The New Taxonomy (Systematics Association Special Volume) (Hardcover)

by Quentin D. Wheeler (Editor)
Key Phrases: systematic contexts, lambda test, confusion matrix, The New Taxonomy, New York, Understanding Morphology (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

… this volume charts the efforts of several international groups to address the problems faced by contemporary taxonomists. In 10 essays covering techniques such as DNA barcoding, computer-aided identification, digital morphology, and E-typification, the book provides what the back cover describes as ‘an unapologetic look at morphology and descriptive taxonomy . . . [that] frames one of the most constructive responses to the biodiversity crisis.’ This is a bold claim. But perhaps we should expect nothing less from the editor, who, amongst other things, is director of Arizona State University’s International Institute for Species Exploration… .

—Vincent S. Smith, Department of Entomology, The Natural History Museum, London, in Systematic Biology, Vol. 57

Product Description

An in-depth discussion of the future of descriptive taxonomy, this book examines the efforts of several international groups to catalog the world’s biodiversity and make it accessible. It marks the beginning of an upward trajectory of taxonomy to meet the unprecedented challenges of the biodiversity crisis. Reclaiming the unique mission, goals, and importance of taxonomy as an independent science, the book covers technologies such as DNA evidence and its applications, computer-assisted species identification, digital morphology, and E-typification. It provides insight into effective ways of organizing taxonomic information and discusses what benefits can be leveraged from a rapid growth of taxonomic knowledge.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: CRC; 1 edition (April 9, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849390885
• ISBN-13: 978-0849390883
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
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• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #711,384 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)