A study published in Science Advances finds that the rate of naming new species is increasing. The research team analysed taxonomic histories for roughly two million species and found an average of more than 16,000 new species described each year between 2015 and 2020, including many animals, plants and fungi.
Lead author John Wiens said the pace of discovery is rising, and the team found a discovery rate far higher than the extinction rate they estimated at about ten species per year. Using description trends, the researchers projected final totals for some groups, for example many more fish and amphibian species and possibly over half a million plant species.
The team noted most new species are identified by visible traits, but improved molecular tools will reveal cryptic species, especially among bacteria and fungi. Discovering species is crucial for conservation: “Discovering new species is important because these species can’t be protected until they’re scientifically described.”
Next steps include mapping geographic hotspots of discovery and studying who makes these discoveries; about 15% of known species were discovered in the past twenty years.
Difficult words
- taxonomic — relating to classification of living organisms
- extinction — the end of a species in nature
- project — to estimate a future number or resultprojected
- cryptic — difficult to see or recognize visually
- molecular — connected with small parts inside living cells
- conservation — protection of nature and species for future
- hotspot — a place with many discoveries or eventshotspots
- describe — to give a scientific account of somethingdescribed
- identify — to find and name something or someoneidentified
- trait — a physical or behavioral characteristic of organismtraits
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could mapping geographic hotspots of discovery help conservation in different regions?
- Why might improved molecular tools reveal more cryptic species, especially among bacteria and fungi?
- Who should study and describe new species, and why is that work important?
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