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Questions and Answers
What is the primary reason for the revision of mammalian taxonomy?
What is the estimated number of mammal species that could be discovered by 2035?
What is the average number of new mammal species described per decade since 1750?
What is the typical duration of time a mammal species is missing before being rediscovered?
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What is the name of the rodent family that was thought to have gone extinct 11 million years ago?
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What is the status of the discovery of new mammal species?
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What is the primary outcome of increased genetic analysis of mammal species?
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What is the significance of the Laotian rock rat discovery?
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What is the trend in the number of recognized mammal species?
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What is the outcome of increased expedition efforts in the field of mammalogy?
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What is the implication of the species accumulation curve generated by Jones and Safi?
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What is the significance of the pipistrelle example?
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Study Notes
Changes in Mammal Taxonomy
- The classification of mammals is regularly revised, with different authorities adopting new taxonomic classifications at varying speeds.
- Genetic analysis has led to divisions and amalgamations of species, resulting in changes to the number of recognized species.
Effects of Modern Techniques on Species Identification
- Species are being re-classified due to genetic analysis, leading to the splitting of species (e.g., the greater glider) and the discovery of new species (e.g., the pipistrelle).
- Modern techniques, such as camera trap surveys, have led to the re-discovery of previously thought-to-be-extinct species (e.g., Lowe's servaline genet).
New Species Discoveries
- New species are being continually discovered, with an average of 238 new species of mammals described per decade since 1750 (Burgin et al).
- A species accumulation curve suggests that there could be up to 5800 species of mammals by 2035 (Jones and Safi).
- However, this number has already been surpassed, and it is unclear how many more species remain to be discovered.
Rediscovery of Extinct Species
- Some species, like the Laotian rock rat, have been rediscovered after being thought extinct for millions of years.
- On average, rediscovered mammal species have been missing for 62 years (Scheffers et al).
- Recent re-sightings, such as the Ili pika, demonstrate that there are still many species to be discovered or rediscovered.
Changes in Mammal Taxonomy
- The classification of mammals is regularly revised, with different authorities adopting new taxonomic classifications at varying speeds.
- Genetic analysis has led to divisions and amalgamations of species, resulting in changes to the number of recognized species.
Effects of Modern Techniques on Species Identification
- Species are being re-classified due to genetic analysis, leading to the splitting of species (e.g., the greater glider) and the discovery of new species (e.g., the pipistrelle).
- Modern techniques, such as camera trap surveys, have led to the re-discovery of previously thought-to-be-extinct species (e.g., Lowe's servaline genet).
New Species Discoveries
- New species are being continually discovered, with an average of 238 new species of mammals described per decade since 1750 (Burgin et al).
- A species accumulation curve suggests that there could be up to 5800 species of mammals by 2035 (Jones and Safi).
- However, this number has already been surpassed, and it is unclear how many more species remain to be discovered.
Rediscovery of Extinct Species
- Some species, like the Laotian rock rat, have been rediscovered after being thought extinct for millions of years.
- On average, rediscovered mammal species have been missing for 62 years (Scheffers et al).
- Recent re-sightings, such as the Ili pika, demonstrate that there are still many species to be discovered or rediscovered.
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Description
Learn about the revisions in mammal taxonomy, genetic analysis, and its impact on species identification and classification.
