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Santos BS, Marques MP, Ceríaco LMP. Lack of country-wide systematic herpetology collections in Portugal jeopardizes future research and conservation. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2024; 96:e20230622. [PMID: 38451598 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202420230622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural History Collections (NHCs) represent the world's largest repositories of long-term biodiversity datasets. Specimen collection and voucher deposition has been the backbone of NHCs since their inception, but recent decades have seen a drastic decline in rates of growth via active collecting. Amphibians and reptiles are amongst the most threatened zoological groups on the planet and are historically underrepresented in most worldwide NHCs. As part of an ongoing project to review the Portuguese zoological collections in the country's NHCs, herpetological data from its three major museums and smaller collections was gathered and used to examine the coverage and representation of the different taxa extant in Portugal. These collections are not taxonomically, geographically, or temporally complete. Approximately 90% of the Portuguese herpetological taxa are represented in the country's NHCs, and around half of the taxa are represented by less than 50 specimens. Geographically, the collections cover less than 30% of the country's territory and almost all of the occurring taxa have less than 10% of their known distribution represented in the collections. A discussion on the implications for science of such incomplete collections and a review of the current status of Portuguese NHCs is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna S Santos
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- Universidade do Porto, Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Rua do Campo Alegre 1021, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Mariana P Marques
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- Universidade do Porto, Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Rua do Campo Alegre 1021, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, U.S.A
| | - Luis M P Ceríaco
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, U.S.A
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Departamento de Vertebrados, Museu Nacional, Quinta da Boavista, São Cristóvão, 20940-040 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Departamento de Zoologia e Antropologia (Museu Bocage), Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência, Rua da Escola Politécnica, 58, 1269-102 Lisboa, Portugal
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2
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Blackburn DC, Boyer DM, Gray JA, Winchester J, Bates JM, Baumgart SL, Braker E, Coldren D, Conway KW, Rabosky AD, de la Sancha N, Dillman CB, Dunnum JL, Early CM, Frable BW, Gage MW, Hanken J, Maisano JA, Marks BD, Maslenikov KP, McCormack JE, Nagesan RS, Pandelis GG, Prestridge HL, Rabosky DL, Randall ZS, Robbins MB, Scheinberg LA, Spencer CL, Summers AP, Tapanila L, Thompson CW, Tornabene L, Watkins-Colwell GJ, Welton LJ, Stanley EL. Increasing the impact of vertebrate scientific collections through 3D imaging: The openVertebrate (oVert) Thematic Collections Network. Bioscience 2024; 74:169-186. [PMID: 38560620 PMCID: PMC10977868 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biad120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The impact of preserved museum specimens is transforming and increasing by three-dimensional (3D) imaging that creates high-fidelity online digital specimens. Through examples from the openVertebrate (oVert) Thematic Collections Network, we describe how we created a digitization community dedicated to the shared vision of making 3D data of specimens available and the impact of these data on a broad audience of scientists, students, teachers, artists, and more. High-fidelity digital 3D models allow people from multiple communities to simultaneously access and use scientific specimens. Based on our multiyear, multi-institution project, we identify significant technological and social hurdles that remain for fully realizing the potential impact of digital 3D specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Blackburn
- Florida Museum of Natural History (FLMNH), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
- Blackburn served as the lead principal investigator for the oVert Thematic Collections Network
| | - Doug M Boyer
- Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Jaimi A Gray
- Florida Museum of Natural History (FLMNH), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
- Blackburn served as the lead principal investigator for the oVert Thematic Collections Network
| | | | - John M Bates
- Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Stephanie L Baumgart
- University of Chicago and University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Emily Braker
- University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Daryl Coldren
- Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Kevin W Conway
- Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States
| | | | - Noé de la Sancha
- Chicago State University DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | | | - Jonathan L Dunnum
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
| | - Catherine M Early
- FLMNH Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
| | - Benjamin W Frable
- Scripps Institute of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Matt W Gage
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - James Hanken
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | | | - Ben D Marks
- Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Zachary S Randall
- Florida Museum of Natural History (FLMNH), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
- Blackburn served as the lead principal investigator for the oVert Thematic Collections Network
| | | | | | - Carol L Spencer
- University of California, Berkeley, in Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Adam P Summers
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Leif Tapanila
- Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho, United States
| | | | - Luke Tornabene
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | | | - Luke J Welton
- University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States
| | | | - Edward L Stanley
- Florida Museum of Natural History (FLMNH), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
- Blackburn served as the lead principal investigator for the oVert Thematic Collections Network
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3
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Johnston MA, Waite ES, Wright ER, Reily BH, De Leon GJ, Esquivel AI, Kerwin J, Salazar M, Sarmiento E, Thiatmaja T, Lee S, Yule K, Franz N. Insect collecting bias in Arizona with a preliminary checklist of the beetles from the Sand Tank Mountains. Biodivers Data J 2023; 11:e101960. [PMID: 37427371 PMCID: PMC10323768 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.11.e101960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The State of Arizona in the south-western United States supports a high diversity of insects. Digitised occurrence records, especially from preserved specimens in natural history collections, are an important and growing resource to understand biodiversity and biogeography. Underlying bias in how insects are collected and what that means for interpreting patterns of insect diversity is largely untested. To explore the effects of insect collecting bias in Arizona, the State was regionalised into specific areas. First, the entire State was divided into broad biogeographic areas by ecoregion. Second, the 81 tallest mountain ranges were mapped on to the State. The distribution of digitised records across these areas were then examined.A case study of surveying the beetles (Insecta, Coleoptera) of the Sand Tank Mountains is presented. The Sand Tanks are a low-elevation range in the Lower Colorado River Basin subregion of the Sonoran Desert from which a single beetle record was published before this study. New information The number of occurrence records and collecting events are very unevenly distributed throughout Arizona and do not strongly correlate with the geographic size of areas. Species richness is estimated for regions in Arizona using rarefaction and extrapolation. Digitised records from the disproportionately highly collected areas in Arizona represent at best 70% the total insect diversity within them. We report a total of 141 species of Coleoptera from the Sand Tank Mountains, based on 914 digitised voucher specimens. These specimens add important new records for taxa that were previously unavailable in digitised data and highlight important biogeographic ranges.Possible underlying mechanisms causing bias are discussed and recommendations are made for future targeted collecting of under-sampled regions. Insect species diversity is apparently at best 70% documented for the State of Arizona with many thousands of species not yet recorded. The Chiricahua Mountains are the most densely sampled region of Arizona and likely contain at least 2,000 species not yet vouchered in online data. Preliminary estimates for species richness of Arizona are at least 21,000 and likely much higher. Limitations to analyses are discussed which highlight the strong need for more insect occurrence data.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Andrew Johnston
- Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States of AmericaBiodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZUnited States of America
| | - Evan S. Waite
- Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States of AmericaBiodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZUnited States of America
| | - Ethan R Wright
- Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States of AmericaBiodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZUnited States of America
| | - Brian H. Reily
- Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States of AmericaBiodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZUnited States of America
| | - Gilma Juanita De Leon
- Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States of AmericaBiodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZUnited States of America
| | - Angela Iran Esquivel
- Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States of AmericaBiodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZUnited States of America
| | - Jacob Kerwin
- Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States of AmericaBiodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZUnited States of America
| | - Maria Salazar
- Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States of AmericaBiodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZUnited States of America
| | - Emiliano Sarmiento
- Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States of AmericaBiodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZUnited States of America
| | - Tommy Thiatmaja
- Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States of AmericaBiodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZUnited States of America
| | - Sangmi Lee
- Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States of AmericaBiodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZUnited States of America
| | - Kelsey Yule
- Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States of AmericaBiodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZUnited States of America
| | - Nico Franz
- Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States of AmericaBiodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZUnited States of America
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4
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Braker EM. Phototank setup and focus stack imaging method for reptile and amphibian specimens (Amphibia, Reptilia). Zookeys 2022; 1134:185-210. [PMID: 36761107 PMCID: PMC9836466 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1134.96103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluid-preserved reptile and amphibian specimens are challenging to photograph with traditional methods due to their complex three-dimensional forms and reflective surfaces when removed from solution. An effective approach to counteract these issues involves combining focus stack photography with the use of a photo immersion tank. Imaging specimens beneath a layer of preservative fluid eliminates glare and risk of specimen desiccation, while focus stacking produces sharp detail through merging multiple photographs taken at successive focal steps to create a composite image with an extended depth of field. This paper describes the wet imaging components and focus stack photography workflow developed while conducting a large-scale digitization project for targeted reptile and amphibian specimens housed in the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History Herpetology Collection. This methodology can be implemented in other collections settings and adapted for use with fluid-preserved specimen types across the Tree of Life to generate high-quality, taxonomically informative images for use in documenting biodiversity, remote examination of fine traits, inclusion in publications, and educational applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Braker
- Vertebrate Zoology, University of Colorado Museum of Natural History, UCB 265, Boulder CO 80309, USAUniversity of Colorado Museum of Natural HistoryBoulderUnited States of America
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5
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Pivarski M, von Konrat M, Campbell T, Qazi-Lampert A, Trouille L, Wade H, Davis A, Aburahmeh S, Aguilar J, Alb C, Alferes K, Barker E, Bitikofer K, Boulware K, Bruton C, Cao S, Corona Jr. A, Christian C, Demiri K, Evans D, Evans N, Flavin C, Gillis J, Gogol V, Heublein E, Huang E, Hutchinson J, Jackson C, Jackson O, Johnson L, Kirihara M, Kivarkis H, Kowalczyk A, Labontu A, Levi B, Lyu I, Martin-Eberhardt S, Mata G, Martinec J, McDonald B, Mira M, Nguyen M, Nguyen P, Nolimal S, Reese V, Ritchie W, Rodriguez J, Rodriguez Y, Shuler J, Silvestre J, Simpson G, Somarriba G, Ssozi R, Suwa T, Syring C, Thirthamattur N, Thompson K, Vaughn C, Viramontes M, Wong CS, Wszolek L. People-Powered Research and Experiential Learning: Unravelling Hidden Biodiversity. RIO 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/rio.8.e83853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, thousands of institutions house nearly three billion scientific collections offering unparallelled resources that contribute to both science and society. For herbaria alone - facilities housing dried plant collections - there are over 3,000 herbaria worldwide with an estimated 350 million specimens that have been collected over the past four centuries. Digitisation has greatly enhanced the use of herbarium data in scientific research, impacting diverse research areas, including biodiversity informatics, global climate change, analyses using next-generation sequencing technologies and many others. Despite the entrance of herbaria into a new era with enhanced scientific, educational and societal relevance, museum specimens remain underused. Natural history museums can enhance learning and engagement in science, particularly for school-age and undergraduate students. Here, we outline a novel approach of a natural history museum using touchscreen technology that formed part of an interactive kiosk in a temporary museum exhibit on biological specimens. We provide some preliminary analysis investigating the efficacy of the tool, based on the Zooniverse platform, in an exhibit environment to engage patrons in the collection of biological data. We conclude there is great potential in using crowd‐sourced science, coupled with online technology to unlock data and information from digital images of natural history specimens themselves. Sixty percent of the records generated by community scientists (citizen scientists) were of high enough quality to be utilised by researchers. All age groups produced valid, high quality data that could be used by researchers, including children (10 and under), teens and adults. Significantly, the paper outlines the implementation of experiential learning through an undergraduate mathematics course that focuses on projects with actual data to gain a deep, practical knowledge of the subject, including observations, the collection of data, analysis and problem solving. We here promote an intergenerational model including children, high school students, undergraduate students, early career scientists and senior scientists, combining experiential learning, museum patrons, researchers and data derived from natural history collections. Natural history museums with their dual remit of education and collections-based research can play a significant role in the field of community engagement and people-powered research. There also remains much to investigate on the use of interactive displays to help learners interpret and appreciate authentic research. We conclude with a brief insight into the next phase of our ongoing people-powered research activities developed and designed by high school students using the Zooniverse platform.
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6
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Brito RN, Souza RCM, Diotaitui L, Lima VS, Ferreira RA. Coleção de Vetores de Tripanosomatídeos (Fiocruz/COLVET) held at the institution Fiocruz Minas in Brazil: diversity of Triatominae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) and relevance for research, education, and entomological surveillance. Zookeys 2021; 1074:17-42. [PMID: 34963751 PMCID: PMC8654810 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1074.69700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Coleção de Vetores de Tripanosomatídeos (Fiocruz/COLVET), Minas Gerais, Brazil, stands out as one of the most important collections of blood-sucking triatomines, the vectors of Trypanosomacruzi that causes Chagas disease. The aim is to describe the collection and the services it provides to support scientific research, educational activities, and entomological surveillance between 2013-2019.The data associated with the specimens held in Fiocruz/COLVET is available from the Sistema de Informação sobre a Biodiversidade Brasileira (SiBBr). These specimen metadata were analyzed and either tabulated or plotted on graph and maps. The records of services provided by the collection between 2013-2019 were also categorized and analyzed. There are 12,568 triatomine specimens deposited in the collection that belong to 77 species and 11 genera, from 15 American countries. Of the ~ 65 species of triatomines found in Brazil, 38 (57.6%) are present in the collection, including specimens from all biomes and all but three Brazilian states. The occurrence of Triatomacostalimai, Triatomalenti, Rhodniusnasutus, and Panstrongyluslenti apparently collected beyond their known distribution ranges are reported and discussed. The collection provided 168 services, supporting educational activities (41.7%), scientific research (35.7%), and regional/national entomological surveillance of triatomines (22.6%). Between the years 2014 and 2020, the number of biological specimens deposited in the Fiocruz/COLVET repository increased from 4,778 to 12,568 triatomine specimens. In addition to its great value to biodiversity conservation, the collection is of great importance because of its support of research and educational activities, and contributions to entomological surveillance, and, therefore, to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raíssa N. Brito
- Grupo Triatomíneos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz – IRR/Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, BrazilInstituto René RachouBelo HorizonteBrazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de Brasília (UnB), Brasília, Distrito Federal, BrazilUniversidade de BrasíliaBrasíliaBrazil
| | - Rita C. M. Souza
- Grupo Triatomíneos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz – IRR/Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, BrazilInstituto René RachouBelo HorizonteBrazil
| | - Liléia Diotaitui
- Grupo Triatomíneos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz – IRR/Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, BrazilInstituto René RachouBelo HorizonteBrazil
| | - Valeria S. Lima
- Grupo Triatomíneos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz – IRR/Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, BrazilInstituto René RachouBelo HorizonteBrazil
| | - Raquel A. Ferreira
- Grupo Triatomíneos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz – IRR/Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, BrazilInstituto René RachouBelo HorizonteBrazil
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Abstract
Biodiversity scientists must be fluent across disciplines; they must possess the quantitative, computational, and data skills necessary for working with large, complex data sets, and they must have foundational skills and content knowledge from ecology, evolution, taxonomy, and systematics. To effectively train the emerging workforce, we must teach science as we conduct science and embrace emerging concepts of data acumen alongside the knowledge, tools, and techniques foundational to organismal biology. We present an open education resource that updates the traditional plant collection exercise to incorporate best practices in twenty-first century collecting and to contextualize the activities that build data acumen. Students exposed to this resource gained skills and content knowledge in plant taxonomy and systematics, as well as a nuanced understanding of collections-based data resources. We discuss the importance of the extended specimen in fostering scientific discovery and reinforcing foundational concepts in biodiversity science, taxonomy, and systematics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Monfils
- Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Erica R Krimmel
- Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States
| | - Debra L Linton
- Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | | | - Ashley B Morris
- Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina, United States
| | - Brad R Ruhfel
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
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8
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Edwards SV, Robin V, Ferrand N, Moritz C. The evolution of comparative phylogeography: putting the geography (and more) into comparative population genomics. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 14:6339579. [PMID: 34347070 PMCID: PMC8743039 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evab176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Comparative population genomics is an ascendant field using genomic comparisons between species to draw inferences about forces regulating genetic variation. Comparative phylogeography, by contrast, focuses on the shared lineage histories of species codistributed geographically and is decidedly organismal in perspective. Comparative phylogeography is approximately 35 years old, and, by some metrics, is showing signs of reduced growth. Here, we contrast the goals and methods of comparative population genomics and comparative phylogeography and argue that comparative phylogeography offers an important perspective on evolutionary history that succeeds in integrating genomics with landscape evolution in ways that complement the suprageographic perspective of comparative population genomics. Focusing primarily on terrestrial vertebrates, we review the history of comparative phylogeography, its milestones and ongoing conceptual innovations, its increasingly global focus, and its status as a bridge between landscape genomics and the process of speciation. We also argue that, as a science with a strong “sense of place,” comparative phylogeography offers abundant “place-based” educational opportunities with its focus on geography and natural history, as well as opportunities for collaboration with local communities and indigenous peoples. Although comparative phylogeography does not yet require whole-genome sequencing for many of its goals, we conclude that it nonetheless plays an important role in grounding our interpretation of genetic variation in the fundamentals of geography and Earth history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott V Edwards
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.,Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Vv Robin
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, Karakambadi Road, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, 517507, India
| | - Nuno Ferrand
- CIBIO/InBIO, Laboratório Associado, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Craig Moritz
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 0200, Australia
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9
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Berger A, Petschenka G, Degenkolb T, Geisthardt M, Vilcinskas A. Insect Collections as an Untapped Source of Bioactive Compounds-Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) and Cardiotonic Steroids as a Proof of Concept. Insects 2021; 12:689. [PMID: 34442254 PMCID: PMC8396437 DOI: 10.3390/insects12080689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Natural history collections provide an invaluable basis for systematics, ecology, and conservation. Besides being an important source of DNA, museum specimens may also contain a plethora of natural products. Especially, dried insect collections represent a global repository with billions of inventoried vouchers. Due to their vast diversity, insects possess a great variety of defensive compounds, which they either produce autogenously or derive from the environment. Here, we present a case study on fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae), which produce bufadienolides as a defense against predators. These toxins belong to the cardiotonic steroids, which are used for the treatment of cardiac diseases and specifically inhibit the animal enzyme Na+/K+-ATPase. Bufadienolides have been reported from only seven out of approximately 2000 described firefly species. Using a non-destructive approach, we screened 72 dry coleopteran specimens for bufadienolides using HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS. We found bufadienolides including five novel compounds in 21 species of the subfamily Lampyrinae. The absence of bufadienolides in the phylogenetically related net-winged beetles (Lycidae) and the lampyrid subfamilies Luciolinae and Lamprohizinae indicates a phylogenetic pattern of bufadienolide synthesis. Our results emphasize the value of natural history collections as an archive of chemical information for ecological and evolutionary basic research and as an untapped source for novel bioactive compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Berger
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26–32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (A.B.); (T.D.)
| | - Georg Petschenka
- Department of Applied Entomology, Institute of Phytomedicine, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Otto-Sander-Strasse 5, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Thomas Degenkolb
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26–32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (A.B.); (T.D.)
| | | | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26–32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (A.B.); (T.D.)
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergs-weg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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10
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Ceríaco LM, Parrinha D, Marques MP. Saving collections: taxonomic revision of the herpetological collection of the Instituto de Investigação Científica Tropical, Lisbon (Portugal) with a protocol to rescue abandoned collections. Zookeys 2021; 1052:85-156. [PMID: 34393554 PMCID: PMC8346433 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1052.64607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The herpetological collections of the Instituto de Investigação Científica Tropical, Lisbon, are amongst the most important collections from the former Portuguese territories in Africa and Asia. The collection comprises more than 5000 preserved specimens, including type specimens of nine taxa, Trachylepis adamastor, Trachypelis thomensis, Panaspis thomensis, Naja peroescobari, Dalophia angolensis, Hemidactylus nzingae, Boaedon fradei, Platysaurus maculatus maculatus, and Platysaurus maculatus lineicauda. The collection was abandoned in the early years of 2000s and was at risk of being lost. In this paper the entire collection is reviewed, a catalogue provided of the extant specimens, and a brief account of the history of herpetological research at IICT given. Details are also provided on the recovery of the collection and a protocol to rescue abandoned collections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M.P. Ceríaco
- Museu de História Natural e da Ciência da Universidade do Porto, Praça Gomes Teixeira 4099-002 Porto, PortugalUniversidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
- Departamento de Zoologia e Antropologia (Museu Bocage), Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência, Universidade de Lisboa, Rua da Escola Politécnica, 58, 1269-102 Lisboa, PortugalMuseu de História Natural e da Ciência da Universidade do PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Diogo Parrinha
- Departamento de Zoologia e Antropologia (Museu Bocage), Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência, Universidade de Lisboa, Rua da Escola Politécnica, 58, 1269-102 Lisboa, PortugalMuseu de História Natural e da Ciência da Universidade do PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Mariana P. Marques
- Departamento de Zoologia e Antropologia (Museu Bocage), Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência, Universidade de Lisboa, Rua da Escola Politécnica, 58, 1269-102 Lisboa, PortugalMuseu de História Natural e da Ciência da Universidade do PortoPortoPortugal
- Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos (CIBIO), InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Rua Padre Armando Quintas 7, Vairão, 4485-661 Porto, PortugalUniversidade do PortoPortoPortugal
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11
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Lopes RJ, Faria PMV, Gomes D, Freitas B, Málinger J. The Hummingbird Collection of the Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto (MHNC-UP), Portugal. Biodivers Data J 2021; 9:e59913. [PMID: 34393580 PMCID: PMC8324581 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.9.e59913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Hummingbird (Family Trochilidae) Collection of the Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto (MHNC-UP) is one of the oldest collections of this family harboured in European museums. Almost 2,000 specimens, that encompass most of the taxonomic diversity of this family, were collected in the late 19th Century. The collection is relevant due its antiquity and because all specimens were bought from the same provider, mainly as mounted specimens, for a Portuguese private collection of Neotropical fauna. In the early 20th Century, it was donated to the Museum that is now the MHNC-UP. NEW INFORMATION The information about the majority of these specimens is now available for consultation on the GBIF platform after curation of all specimens and digital cleaning of the associated metadata. In the process, hundreds of non-catalogued specimens were found and taxonomic and spatial information was updated for many of the specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Jorge Lopes
- MHNC-UP, Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto, Porto, PortugalMHNC-UP, Natural History and Science Museum of the University of PortoPortoPortugal
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Vairão, PortugalCIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus Agrário de VairãoVairãoPortugal
| | - Pedro Miguel Vieira Faria
- FCUP, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Porto, PortugalFCUP, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Daniela Gomes
- FCUP, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Porto, PortugalFCUP, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Bárbara Freitas
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Vairão, PortugalCIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus Agrário de VairãoVairãoPortugal
- FCUP, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Porto, PortugalFCUP, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Judit Málinger
- University of Pannonia, Veszprem, HungaryUniversity of PannoniaVeszpremHungary
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12
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Colella JP, Bates J, Burneo SF, Camacho MA, Carrion Bonilla C, Constable I, D'Elía G, Dunnum JL, Greiman S, Hoberg EP, Lessa E, Liphardt SW, Londoño-Gaviria M, Losos E, Lutz HL, Ordóñez Garza N, Peterson AT, Martin ML, Ribas CC, Struminger B, Torres-Pérez F, Thompson CW, Weksler M, Cook JA. Leveraging natural history biorepositories as a global, decentralized, pathogen surveillance network. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009583. [PMID: 34081744 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic reveals a major gap in global biosecurity infrastructure: a lack of publicly available biological samples representative across space, time, and taxonomic diversity. The shortfall, in this case for vertebrates, prevents accurate and rapid identification and monitoring of emerging pathogens and their reservoir host(s) and precludes extended investigation of ecological, evolutionary, and environmental associations that lead to human infection or spillover. Natural history museum biorepositories form the backbone of a critically needed, decentralized, global network for zoonotic pathogen surveillance, yet this infrastructure remains marginally developed, underutilized, underfunded, and disconnected from public health initiatives. Proactive detection and mitigation for emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) requires expanded biodiversity infrastructure and training (particularly in biodiverse and lower income countries) and new communication pipelines that connect biorepositories and biomedical communities. To this end, we highlight a novel adaptation of Project ECHO’s virtual community of practice model: Museums and Emerging Pathogens in the Americas (MEPA). MEPA is a virtual network aimed at fostering communication, coordination, and collaborative problem-solving among pathogen researchers, public health officials, and biorepositories in the Americas. MEPA now acts as a model of effective international, interdisciplinary collaboration that can and should be replicated in other biodiversity hotspots. We encourage deposition of wildlife specimens and associated data with public biorepositories, regardless of original collection purpose, and urge biorepositories to embrace new specimen sources, types, and uses to maximize strategic growth and utility for EID research. Taxonomically, geographically, and temporally deep biorepository archives serve as the foundation of a proactive and increasingly predictive approach to zoonotic spillover, risk assessment, and threat mitigation.
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13
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14
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Ferguson AW. On the role of (and threat to) natural history museums in mammal conservation: an African small mammal perspective. Journal of Vertebrate Biology 2020. [DOI: 10.25225/jvb.20028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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15
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Jaimes P, Libarkin JC, Conrad D. College Student Conceptions about Changes to Earth and Life over Time. CBE Life Sci Educ 2020; 19:ar35. [PMID: 32762599 PMCID: PMC8711836 DOI: 10.1187/cbe.19-01-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
While interdisciplinary collaboration is desired among researchers, traditional science instruction generally results in science disciplines being taught as separate entities. This study focuses on student understanding of concepts at the intersection of two isolated disciplines-geoscience and bioscience-across two purposeful samples of college-aged students (United States, Germany). Specifically, we explored: 1) how students conceptualize large-scale biologic and geologic changes on Earth over deep time; 2) the relationship between student's conceptions and their understanding of evolutionary and geologic theories; and 3) how those conceptualizations explicate the need for integration of concepts within school curricula. Students were asked to respond to items about seven major evolutionary events in Earth's history (biosciences) and perceived changes to Earth's size and continental positions over time (geosciences). Both groups exhibited difficulties understanding absolute ages in deep time, although Young Earth and Young Life perspectives were present in the U.S. group and absent in the German group. Conceptions about changes to Earth's size and continental positions over time were consistent across both groups. Findings highlight the need for scientific education instruction in both countries that is interdisciplinary in content.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dominik Conrad
- University of Education Ludwigsburg, D-71634
Ludwigsburg, Germany
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16
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Miller SE, Barrow LN, Ehlman SM, Goodheart JA, Greiman SE, Lutz HL, Misiewicz TM, Smith SM, Tan M, Thawley CJ, Cook JA, Light JE. Building Natural History Collections for the Twenty-First Century and Beyond. Bioscience 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biaa069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Natural history collections (NHCs) are important resources for a diverse array of scientific fields. Recent digitization initiatives have broadened the user base of NHCs, and new technological innovations are using materials generated from collections to address novel scientific questions. Simultaneously, NHCs are increasingly imperiled by reductions in funding and resources. Ensuring that NHCs continue to serve as a valuable resource for future generations will require the scientific community to increase their contribution to and acknowledgement of collections. We provide recommendations and guidelines for scientists to support NHCs, focusing particularly on new users that may be unfamiliar with collections. We hope that this perspective will motivate debate on the future of NHCs and the role of the scientific community in maintaining and improving biological collections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Miller
- Cornell University Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Ithaca, New York
| | - Lisa N Barrow
- Museum of Southwestern Biology and with the Biology Department, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
| | - Sean M Ehlman
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Department, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Saint Paul
| | - Jessica A Goodheart
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, in Santa Barbara, California
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Stephen E Greiman
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro Georgia
| | - Holly L Lutz
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Tracy M Misiewicz
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman
| | - Stephanie M Smith
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Milton Tan
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana–Champaign, Champaign
| | - Christopher J Thawley
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston
- Department of Mathematics and Sciences, Neumann University, Aston, Pennsylvania
| | - Joseph A Cook
- Museum of Southwestern Biology and with the Biology Department, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
| | - Jessica E Light
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station
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17
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Bell RC, Mulcahy DG, Gotte SW, Maley AJ, Mendoza C, Steffensen G, Barron II JC, Hyman O, Flint W, Wynn A, Mcdiarmid RW, Mcleod DS. The Type Locality Project: collecting genomic-quality, topotypic vouchers and training the next generation of specimen-based researchers. SYST BIODIVERS 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2020.1769224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rayna C. Bell
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA
| | - Daniel G. Mulcahy
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA
- Global Genome Initiative, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA
| | - Steve W. Gotte
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA
- U. S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, National Museum of Natural History, Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD 20746, USA
| | - Abigail J. Maley
- Biology Department, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA 22802, USA
- Division of Integrated Sciences, Wilson College, Chambersburg, PA 17201, USA
| | - Cerrie Mendoza
- Biology Department, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA 22802, USA
| | - Gregory Steffensen
- Department of Biology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA
| | - Joseph C. Barron II
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Oliver Hyman
- Department of Biology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA
| | - William Flint
- Department of Biology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA
| | - Addison Wynn
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA
| | - Roy W. Mcdiarmid
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA
- U. S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, National Museum of Natural History, Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD 20746, USA
| | - David S. Mcleod
- Department of Biology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA
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18
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Ellwood ER, Sessa JA, Abraham JK, Budden AE, Douglas N, Guralnick R, Krimmel E, Langen T, Linton D, Phillips M, Soltis PS, Studer M, White LD, Williams J, Monfils AK. Biodiversity Science and the Twenty-First Century Workforce. Bioscience 2020; 70:119-121. [PMID: 32063647 PMCID: PMC7012771 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biz147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Ellwood
- Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, La Brea Tar Pits, Los Angeles, California.,Contributed equally production of the manuscript
| | - Jocelyn Anne Sessa
- Department of Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Joel K Abraham
- Department of Biological Science, California State University, Fullerton
| | - Amber E Budden
- National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, University of California, Santa Barbara
| | - Natalie Douglas
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant
| | - Robert Guralnick
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville
| | - Erica Krimmel
- Institute for Digital Information and Scientific Communication, Florida State University, Tallahassee
| | - Tom Langen
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, New York
| | - Debra Linton
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant
| | - Molly Phillips
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville
| | - Pamela S Soltis
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville
| | - Marie Studer
- Biodiversity education consultant, Stow, Massachusetts
| | - Lisa D White
- Museum of Paleontology, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Jason Williams
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's DNA Learning Center, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | - Anna K Monfils
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant.,Contributed equally production of the manuscript
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19
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Bakker FT, Antonelli A, Clarke JA, Cook JA, Edwards SV, Ericson PGP, Faurby S, Ferrand N, Gelang M, Gillespie RG, Irestedt M, Lundin K, Larsson E, Matos-Maraví P, Müller J, von Proschwitz T, Roderick GK, Schliep A, Wahlberg N, Wiedenhoeft J, Källersjö M. The Global Museum: natural history collections and the future of evolutionary science and public education. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8225. [PMID: 32025365 PMCID: PMC6993751 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural history museums are unique spaces for interdisciplinary research and educational innovation. Through extensive exhibits and public programming and by hosting rich communities of amateurs, students, and researchers at all stages of their careers, they can provide a place-based window to focus on integration of science and discovery, as well as a locus for community engagement. At the same time, like a synthesis radio telescope, when joined together through emerging digital resources, the global community of museums (the ‘Global Museum’) is more than the sum of its parts, allowing insights and answers to diverse biological, environmental, and societal questions at the global scale, across eons of time, and spanning vast diversity across the Tree of Life. We argue that, whereas natural history collections and museums began with a focus on describing the diversity and peculiarities of species on Earth, they are now increasingly leveraged in new ways that significantly expand their impact and relevance. These new directions include the possibility to ask new, often interdisciplinary questions in basic and applied science, such as in biomimetic design, and by contributing to solutions to climate change, global health and food security challenges. As institutions, they have long been incubators for cutting-edge research in biology while simultaneously providing core infrastructure for research on present and future societal needs. Here we explore how the intersection between pressing issues in environmental and human health and rapid technological innovation have reinforced the relevance of museum collections. We do this by providing examples as food for thought for both the broader academic community and museum scientists on the evolving role of museums. We also identify challenges to the realization of the full potential of natural history collections and the Global Museum to science and society and discuss the critical need to grow these collections. We then focus on mapping and modelling of museum data (including place-based approaches and discovery), and explore the main projects, platforms and databases enabling this growth. Finally, we aim to improve relevant protocols for the long-term storage of specimens and tissues, ensuring proper connection with tomorrow’s technologies and hence further increasing the relevance of natural history museums.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freek T Bakker
- Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Julia A Clarke
- Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States of America
| | - Joseph A Cook
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Scott V Edwards
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States of America.,Gothenburg Centre for Advanced Studies in Science and Technology, Chalmers University of Technology and University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Per G P Ericson
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Søren Faurby
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Nuno Ferrand
- Museu de História Natural e da Ciência, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Magnus Gelang
- Department of Zoology, Gothenburg Natural History Museum, Göteborg, Sweden.,Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Rosemary G Gillespie
- Essig Museum of Entomology, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - Martin Irestedt
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kennet Lundin
- Department of Zoology, Gothenburg Natural History Museum, Göteborg, Sweden.,Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Ellen Larsson
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden.,Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Pável Matos-Maraví
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Johannes Müller
- Leibniz-Institut für Evolutions- und Biodiversitätsforschung, Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ted von Proschwitz
- Department of Zoology, Gothenburg Natural History Museum, Göteborg, Sweden.,Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - George K Roderick
- Essig Museum of Entomology, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - Alexander Schliep
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | | | - John Wiedenhoeft
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Mari Källersjö
- Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden.,Gothenburg Botanical Garden, Göteborg, Sweden
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20
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Cobb NS, Gall LF, Zaspel JM, Dowdy NJ, McCabe LM, Kawahara AY. Assessment of North American arthropod collections: prospects and challenges for addressing biodiversity research. PeerJ 2019; 7:e8086. [PMID: 31788358 PMCID: PMC6882419 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 300 million arthropod specimens are housed in North American natural history collections. These collections represent a "vast hidden treasure trove" of biodiversity -95% of the specimen label data have yet to be transcribed for research, and less than 2% of the specimens have been imaged. Specimen labels contain crucial information to determine species distributions over time and are essential for understanding patterns of ecology and evolution, which will help assess the growing biodiversity crisis driven by global change impacts. Specimen images offer indispensable insight and data for analyses of traits, and ecological and phylogenetic patterns of biodiversity. Here, we review North American arthropod collections using two key metrics, specimen holdings and digitization efforts, to assess the potential for collections to provide needed biodiversity data. We include data from 223 arthropod collections in North America, with an emphasis on the United States. Our specific findings are as follows: (1) The majority of North American natural history collections (88%) and specimens (89%) are located in the United States. Canada has comparable holdings to the United States relative to its estimated biodiversity. Mexico has made the furthest progress in terms of digitization, but its specimen holdings should be increased to reflect the estimated higher Mexican arthropod diversity. The proportion of North American collections that has been digitized, and the number of digital records available per species, are both much lower for arthropods when compared to chordates and plants. (2) The National Science Foundation's decade-long ADBC program (Advancing Digitization of Biological Collections) has been transformational in promoting arthropod digitization. However, even if this program became permanent, at current rates, by the year 2050 only 38% of the existing arthropod specimens would be digitized, and less than 1% would have associated digital images. (3) The number of specimens in collections has increased by approximately 1% per year over the past 30 years. We propose that this rate of increase is insufficient to provide enough data to address biodiversity research needs, and that arthropod collections should aim to triple their rate of new specimen acquisition. (4) The collections we surveyed in the United States vary broadly in a number of indicators. Collectively, there is depth and breadth, with smaller collections providing regional depth and larger collections providing greater global coverage. (5) Increased coordination across museums is needed for digitization efforts to target taxa for research and conservation goals and address long-term data needs. Two key recommendations emerge: collections should significantly increase both their specimen holdings and their digitization efforts to empower continental and global biodiversity data pipelines, and stimulate downstream research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil S. Cobb
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States of America
| | - Lawrence F. Gall
- Entomology Division, Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Jennifer M. Zaspel
- Department of Zoology, Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, WI, United States of America
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States of America
| | - Nicolas J. Dowdy
- Department of Zoology, Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, WI, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States of America
| | - Lindsie M. McCabe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States of America
| | - Akito Y. Kawahara
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
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21
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Lendemer J, Thiers B, Monfils AK, Zaspel J, Ellwood ER, Bentley A, LeVan K, Bates J, Jennings D, Contreras D, Lagomarsino L, Mabee P, Ford LS, Guralnick R, Gropp RE, Revelez M, Cobb N, Seltmann K, Aime MC. The Extended Specimen Network: A Strategy to Enhance US Biodiversity Collections, Promote Research and Education. Bioscience 2019; 70:23-30. [PMID: 31949317 PMCID: PMC6956879 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biz140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara Thiers
- Biodiversity Collections Network Advisory Committee.,New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York
| | - Anna K Monfils
- Biodiversity Collections Network Advisory Committee.,Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
| | - Jennifer Zaspel
- Biodiversity Collections Network Advisory Committee.,Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Elizabeth R Ellwood
- La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California
| | - Andrew Bentley
- Biodiversity Collections Network Advisory Committee.,University of Kansas Natural History Museum, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Katherine LeVan
- New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York.,National Ecological Observatory Network, Boulder, Colorado
| | - John Bates
- Biodiversity Collections Network Advisory Committee.,Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Illinois
| | - David Jennings
- Biodiversity Collections Network Advisory Committee.,Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | | | - Paula Mabee
- University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota
| | - Linda S Ford
- Biodiversity Collections Network Advisory Committee.,Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Robert Guralnick
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Robert E Gropp
- Biodiversity Collections Network Advisory Committee.,American Institute of Biological Sciences, Washington, DC
| | | | - Neil Cobb
- Merriam-Powell Center, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona
| | - Katja Seltmann
- Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration, University of California, Santa Barbara
| | - M Catherine Aime
- Purdue University Herbaria, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
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Heberling JM, Prather LA, Tonsor SJ. The Changing Uses of Herbarium Data in an Era of Global Change: An Overview Using Automated Content Analysis. Bioscience 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biz094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Widespread specimen digitization has greatly enhanced the use of herbarium data in scientific research. Publications using herbarium data have increased exponentially over the last century. Here, we review changing uses of herbaria through time with a computational text analysis of 13,702 articles from 1923 to 2017 that quantitatively complements traditional review approaches. Although maintaining its core contribution to taxonomic knowledge, herbarium use has diversified from a few dominant research topics a century ago (e.g., taxonomic notes, botanical history, local observations), with many topics only recently emerging (e.g., biodiversity informatics, global change biology, DNA analyses). Specimens are now appreciated as temporally and spatially extensive sources of genotypic, phenotypic, and biogeographic data. Specimens are increasingly used in ways that influence our ability to steward future biodiversity. As we enter the Anthropocene, herbaria have likewise entered a new era with enhanced scientific, educational, and societal relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - L Alan Prather
- Department of Plant Biology at Michigan State University
| | - Stephen J Tonsor
- Director of Science & Research, Carnegie Museum of Natural History
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23
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Lamichhaney S, Card DC, Grayson P, Tonini JFR, Bravo GA, Näpflin K, Termignoni-Garcia F, Torres C, Burbrink F, Clarke JA, Sackton TB, Edwards SV. Integrating natural history collections and comparative genomics to study the genetic architecture of convergent evolution. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20180248. [PMID: 31154982 PMCID: PMC6560268 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolutionary convergence has been long considered primary evidence of adaptation driven by natural selection and provides opportunities to explore evolutionary repeatability and predictability. In recent years, there has been increased interest in exploring the genetic mechanisms underlying convergent evolution, in part, owing to the advent of genomic techniques. However, the current 'genomics gold rush' in studies of convergence has overshadowed the reality that most trait classifications are quite broadly defined, resulting in incomplete or potentially biased interpretations of results. Genomic studies of convergence would be greatly improved by integrating deep 'vertical', natural history knowledge with 'horizontal' knowledge focusing on the breadth of taxonomic diversity. Natural history collections have and continue to be best positioned for increasing our comprehensive understanding of phenotypic diversity, with modern practices of digitization and databasing of morphological traits providing exciting improvements in our ability to evaluate the degree of morphological convergence. Combining more detailed phenotypic data with the well-established field of genomics will enable scientists to make progress on an important goal in biology: to understand the degree to which genetic or molecular convergence is associated with phenotypic convergence. Although the fields of comparative biology or comparative genomics alone can separately reveal important insights into convergent evolution, here we suggest that the synergistic and complementary roles of natural history collection-derived phenomic data and comparative genomics methods can be particularly powerful in together elucidating the genomic basis of convergent evolution among higher taxa. This article is part of the theme issue 'Convergent evolution in the genomics era: new insights and directions'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangeet Lamichhaney
- 1 Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University , Cambridge, MA 02138 , USA
- 2 Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University , Cambridge, MA 02138 , USA
| | - Daren C Card
- 1 Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University , Cambridge, MA 02138 , USA
- 2 Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University , Cambridge, MA 02138 , USA
- 4 Department of Biology, University of Texas Arlington , Arlington, TX 76019 , USA
| | - Phil Grayson
- 1 Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University , Cambridge, MA 02138 , USA
- 2 Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University , Cambridge, MA 02138 , USA
| | - João F R Tonini
- 1 Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University , Cambridge, MA 02138 , USA
- 2 Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University , Cambridge, MA 02138 , USA
| | - Gustavo A Bravo
- 1 Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University , Cambridge, MA 02138 , USA
- 2 Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University , Cambridge, MA 02138 , USA
| | - Kathrin Näpflin
- 1 Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University , Cambridge, MA 02138 , USA
- 2 Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University , Cambridge, MA 02138 , USA
| | - Flavia Termignoni-Garcia
- 1 Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University , Cambridge, MA 02138 , USA
- 2 Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University , Cambridge, MA 02138 , USA
| | - Christopher Torres
- 5 Department of Biology, The University of Texas at Austin , Austin, MA 78712 , USA
- 6 Department of Geological Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin , Austin, MA 78712 , USA
| | - Frank Burbrink
- 7 Department of Herpetology, The American Museum of Natural History , New York, NY 10024 , USA
| | - Julia A Clarke
- 5 Department of Biology, The University of Texas at Austin , Austin, MA 78712 , USA
- 6 Department of Geological Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin , Austin, MA 78712 , USA
| | | | - Scott V Edwards
- 1 Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University , Cambridge, MA 02138 , USA
- 2 Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University , Cambridge, MA 02138 , USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Cook
- Biology Department and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Jessica E Light
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences and Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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25
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A.-S. Blervacq
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576 – UGSF – Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, Lille, France
| | - J. Vizioli
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, U-1192 – Laboratoire Protéomique, Réponse Inflammatoire et Spectrométrie de Masse - PRISM, Lille, France
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Dunnum JL, McLean BS, Dowler RC. Mammal collections of the Western Hemisphere: a survey and directory of collections. J Mammal 2018; 99:1307-1322. [PMID: 30538340 PMCID: PMC6283736 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyy151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
As a periodic assessment of the mammal collection resource, the Systematic Collections Committee (SCC) of the American Society of Mammalogists undertakes decadal surveys of the collections held in the Western Hemisphere. The SCC surveyed 429 collections and compiled a directory of 395 active collections containing 5,275,155 catalogued specimens. Over the past decade, 43 collections have been lost or transferred and 38 new or unsurveyed collections were added. Growth in number of total specimens, expansion of genomic resource collections, and substantial gains in digitization and web accessibility were documented, as well as slight shifts in proportional representation of taxonomic groups owing to increasingly balanced geographic representation of collections relative to previous surveys. While we find the overall health of Western Hemisphere collections to be adequate in some areas, gaps in spatial and temporal coverage and clear threats to long-term growth and vitality of these resources have also been identified. Major expansion of the collective mammal collection resource along with a recommitment to appropriate levels of funding will be required to meet the challenges ahead for mammalogists and other users, and to ensure samples are broad and varied enough that unanticipated future needs can be powerfully addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan L Dunnum
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Bryan S McLean
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Robert C Dowler
- Department of Biology, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX, USA
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Schmitt CJ, Cook JA, Zamudio KR, Edwards SV. Museum specimens of terrestrial vertebrates are sensitive indicators of environmental change in the Anthropocene. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 374:20170387. [PMID: 30455205 PMCID: PMC6282080 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural history museums and the specimen collections they curate are vital scientific infrastructure, a fact as true today as it was when biologists began collecting and preserving specimens over 200 years ago. The importance of museum specimens in studies of taxonomy, systematics, ecology and evolutionary biology is evidenced by a rich and abundant literature, yet creative and novel uses of specimens are constantly broadening the impact of natural history collections on biodiversity science and global sustainability. Excellent examples of the critical importance of specimens come from their use in documenting the consequences of environmental change, which is particularly relevant considering the alarming rate at which we now modify our planet in the Anthropocene. In this review, we highlight the important role of bird, mammal and amphibian specimens in documenting the Anthropocene and provide examples that underscore the need for continued collection of museum specimens.This article is part of the theme issue 'Biological collections for understanding biodiversity in the Anthropocene'.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Jonathan Schmitt
- Museum of Comparative Zoology and Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Joseph A Cook
- Museum of Southwestern Biology & Biology Department, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Kelly R Zamudio
- Museum of Vertebrates and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Scott V Edwards
- Museum of Comparative Zoology and Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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28
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Bell KC, Carlson CJ, Phillips AJ. Parasite Collections: Overlooked Resources for Integrative Research and Conservation. Trends Parasitol 2018; 34:637-639. [PMID: 29759934 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Parasite natural history collections form vital scientific infrastructure that play a substantial role in increasing awareness of the importance of parasites to ecosystems, conservation assessments, science, and society. These collections support novel investigations that integrate across taxa, time, and space, and should be cultivated to advance organismal-based science. Promoting and supporting parasite collections will ensure their ongoing stability and accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayce C Bell
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Colin J Carlson
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC), University of Maryland, Annapolis, MD, USA
| | - Anna J Phillips
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA.
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29
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Pauli JN, Newsome SD, Cook JA, Harrod C, Steffan SA, Baker CJ, Ben-David M, Bloom D, Bowen GJ, Cerling TE, Cicero C, Cook C, Dohm M, Dharampal PS, Graves G, Gropp R, Hobson KA, Jordan C, MacFadden B, Pilaar Birch S, Poelen J, Ratnasingham S, Russell L, Stricker CA, Uhen MD, Yarnes CT, Hayden B. Opinion: Why we need a centralized repository for isotopic data. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:2997-3001. [PMID: 28325883 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1701742114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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30
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von Konrat M, Campbell T, Carter B, Greif M, Bryson M, Larraín J, Trouille L, Cohen S, Gaus E, Qazi A, Ribbens E, Livshultz T, Walker TJ, Suwa T, Peterson T, Rodriguez Y, Vaughn C, Yang C, Aburahmeh S, Carstensen B, de Lange P, Delavoi C, Strauss K, Drag J, Aguero B, Snyder C, Martinec J, Smith A. Using citizen science to bridge taxonomic discovery with education and outreach. Appl Plant Sci 2018; 6:e1023. [PMID: 29732254 PMCID: PMC5851566 DOI: 10.1002/aps3.1023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE OF THE STUDY Biological collections are uniquely poised to inform the stewardship of life on Earth in a time of cataclysmic biodiversity loss. Efforts to fully leverage collections are impeded by a lack of trained taxonomists and a lack of interest and engagement by the public. We provide a model of a crowd-sourced data collection project that produces quality taxonomic data sets and empowers citizen scientists through real contributions to science. Entitled MicroPlants, the project is a collaboration between taxonomists, citizen science experts, and teachers and students from universities and K-12. METHODS We developed an online tool that allows citizen scientists to measure photographs of specimens of a hyper-diverse group of liverworts from a biodiversity hotspot. RESULTS Using the MicroPlants online tool, citizen scientists are generating high-quality data, with preliminary analysis indicating non-expert data can be comparable to expert data. DISCUSSION More than 11,000 users from both the website and kiosk versions have contributed to the data set, which is demonstrably aiding taxonomists working toward establishing conservation priorities within this group. MicroPlants provides opportunities for public participation in authentic science research. The project's educational component helps move youth toward engaging in scientific thinking and has been adopted by several universities into curriculum for both biology and non-biology majors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Campbell
- Department of BiologyNortheastern Illinois UniversityChicagoIllinois60625USA
| | - Ben Carter
- Department of Biological SciencesSan Jose State UniversitySan JoseCalifornia95192USA
| | - Matthew Greif
- Biology DepartmentWilbur Wright CollegeChicagoIllinois60634USA
| | - Mike Bryson
- College of Arts and SciencesRoosevelt UniversityChicagoIllinois60605USA
| | - Juan Larraín
- Instituto de BiologíaPontificia Universidad Católica de ValparaísoValparaísoChile
| | | | - Steve Cohen
- College of Arts and SciencesRoosevelt UniversityChicagoIllinois60605USA
| | - Eve Gaus
- Field Museum of Natural HistoryChicagoIllinois60605USA
| | - Ayesha Qazi
- Northside College PrepChicagoIllinois60625USA
| | - Eric Ribbens
- Department of Biological SciencesWestern Illinois UniversityMacombIllinois61455USA
| | - Tatyana Livshultz
- Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental SciencesDrexel UniversityPhiladelphiaPennsylvania19104USA
| | | | - Tomomi Suwa
- Field Museum of Natural HistoryChicagoIllinois60605USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Selma Aburahmeh
- Department of BiologyNortheastern Illinois UniversityChicagoIllinois60625USA
| | - Brian Carstensen
- Instituto de BiologíaPontificia Universidad Católica de ValparaísoValparaísoChile
| | - Peter de Lange
- Department of Natural SciencesUNITEC Institute of TechnologyAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Charlie Delavoi
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology DepartmentUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsConnecticut06269USA
| | | | - Justyna Drag
- Department of BiologyNortheastern Illinois UniversityChicagoIllinois60625USA
| | - Blanka Aguero
- Department of BiologyDuke UniversityDurhamNorth Carolina27708USA
| | - Chris Snyder
- Instituto de BiologíaPontificia Universidad Católica de ValparaísoValparaísoChile
| | | | - Arfon Smith
- Instituto de BiologíaPontificia Universidad Católica de ValparaísoValparaísoChile
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31
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Hope AG, Sandercock BK, Malaney JL. Collection of Scientific Specimens: Benefits for Biodiversity Sciences and Limited Impacts on Communities of Small Mammals. Bioscience 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/bix141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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32
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Hiller AE, Cicero C, Albe MJ, Barclay TLW, Spencer CL, Koo MS, Bowie RCK, Lacey EA. Mutualism in museums: A model for engaging undergraduates in biodiversity science. PLoS Biol 2017; 15:e2003318. [PMID: 29161253 PMCID: PMC5716603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2003318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Museums have an untapped potential to engage students in hands-on learning. Here, we describe the development of a tiered museum-based program at the University of California, Berkeley as a model for engaging undergraduates in biodiversity science. This decade-long effort to increase student participation in collections demonstrates the mutual benefits of undergraduate involvement. Museums benefit from critical help in collections care and an increased intellectual vitality, while students simultaneously gain essential research skills and an unparalleled exposure to biodiversity. Five first steps to creating a program are: dedicate a coordinator, offer credit, diversify participation, create a tiered structure, and build community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E. Hiller
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AEH); (CC)
| | - Carla Cicero
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AEH); (CC)
| | - Monica J. Albe
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Theresa L. W. Barclay
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Carol L. Spencer
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Michelle S. Koo
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Rauri C. K. Bowie
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Eileen A. Lacey
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
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33
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Drew JA, Moreau CS, Stiassny MLJ. Digitization of museum collections holds the potential to enhance researcher diversity. Nat Ecol Evol 2017; 1:1789-90. [DOI: 10.1038/s41559-017-0401-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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34
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Monfils AK, Powers KE, Marshall CJ, Martine CT, Smith JF, Prather LA. Natural History Collections: Teaching about Biodiversity Across Time, Space, and Digital Platforms. SOUTHEAST NAT 2017. [DOI: 10.1656/058.016.0sp1008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen E. Powers
- Biology Department, Box 6931, Radford University, Radford, VA 24142
| | | | | | - James F. Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences Boise State University, 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID, 83725
| | - L. Alan Prather
- Herbarium and Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
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McLean BS, Bell KC, Dunnum JL, Abrahamson B, Colella JP, Deardorff ER, Weber JA, Jones AK, Salazar-Miralles F, Cook JA. Natural history collections-based research: progress, promise, and best practices. J Mammal 2016; 97:287-297. [PMID: 26989266 PMCID: PMC4794611 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyv178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Specimens and associated data in natural history collections (NHCs) foster substantial scientific progress. In this paper, we explore recent contributions of NHCs to the study of systematics and biogeography, genomics, morphology, stable isotope ecology, and parasites and pathogens of mammals. To begin to assess the magnitude and scope of these contributions, we analyzed publications in the Journal of Mammalogy over the last decade, as well as recent research supported by a single university mammal collection (Museum of Southwestern Biology, Division of Mammals). Using these datasets, we also identify weak links that may be hindering the development of crucial NHC infrastructure. Maintaining the vitality and growth of this foundation of mammalogy depends on broader engagement and support from across the scientific community and is both an ethical and scientific imperative given the rapidly changing environmental conditions on our planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan S. McLean
- Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA (BSM, KCB, JLD, BA, JPC, ERD, JAW, AKJ, FS-M, JAC)
| | - Kayce C. Bell
- Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA (BSM, KCB, JLD, BA, JPC, ERD, JAW, AKJ, FS-M, JAC)
| | - Jonathan L. Dunnum
- Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA (BSM, KCB, JLD, BA, JPC, ERD, JAW, AKJ, FS-M, JAC)
| | - Bethany Abrahamson
- Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA (BSM, KCB, JLD, BA, JPC, ERD, JAW, AKJ, FS-M, JAC)
| | - Jocelyn P. Colella
- Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA (BSM, KCB, JLD, BA, JPC, ERD, JAW, AKJ, FS-M, JAC)
| | - Eleanor R. Deardorff
- Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA (BSM, KCB, JLD, BA, JPC, ERD, JAW, AKJ, FS-M, JAC)
| | - Jessica A. Weber
- Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA (BSM, KCB, JLD, BA, JPC, ERD, JAW, AKJ, FS-M, JAC)
| | - Amanda K. Jones
- Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA (BSM, KCB, JLD, BA, JPC, ERD, JAW, AKJ, FS-M, JAC)
| | - Fernando Salazar-Miralles
- Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA (BSM, KCB, JLD, BA, JPC, ERD, JAW, AKJ, FS-M, JAC)
| | - Joseph A. Cook
- Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA (BSM, KCB, JLD, BA, JPC, ERD, JAW, AKJ, FS-M, JAC)
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafe M. Brown
- Biodiversity Institute and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
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38
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Means JC, Francis EA, Lane AA, Marek PE. A general methodology for collecting and preserving xystodesmid and other large millipedes for biodiversity research. Biodivers Data J 2015:e5665. [PMID: 26379461 PMCID: PMC4563156 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.3.e5665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With an estimated 80% of species remaining undescribed (but see Brewer et al. 2012), millipede taxonomy offers the opportunity to discover new species and explore biodiversity. The lack of basic alpha taxonomic information regarding millipedes belies their significant ecological role and potential as premier models in ecological and evolutionary studies. The group possesses many fascinating biological properties (e.g., bioluminescence, mimicry, and complex chemical secretions) that have been the focus of several recent studies and are emerging avenues of future investigation. New information Here we summarize a methodology for large-bodied millipede collection, curation, and preservation for genetic analyses with the hope that sharing these techniques will stimulate interest in these charismatic detritivores.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Avery A Lane
- University of Arizona, Tucson, United States of America
| | - Paul E Marek
- Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, United States of America
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39
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Ellwood ER, Dunckel BA, Flemons P, Guralnick R, Nelson G, Newman G, Newman S, Paul D, Riccardi G, Rios N, Seltmann KC, Mast AR. Accelerating the Digitization of Biodiversity Research Specimens through Online Public Participation. Bioscience 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biv005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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