ASFB Home > The effects of spatial and temporal factors on the abundance of seven key finfish species along south-western Australia.

Getting Taxonomy Right – the value of names and classifications from a biogeographical perspective

Martin Gomon

Museum Victoria, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

THEME: ASFB

Taxonomy is often viewed as an annoyance, or at the very least a necessary evil, in dealing with all things biological. However, without a proper understanding of natural biological units, research in the biological sciences lacks context. In fact, unless taxonomic distinctions are accurately understood and incorporated into our thinking, it is unlikely that biodiversity can be retained in the current developmental world. The value of taxonomic accuracy and precise understanding of species distributions can be seen in the context of recent studies modelling the distributions of marine environments based on current perceptions of fish distributions. Refinements in our understanding of fish taxonomy have greatly improved our ability to define habitat limits and ultimately develop strategies for conserving marine biodiversity.