Question

1.What do taxonomists study? How does this benefit other disciplines of biology? 2.What is a holotype? Why are these extremely useful distinctions for scientists? What does it allow them to evaluate? 3.Would you like to be a holotype? Why or why not? 4.What are some of the problems researchers face in classifying organisms? 5.How do scientists approach these problems? Once an organism is classified, is this classification set in stone? Why or why not?

Answer 1

1. What do taxonomists study? How does this benefit other disciplines of biology?

Taxonomist is the professional who makes the description, indetification and classification of all living things. This science is very important in the elaboration of inventaries and description of our planet's biodiversity. Taxonomy helps us to understand the evolutionary line and, consequently, to understand how interactions in nature work, which factors influenced the evolution of species (climate change, natural events, genetic modifications).

2.What is a holotype? Why are these extremely useful distinctions for scientists? What does it allow them to evaluate?

Single sample or model that serves as a reference basis for the first description and nomenclature of a species. Because it is the model specimen to begin classifying a new taxon, halotypes are the only basis scientists have for starting this process. The halotype allows scientists to analyze all its morphological characteristics that will serve as the basis for classifying other organisms of the same taxon. As long as the holotype exists, it will keep the name of the taxon fixed regardless of future changes that may occur.

3.Would you like to be a holotype? Why or why not?

Yes.  Because holotype organisms are unique and extremely important. They are always consulted and never forgotten.

4.What are some of the problems researchers face in classifying organisms?  

Classifying new species that have no prior information, rearranging genera that have been changed, and discontinuing old names are some of the difficulties faced by taxonomists. Researchers often conflict, resulting in some delay in classification.

5.How do scientists approach these problems? Once an organism is classified, is this classification set in stone? Why or why not?

Taxonomists always seek to exchange information with other taxonomists from other parts of the world, access databases, perform comparative DNA tests to find similarities in order to correctly classify organisms. Classifications are never unchanging. Taxonomy evolves along with technological advances. Due to the constant evolution of genetic engineering, molecular biology and computer programs, often the old classifications end up having to be altered because it is found that based on DNA analysis, an organism actually belongs to another classification, or belongs to none. In the latter case, it is necessary to create a new classification, or dismember the taxon.