correct status of taxa at all levels, and their correct placement, are constantly revised as a result of new research, and many aspects of classification will always remain a matter of judgement. The ITIS database is updated to take account of new research as it becomes…
Read More TaxonomiesMathematicians use a scheme called the Mathematics Subject Classification, (MSC) which includes a “how to use“, as well as a long history of being revised to reflect changes in the field, and I would guess, practice in how to effectively classify things. It has a General and Miscellaneous Topics section, too. Articles must be given…
Read More Mathematical Classifications