Why Most New Species Are Discovered By Amateurs

TL;DR

Amateurs, from bus drivers to retirees, are responsible for discovering more than half of the new species identified in Europe in the last decade, as the demands on professional scientists have increased.

Transcript

Our friends at Terra Mater have footage of one of the most recently discovered primate species. More on that after this video. Hi this is David from MinuteEarth. Over the last twenty years, this person has discovered the most new marine snail species. But he’s not a professional scientist - he’s a bus driver. From Belgium. Who just. really. likes. ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 Amateurs have played a significant role in discovering new species, especially in Europe, where they have identified more than half of the new species found in the last decade.
• 👶 The demands placed on professional scientists, such as publishing requirements, have made it difficult for them to dedicate enough time and effort to discover new species.
• 🦮 The digitization of scientific literature and taxonomic guides has made it easier for amateurs to become experts in their chosen field of study.
• 🎥 Accessible technology like cameras and microscopes has empowered amateurs to provide evidence for the distinction of their discovered species.
• ❓ Around 86% of the estimated species worldwide have yet to be officially scientifically discovered.
• 👶 Small organisms like insects and fungi are particularly understudied and offer ample opportunities for amateur scientists to make new discoveries.
• 🥺 The collaboration between amateurs and professionals can lead to mutual learning, with amateurs teaching academics in certain areas of specialization.

Questions & Answers

Q: How have amateurs managed to discover new species despite not being professional scientists?

The demands on professional scientists, such as increased publishing requirements, make it challenging for them to dedicate the necessary time to discover and describe new species. Amateurs, on the other hand, can devote more time and effort to the process without the same career pressures.

Q: What role does technology play in enabling amateurs to make scientific discoveries?

The availability of quality cameras, microscopes, and even genome sequencing tools has allowed amateurs to gather the necessary evidence to support their claims of a new species. This technology has become more accessible and empowers amateurs to contribute to scientific knowledge.

Q: Which types of organisms are more likely to be discovered by amateur scientists?

Small, understudied organisms like insects and fungi are abundant potential new species that are often overlooked. Amateurs, even those without gardens, can find new species hiding in their backyards or receive specimens from professionals to study.

Q: What recent discovery showcases the contributions of amateur scientists?

The recent discovery of the Skywalker Gibbon, a new species of lesser ape, highlights the ongoing discoveries in nature. Terra Mater, a channel that combines conservation and environmental stories with beautiful footage, captured video of this new species.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Amateur taxonomists have made significant contributions to the discovery of new species, as they are not bound by the demands of publishing and career advancement.

• The digitization of scientific literature and the availability of technology have empowered amateurs to become experts in their preferred area of study.

• Only 14% of the estimated number of species worldwide have been officially scientifically discovered, with insects and fungi being particularly understudied.