Thanks Geoff!
I haven't seen any convincing data that we are closely approaching an
asymptote in polychaete taxa! Are there any good data indicating whether
or not the low numbers are an artefact of the biodiversity collection
methods (since molluscs and crustaceans survive qualitative dredging so
well), the number of people able to do the work, or the amount of
funding/time allotted to annelid work compared to those more charismatic
groups? I know many people on this list share my frustration when
'ecology' or biodiversity projects do not provide adequate
time/opportunity/funding for work on the underlying organismal biology
(and taxonomy) which forms the grains of their ecological sandcastles.
If there is evidence that a methodological change is warranted, perhaps
we can encourage one with a unified voice?
Cheers,
Brian
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Brian Paavo, PhD
Benthic Science Limited
1 Porterfield Street
Macandrew Bay, Dunedin
New Zealand 9014
http://www.benthicscience.com/
Telephone/Fax +64-03-476-1712
Mobile/Text +64-021-189-3459
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