How taxonomic revisions affect the interpretation of specimen identification in biological field data

Abstract

Cumulative revisions in taxonomy of organisms over time can create difficulties for researchers in numerous scientific fields, including conservation biology. This paper compares the taxonomic names of the Collembola species named in Ivan P. Vtorov’s 1993 paper entitled Feral Pig Removal: Effects on Soil Microarthropods in a Hawaiian Rain Forest, with the more modern Collembola checklists. In comparing Vtorov’s original graphs with recreated graphs, this study finds that out of the sixteen species Vtorov collected, three had changed generic names, two had changed species names, and one was absent from modern Collembola checklists. Five taxa were identified only up to genus, making it impossible to evaluate them in comparison with modern checklists. Only six species matched current moneclature of soil microarthropods. Not only were there taxonomic reclassifications, but also differences in the descriptions of species’ ecological status indicating whether the species was endemic or adventive. None of the three species described as endemic in Vtorov’s study were listed as such in current checklists. Additionally, Vtorov did not deposit voucher specimens, so morphological comparisons or re-identification of species named in his study are impossible. Inconsistencies due to changes in nomenclature and the species’ ecological status or lack of physical documentation can, as shown here, be detrimental to researchers examining data from older studies.