Retrining types

[Don McAllister]

Color photos don't allow internal structures to be dissected and cannot be
x-rayed.
Color photos cannot be examined for fine detail under a light or other
microscope.
Chemical tests (lichens, etc.) cannot be made on a color photo.
You can't x-ray a color photo.
DNA fragments or sequences cannot be obtained from a photo.
Measurements in another dimension cannot be made on a color photo, other
than at the angle the photo or photos were taken.
Stomach contents (fishes, etc.) cannot be checked on a photo.
A photo is not very good for checking for parasites.
Cross sections of a tooth, examination of a scale or skull for aging are
difficult on a photo.

Photos can supplement specimens.  They can show live color. Photos of living
specimens can show posture and other features.

Give me a specimen every time. Take care of it. Supplement it with para- and
other types. Yes supplement it with photos, x-rays, scanning EM images,
biochem, DNA and other test information. Accompany the specimen by precise
geographic location, habitat, environment, time and other data.  Labels are
as important as specimens. A good specimen may be virtually useless when
data are missing or erroneous.

don mcallister

Thomas Schlemmermeyer wrote:

> Sorry, here I got confused!
>
> >           them among museums.  And for full color photos, with lots of
> >           detail.  For existing species this might best be done before
> >           holotype disappears.
> >
>
>         1.) What is the life time of a modern color photo?
>         2.) Do color photos really show lots of details?
>
>         At least, in my case, insects, the best thing are scientific
>         drawings made by the expert himself. color photos don't help
>         any much!
>
>         But, maybe, in birds it is different. As birds are larger.
>
>         Cheers   Thomas