vanishing taxonomists

[Derek Sikes]

Although more about geographical location of taxonomists, the following
reference shouldn't be overlooked:

Gaston, K. J. and R. M. May.  1992. Taxonomy of taxonomists.  Nature 356:
281-282.

near the end of the article they discuss 'trends in the workforce' and
conclude with:

"If we found these demographic trends in a newly discovered species of
lemur, we would bring specimens into a zoo and start a programme of captive
breeding.  But if these trends continue among taxonomists and systematists,
how soon will it be before we cannot recognize a new species of lemur?"

Derek

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Derek Sikes
Dept. of Ecology and Evol. Biology U-43
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT 06269  USA

FAX: 860-486-6364

dss95002 at uconnvm.uconn.edu
http://viceroy.eeb.uconn.edu/sikes

"Remember that Truth alone is the matter you are in Search after; and if you
have been mistaken, let no Vanity reduce you to persist in your mistake."
Henry Baker, London, 1785
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