🌊 Exploring the Fascinating World of Sessile Invertebrate Larvae 🐚

As we study the intricate life cycles of marine organisms, it becomes paramount to understand the development, settlement, and attachment of sessile invertebrate larvae. 
Many of these remarkable creatures embark on a journey from a dispersive pelagic larval stage to a benthic adulthood. This transition involves pivotal processes such as settlement and metamorphosis, which, unfortunately, have often been muddled by inconsistent terminology, leading to misconceptions. 
The settlement marks a crucial juncture in the life of marine organisms, determining the success of juvenile recruitment into populations. It's a transformative phase where pelagic larvae transition into adult-like forms adapted to benthic life, with structures reorganized or shed. 
Each species boasts its unique journey; for instance, barnacles navigate from pelagic nauplius larvae to benthic cyprid larvae. Meanwhile, some decapods alter their swimming behaviour post-metamorphosis, facilitating migration into estuaries for further development. 
Serpulins, with their planktotrophic larvae, undergo a fascinating progression from trochophore to metatrochophore before reaching metamorphic competence. This milestone, predetermined by genes, enables larvae to shift to a benthic lifestyle, with subsequent development influenced by environmental conditions. During this habitat shift, the propagule metamorphoses into a secondary larva, forming the Nectochaeta. 
However, the journey isn't always straightforward. The interplay between metamorphosis, settlement and the final attachment often confounds our understanding, with varying durations for pre and post-metamorphic stages, influenced by factors like food availability and temperature. 
Precise observations of morphology and behaviour are imperative to elucidate this complex process. Hence, here at Ocean Wolf, we use specific terminology to aid in this endeavour: metamorphic competence, habitat metamorphosis, attachment competence, final attachment, and physiological metamorphosis. 
In conclusion, while larvae may be predetermined to become metamorphic competent, their further development hinges on external cues. Competent larvae transition to nectochaeta larvae and shift to a benthic existence if conditions permit. Upon finding a suitable location, they attach to surfaces, kickstarting their metamorphosis while building their new abode. 
This journey, with its fluidity and plasticity, underscores the marvels of nature and challenges us to delve deeper into understanding the intricate lives of sessile invertebrates. If you would like to know more about larva development, settlement, metamorphosis and the different stages contact us at https://lnkd.in/giVPvR_9.
🌊🐚 #MarineBiology #LarvalDevelopment #SessileInvertebrates #Metamorphosis #SettlementEcology 

🌊 Exploring Indicator Species: Unraveling the World Below

In our last post, we delved into the fascinating realm of indicator species, focusing on a specific group. But what exactly are indicator species?

Most species thrive within specific environmental conditions, showcasing distinct tolerance levels to desiccation, heat, salinity, and chemical pollutants. The tolerance to stressors plays a crucial role in determining a species’ population extent, such as how high a sessile species can live on a rock.

Indicator species often boast a higher tolerance to disturbances, chemical pollutants, and other human-induced factors. For instance, species in the genus Capitella exhibit greater tolerance to Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) and other chemicals, making them more prevalent in environments with high levels of H2S due to lacking competition.

Now, let’s shift gears and explore another essential indicator species group – those belonging to the genus Prionospio.

In New Zealand, we’ve identified almost 20 species of Prionospio, with ongoing discussions about some yet-to-be-described species. For example, Ocean Wolf’s founder is in an ongoing exchange with colleagues from Harvard University, Victoria Museum Melbourne, and the Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales about the presence of a species only once described in Australia.

Sadly, many rely solely on the presence, absence, shape, or length of individual gills for identification, which can be unreliable. Gills can break, regrow, and vary based on environmental conditions, leading to misinterpretations of species diversity. Further, because of the lack of gills and without consideration of other characters in many benthic monitoring projects, only up to six of the many species were identified, and the remaining individuals will be counted as unidentified Prionospio spp..

Surprisingly, despite having multiple species in the Prionospio genus, there’s no evidence indicating that certain species have distinct indicator qualities beyond indicating properties of the genus. Hence, the differentiation between species is unnecessary and costly and can create biases in biodiversity indexes as other individuals are often only identified as Family or higher level. Such bias could lead to the misinterpretation of the environmental state due to the presumed higher diversity of this group of indicators.

Moreover, identifying Prionospio species may inadvertently overlook their separation from another genus, Paraprionospio, which possesses different indicating properties.

In benthic monitoring projects, correct science matters; if you’re working on benthic monitoring projects or want to learn more, contact Ocean Wolf at www.ocean-wolf.com.

Let’s unravel the mysteries beneath the surface together! 🌐🔍 #BenthicMonitoring #IndicatorSpecies #OceanConservation

Exploring the Diversity of Capitella spp. Complex: Insights from New Zealand's Ecological Landscape

In this week's instalment, we return to the foundational aspects of taxonomy, delving into the intriguing realm of "classic" taxonomy and its potential to discover and describe previously unknown species. Furthermore, we are pleased to spotlight the noteworthy work of Layla Sudol, a former student of Paul, who, during a summer scholarship at Paul's recent employer, undertook a comprehensive investigation into the diversity of New Zealand's Capitella spp. in the vicinity of fish farms.
Contrary to past assumptions that C. capitata was a cosmopolitan species with global distribution, recent investigations, including the meticulous work by our colleague James, who redescribed C. capitata, revealed that many closely related species were misidentified as C. capitata. This revelation shattered the notion of global distribution, leading to an explosion in identifying species belonging to the genus Capitella worldwide, including within New Zealand.
Layla Sudol's research made significant contributions to this expanding body of knowledge. Through detailed examinations of characteristics such as the Thoracic chaetal formula, teeth per hook, and the number of genital spines, Layla identified 46 individuals fitting the description of C. cf. giardi (Mensil, 1897) out of the 107 individuals collected by Geoffrey Read (NIWA) and the Healthy Ocean team at Cawthron Institute. Notably, the individuals exhibited variations from the originally described C. giardi, challenging established assumptions.
An additional 32 individuals defied categorization within previously described species. In contrast, four more appeared to align closely with C. cf. capitata (Fabricius, 1780). However, subtle differences in the chaetal formula and the arrangement of teeth per hook suggested potential distinctions. Layla also noted a potentially juvenile species, hinting at connections to C. cf. aberranta (Hartman & Fauchald, 1971), C. cf. minima (Langerhans, 1880), C.cf. ovincola (Hartman, 1947), and another as yet undescribed species.
The significance of these findings extends beyond taxonomy, delving into the realms of ecology and evolution. Utilizing microscopes and DNA, we unravel the mysteries surrounding these 6 - 23 millimetre-long specimens, gaining insights into their diversity and environmental adaptations.
Our collaborative efforts with colleagues at the Instituto Oceanográfico da Universidade de São Paulo continue, and we wait for the opportunity to sequence fresh material. In the interim, Layla's preliminary results prompt further inquiry into these enigmatic species, especially considering their potential indicators of varying environmental conditions. For Layla's recent poster, additional information and similar projects, please don't hesitate to contact us at www.ocean-wolf.com. Join us in unravelling the secrets of the deep, one microscopic specimen at a time.

🌊 Biogenic Habitats - Exploring Sustainable Shoreline Protection in New Zealand

Last week, we delved into the fascinating world of biogenic habitats and ecosystem engineers. Building on that discussion, today we're shifting our focus to shoreline protection—an issue of paramount importance, particularly for coastal nations like New Zealand.  

New Zealand's shoreline protection still relies heavily on traditional methods such as smooth concrete sea walls. However, there's a growing recognition of the need to incorporate habitat creation into shoreline protection initiatives. Recent endeavours, such as the innovative cycle path between Wellington and Petone, showcase a shift towards habitat-conscious designs.  

Yet, there's much ground to cover before we catch up with other nations' innovative approaches. Many countries have long moved away from relying solely on smooth concrete for shoreline armouring, recognizing the detrimental impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, fisheries, and tourism. Smooth concrete structures disrupt and displace natural habitats while also facilitating the proliferation of non-native species like the Mediterranean Fanworm or the Clubbed Tunicate.  

As a response, an increasing number of countries are turning to reef structures—both natural (such as coral or oyster reefs) and artificial (like reef balls)—to provide habitat and mitigate shoreline erosion. Seawalls can be constructed in-cooperating natural materials or using alternatives like Ecoconcrete in urban areas where space is limited. Additionally, existing seawalls can be retrofitted with features such as steps, pots, or #Living Seawall modules to enhance biodiversity and reduce the establishment of non-native species.  

These innovative approaches have shown promising results, with new or redesigned seawalls reducing non-native species recruitment by up to 54% and increasing biodiversity by as much as 43%. In some regions, such as Florida, reef balls have been employed to lessen the impact of natural forces on existing seawalls. While in other regions these reefs promote the growth of specific species like salmon in Seattle or oysters in Haifa.  

The time is ripe for New Zealand, with its expansive and distinctive coastline, to align with global advancements in shoreline protection. Embracing novel seawall designs, artificial reef structures, and the cultivation of native reefs can usher in a new era of sustainable coastal management.  

For those eager to delve deeper or explore potential collaborations, reach out to us through Ocean Wolf (ocean-wolf.com) or drop a line at paul@ocean-wolf.com. Let's ride the wave of change towards a resilient and ecologically conscious shoreline future!  

🌏🌱 

Biogenic habitats & the engineers behind it

This week, we will talk about another topic related to sessile organisms. Biogenic reefs or broader biogenic habitats are habitats which are changed in their physical state by or through the presence of ecosystem engineers.   

Such habitats altered by ecosystem engineers present a new habitat structure where species find shelter. As these habitats potentially provide a home to species other than the surrounding environment, local biodiversity increases. Therefore, those habitats with increased complexity are known as biogenic habitats.   

The habitat-altering species are ecosystem engineers but are often incorrectly referred to as bioengineers.  

Particularly in marine environments, we can find plenty of native and alien ecosystem engineers. As an invertebrate taxonomist, we are naturally more interested in spinless organisms forming Biogenic habitats. Habitats formed by sessile invertebrates provide new hard substrate through secretion and accumulation of minerals. Hence, in agreement with O’Sullivan et al. (2017), we define biogenic reefs as an accumulation of dead or alive hard-bodied animals or shells and tubes of soft-bodied invertebrates.   

Through the 3-dimensional structure, biogenic reefs provide refuge for small and juvenile organisms. Further, in soft bottom habitat reefs can attract species which are usually not associated with sand or mudflat. As unselective filter feeders, most reef-forming invertebrates remove microorganisms and biological material from the water column, often improving water quality. Reefs also contribute to coastal and shoreline protection by reducing wave impact as well as securing sediment. Also, it is reported that the seeding of native species reefs can reduce the recruitment of invasive species.  

According to surveys of local fishermen around New Zealand, 588 areas were marked as possible biogenic habitats. Around 330 were classified as biogenic habitats in 2016, and at least 50 of these habitats are biogenic reefs.  

Of all these habitats, only 35 were surveyed during two expeditions in the year 2018. Over 900 species, including 95 undescribed species, were counted. Hence, it is time that we are surveying all biogenic habitats. We at Ocean Wolf suggest and advocate for an initial non-invasive survey using tools like eDNA (for example, working with our colleagues from Sequench) and AI (for example, our friends from FanthomNet: https://lnkd.in/gQMGQdqf) followed by a precise taxonomic investigation in identified Key areas.   

Reach out at www.ocean-wolf.com (paul@ocean-wolf.com) if you want to know more.  

Below you see biogenic reefs formed by NZ native ecosystem engineer Spirobranchus cariniferus. 

Alternating sexuality

Marine invertebrate reproduction is a crucial yet underexplored aspect with significant implications for biosecurity and aquaculture. The interplay between temperature, food availability, and gamete production, as well as the synchronized gamete release in Broadcast spawners, presents intriguing mysteries.
Today, we delve into the captivating evolution of alternating sexuality in invertebrates, a research interest of Ocean Wolf's founder since his PhD. Recent literature has speculated on sequential hermaphroditism in the polychaetes subfamily serpulins based on a biased sex ratio, size disparities, and occasional hermaphroditic observations suggest such possibilities. However, conflicting evidence regarding protandry, where individuals transition from female to male, has emerged from different studies, with debates centring on sex ratios and size differences.
Previous studies suggest varying sex ratios, as well as marginal size differences between male and female serpulins, as support for protandry. This challenges previous assumptions and emphasizes the need for further investigation.

The evolutionary journey from asexual reproduction to dioecious individuals began with asexual reproduction, producing genetic clones. The limitations of reduced genetic diversity led to the trend of sexual reproduction, likely starting with simultaneous hermaphrodites. Sequential hermaphroditism evolved to mitigate the risks of self-fertilization and energy consumption, with protandry (males first) favouring smaller, younger males or protogyny (female sex first), highlighting the stronger caregiving role of males.

While sequential hermaphrodites can change sex once, they remain susceptible to self-fertilization and face elevated energetic costs. The move towards dioecious individuals appeared as the more efficient means of ensuring genetic recombination. However, amongst sessile marine invertebrates, a novel form of hermaphroditism, "alternating sexuality", is observed predominantly in bivalves. This phenomenon allows individuals to change sex multiple times based on factors such as population composition, food availability, and energy levels, potentially facilitated by the absence of reproductive organs.
Ocean Wolf proposes that other sessile invertebrates may also exhibit alternating sexuality, enhancing reproductive output and flexibility, especially in species limited in mobility. Further research in this area not only contributes to understanding invertebrate reproductive evolution but also holds relevance for aquaculture and biosecurity, particularly in comprehending the success of non-native fouling organisms. For more information on the reproductive biology of marine invertebrates, contact us at www.ocean-wolf.com and stay tuned for updates.

Below are some pictures from Paul's work,
some sections of hermaphrodites belonging to S. cariniferus

the role of temperature in the reproduction

In our latest post, we explore the crucial role temperature plays in the reproduction of marine invertebrates. Today, we delve into the concept of the Biological Zero Point (BZP) and its correlation with gamete production. To avoid confusion, at Ocean Wolf, we specifically refer to it as the "Reproductive Biological Zero Point" (rBZP)

The rBZP signifies the temperature at which an organism ceases gamete production. Any temperature above this point contributes to gamete production, provided there is an ample food supply. This knowledge is instrumental in conditioning and timing aquaculture species in their reproductive cycle.

In abalone species such as Haliotis discus hannai, the reproductive Biological Zero Point (rBZP) stands at 7.6°C, with an estimated accumulative temperature (EAT) of 1500°C for full maturity. Farmers can strategically influence the spawning of their crops by managing temperature and ensuring adequate food. Once the average temperature surpasses the rBZP, the daily difference between the average temperature and rBZP is accumulated until reaching 1500°C. At this point, H. d. hannai individuals should be ready to release gametes.

However, caution is required in temperature adjustments. Gradual increments are necessary to prevent stress and potential mortality. Excessive temperatures can lead to heat stress, diminishing reproduction and prioritizing survival.

Ocean Wolf envisions applying these principles to New Zealand abalone species like pāua (Haliotis iris) and other shellfish. Further research on various marine invertebrates, native or non-native, could enhance our understanding of their biology and reproductive success.

Take Ficopomatus enigmaticus, for example. Global reproduction conditions vary, as seen in Italy and the Californian coastline. By studying rBZP and Estimated Accumulative Temperature (EAT), conflicts in reproduction could be resolved, shedding light on the species' success and informing mitigation efforts.

Explore the fascinating world of marine invertebrate reproductive biology with us at www.ocean-wolf.com. Stay tuned for our next post, where we'll discuss the evolution of sexes and hermaphroditism.

epi-& endobionts - What’s harm?

Within the past few weeks, we spoke about cryptic and stepstone introductions. Let us shed some light on the consequences of these introductions, drawing insights from studies across the Pacific.
In the USA, the economic toll of fouling on Burk-class destroyers, ships measuring 150 meters in length, is staggering. Up to 4.8m NZD annually fuel costs for each ship is caused through fouling. The US Navy allocates a substantial 1.34m NZD per destroyer each year to combat fouling organisms.
As NZ ambitiously strives to grow its aquaculture into a 3b NZD industry by 2035, a fivefold increase from 2019, we find ourselves grappling with the challenges posed by epi- and endobionts. While epibionts foul on the shell, hindering shell openings, feeding and breathing. Whereas endobionts can cause severe damage to the organism and shell and can render shellfish unsuitable for the market. Ocean acidification (OA) facilitates the drilling of parasitic endobionts into the shell, and warmer temperatures not only stress crop species but also boost the survival rates of introduced parasites. This combination, compounded by climate change and OA, manifests in detrimental impacts on shell stability, reproduction, growth, and survival of crop species.
Of particular intrigue is the revelation that while native species reduce their reproductive output due to warmer temperatures, introduced species thrive. This dynamic will be explored further in our upcoming post. For now, it is crucial to comprehend that introduced species, through higher and more frequent reproduction, can rapidly expand their populations, suppressing native species.
Certain introduced species act as hosts for a myriad of parasites that challenge the ability of our crop species to fend them off. A wealth of publications documents the impact and mitigation of native and non-native endo- & epibionts. In the US, for instance, shellfish farmers allocate an average of 15% of their annual budget to mitigate pest species. In some species the mitigation of epi- and endobionts can contribute up to 30% of market price.
While predictions for the impact of native and non-native invasive species on New Zealand's aquaculture are limited, local estimates suggest substantial costs. Fouling by blue mussel species on green lip mussel farms in the Marlborough Sounds is projected to incur costs of up to 26m NZD per annum. Additionally, the burden of 2 other fouler on P. canaliculus aquaculture is forecasted to cost 1.7m NZD annually.
For effective mitigation of invasive species, whether native or non-native, the first crucial step is recognizing species and understanding their biology. Enter Ocean Wolf, your ideal partner equipped with expertise in alpha-, beta-, and gamma-taxonomy, ready to identify introduced and native parasites and unravel the reproductive biology of both crops and pests. Join us in safeguarding the delicate balance of NZ's aquatic ecosystems.
https://lnkd.in/gFVi2Kiy

Paraphyletic and Monophyletic taxa #Tree-of-life

Before we continue in our series to talk about current research and what Ocean Wolf can offer you, this week, we will take a step back to university and school and look at evolution and systematics.
Recently, we saw a post that Turtles would be one of the "oldest reptile groups".
Ocean Wolf founder Paul commented that turtles are not reptiles, and that "reptiles" are, in general, a paraphyletic group; at least one of the commentators on that post wondered why this matter.
First, a clear understanding of the systematics reflects on the evolution of the taxa. Suppose we don't recognize Monophyletic and Paraphyletic groups. In that case, we come to false conclusions about the evolutionary process and development of organisms, in this case vertebrates (which includes ourselves).
Reptilia or reptiles are considered paraphyletic groups as they are artificially grouped due to characteristics like scales, cold-blooded, etc.
Traditionally many of us count as reptiles Crocodiles, Lizard and Snakes etc. However, anatomical characteristics like the mandibular fenestra (in the lower jaw) and the high and narrow skull suggest that Birds and Crocodiles are related (the Witmer Lab at the university of Ohio has some great hashtag#D models to visualize similarities: https://lnkd.in/gUk7ZEs7 & https://lnkd.in/gMmShu47). Crocodiles, Birds and non-avian Dinosaurs form the monophylum Archosaurs. In contrast, lizards and snakes form the monophylum known as Squamata, closely related to the Tuatara (the only living member of the Rhynchocephalians). Classically, in many trees, turtles form the branch before the Amphibians in the Vertebrate tree. However current studies of genetic development and the scaling of traits (the relationship between character and body size) started a new discussion about the position of Testudines (turtles) within the tree of vertebrates (Werneburg & Sanchez-Vilagra 2009, Zardoya & Meyer 1998, McIvor 2011, Hallmann & Griebeler 2018).
Back to the question, "Why does this matter"?
If we count turtles as reptiles and assume that the reptiles are a monophylum, we will need to explain where the outer bone structure (shell) is in all other reptiles, why turtles have no scales, where the mandibular fenestra is in all other reptiles besides the dinosaurs, and the list goes on. Hence, such an assumption would require many (unnecessary and in-exploratory) assumptions regarding the evolution of vertebrates.
hashtag#systematics hashtag#evolution hashtag#treeoflife hashtag#education hashtag#heertohelp @www.ocean-wolf.com
Images:
Tree of life of the Amniota after Hallmann & Griebeler 2018 Fig.1

Cryptic introduction #Biosecurity

Last week in our series of Topics, we discussed cryptic introduction. Here at Ocean Wolf, we think to consider two general different forms of cryptic introduction:
(1) the presence of a similar-looking taxa masks the introduction of a non-native species, or (2) the same species is introduced from different locations. But how is it possible that a species could be introduced from different (not neighbouring) locations? To explain this possibility, we need to look at "step-stone-introduction". Carlton introduced the concept of step-stone-introduction with his publications in 1996 and 2000.
For this concept, we need to differentiate between donor- and recipient-region. At a donor region, a species is established; in this area on a vessel, some individuals could foul or be taken up with ballast water. The individuals or gametes could be released into the water in the recipient region. Suppose the released species can form a stable population and successfully reproduce. In that case, the region becomes a donor region as well. This new population will initially have a limited gene pool as a subset of the original population. However, through genetic mutations and further introduction, the gene pool will increase and differ from the original population, which also continues to evolve. In some cases, this could even lead to speciation and the two populations drift that far apart that we could have two species.
However, back to the step-stone- and cryptic introduction, once the new location becomes a donor region, the species can again travel through haul fouling or ballast water to the next region. We have a new donor region once it arrives in the recipient region and forms a stable population. This form of step-stone-introduction can wander from coastline to coastline. This introduction concept explains how a species could be introduced to a region from multiple donor regions. A prime example could be the globally invasive Ficopomatus enigmaticus (Fauvel, 1923), which has also been causing problems in New Zealand since the 60's. This species is all over the world known as one of the top 100 most invasive species, but we still need to find out where this species originated. Hence, colleagues from the Australian Museum, Flinders University, Sequench and Ocean Wolf were and are looking into mapping F. enigmaticus and its tropical cousin F. uschakovi (Pillai, 1960) around the world to uncover subspecies and the introduction path.
If you want to know more about hashtag#Step-Stone-Introduction, hashtag#Cryptic-Introduction, hashtag#Biosecurity, hashtag#Speciation let us know!
www.ocean-wolf.com


Images
Ficopomatus enigmaticus in the Ahuriri estuary - Hawkes Bay Today 2nd of Nov. 2017

invasive vs non-native species #Biosecurity

In our series of topics Ocean Wolf is working on, we will discuss the cryptic introduction of alien species this week. In Biosecurity, many scientists often speak about invasive species if the organisms were newly introduced to a region. Even though most invasive species are introduced organisms, also native species can become invasive species (Giangrande et al., 2020). Hence, we have to separate these two concepts. Through changes in the environment (e.g. increased temperature), non-native and native species can invade a habitat and force other species out through competition, habitat alteration, predation and other reasons. Whereas non-native species are organisms that appear outside their native range, caused directly or indirectly by anthropogenic activities. This differentiation between invasive and non-native species becomes particularly clear in shellfish aquaculture. Because of Ocean Acidification and rising temperatures, native and non-native shell-infesting species can easily access a shell and spread further. However, with increasing temperatures, the native invasive species could become less successful in their spread due to limitations in reproduction, survival, food availability and much more. Whereas the non-native invasive is potentially better adapted at higher temperatures and, therefore, reproduces and spreads faster. Hence, it is advisable to use the term non-native or alien species instead of invasive species.
The introduction of these non-native species can occur from multiple regions. In other cases, more than one similar-looking species could be introduced. Both and related cases bring their own specific risk to our Biosecurity. The unifying term for multifaceted introductions is "cryptic introduction". Some scientists understand "cryptic introduction" as the introduction of one species hidden by a similar-looking species. However, by agreeing with Roman and Darling (2007), we also understand the introduction of one species from different donor regions as a form of cryptic introduction. While the introduction of similar-looking species won't increase the species-specific gene pool, whereas by the introduction of the same species from multiple regions, the gene pool of the local population will significantly increase.
In consequence, the population can become more stable and tolerant to stressors. This form of cryptic introduction allows the species to spread further and have a more stable population. Hence, it is important to monitor and reduce the introduction of already established non-native species. If you would like to learn more about hashtag#crypticintroduction
hashtag#biosecurity hashtag#invasivespecies hashtag#nonnative hashtag#alienspecies and related topics, please get in touch with us.
www.ocean-wolf.com

Image
Doll © Isabel Rubio

Taxonomy vs. Parataxonomy

Because Ocean Wolf set it to its mission to bring New Zealand forward in science and to inform, we aim to publish every week a brief introduction about the various scientific topics we work on daily.
Our first post of this series is about Taxonomy and Taxonomic tools for benthic monitoring.

Here at Ocean Wolf, we differentiate between Parataxonomy and Taxonomy.
The first is a tool similar to eDNA and AI for the generic identification of common Taxa to assess the state of the environment, make the first conclusion about biodiversity and the introduction of species.
Parataxonomy aims to identify organisms to so-called “recognizable taxonomic units” (RTUs) to form a coherent list indicating a diversity limited by an even level of identification. This list is used to calculate a biodiversity index for environmental monitoring projects. For such calculation, all individuals must be recorded to the same taxonomic level, e.g. Family, Genus or Species. If organisms are recorded to different levels, the created list and the resulting index will be biased toward the higher diversity.
For example, organisms belonging to Family A are only recorded to the Family level despite in this family are seven or more Species present in New Zealand. In the same project were organisms found belonging to Family B, which all were identified to Species level. But of Family B, we can find only four Species in New Zealand. In this way, the created list falsely indicates a higher diversity for Family B than for Family A. In some cases, this can lead to incorrect assumptions about the state of the environment.

Traditional tools like parataxonomy, as well as modern applications like eDNA or AI, rely on communication with taxonomists and the correct taxonomy. In monitoring projects where non-native species and closely related indicator species appear, it is important to be certain about the correct identification, as misidentification can lead to incorrect statements or substantial financial damages.

Taxonomy is one of the oldest biological science disciplines with strict rules and regulations. Taxonomy requires experience and microscopy techniques like staining, making permanent slides, and literature research. As Taxonomists, we need to consider recent descriptions and redescriptions using morphological, genetic and many other characters. However, we must also consider the original, sometimes centuries-old description. Suppose it turns out that we have to redescribe the species or discover a new species. In that case, we have to follow the international code of zoological nomenclature and describe all possible characters as well as compare the species to related taxa.
If you want to learn more about taxonomy, partaxonomy and related topics, please get in touch with us via website, LinkedIn, phone or email.
www.ocean-wolf.com

hashtag#taxonomy hashtag#biodiversity hashtag#parataxonomy hashtag#biosecurity hashtag#aquaculture