Phylogenetics Flashcards
Insect Phylogenetics, Taxonomy, & Museums
Name the three pillars of systematics:
- Identification
- Taxonomy
- Phylogenetics
The three pillars of systematics:
Identification
Putting a name to an organisms
Vital to all fields that deal with organisms.
The three pillars of systematics:
Taxonomy
The study of the classification of organisms
The three pillars of systematics:
Phylogenetics
The study of the diversity of organisms and the
evolutionary relationships between them
Also attempt to have the classification reflect the
phylogenetic relationships.
What are the pros and cons to using a traditional Dichotomous Key?
Dichotomous keys are the ones found in identification books where you follow a series of Y/N questions until you find your organism.
Pros: Organized and straight forward, usually has pictures if its a good key and can be specific.
Cons: Could not have pictures,may asks questions that are confusing like with color or size, and maybe be hard to use for people not familiar with inscet morphology and vocabulary.
What are the pros and cons to using a field guides?
A book of insects, usually many photos.
Cons: Easy to ID common, big species. People unfamiliar with insects could use this easily.
Pros: Mimic species could be confused with common ones. Uncommon and tiny species are likely to not be in the book. You also cannot see the entire insect from one photo.
What are the pros and cons to using a interactive keys?
Digital / apps…
Pros: You can use it almost anywhere and its typically easy to use for average users. Can ID an insect quickly by sorting through basic questions and account for human error.
Cons: You need a phone/computer and signal. Depending on the key it many only include so many insects.
What are the pros and cons to using a machine learning?
AI…
Pros: AI can be very smart and can ID an insect quickly. It can constantly be updated and be accessed anywhere there is a phone/computer.
Cons: Only as good as the AI is trained. Mimics/small species can be difficult and different angles of the photo taken can confuse AI. Depending on the program, you may get an answer regardless if the AI is unsure.
What are the pros and cons to using DNA?
DNA barcoding…
Pros: Separating cryptic species, associating the sexes (sexual
dimorphism), associating immatures with adults, pest management and ecology, identification of disease vectors
Cons: Not just anyone can do this, its is likely expensive and time consuming. You need many genes.
Why is it important to identify accurately?
Understanding a specific organisms biology, food webs, evolution, time deaths (forensics), pest control management, invasive species at ports of entry, and controlling vectors of disease.
How do you know it’s a new species?
- Expertise in taxon
- Taxonomic characters
- Literature Search
