Misidentification makes scientific publications worthless - save our taxonomy and taxonomists

摘要

Without accurate taxonomic identification, research carried out in academic and applied branches of life sciences is effectively worthless. In the present note the role of taxonomy and taxonomists in modern science is highlighted with the help of suitable examples. Yet, taxonomy is generally neglected or avoided due to the mistaken belief that it is a disused branch of life sciences. On the contrary, taxonomy needs to be encouraged and taxonomic research and knowledge require to be more thoroughly applied for the correct identification of biological material as used in both academic and applied research for the welfare of society and humankind. Certain policies and factors responsible for the gradual decline in quality of Indian taxonomic research,and pushing taxonomy and taxonomic expertise towards extinction are identified. Some suggestions for the furthering of taxonomy in Indian universities and institutions are also provided.