In the vast realm of information science, taxonomy serves as a fundamental framework for organizing knowledge, understanding biodiversity and facilitating research across various disciplines. However, as advancements in technology and methodologies continue to reshape our understanding of the natural world, taxonomic systems are facing unprecedented challenges and undergoing significant changes. Amidst these transformations lies the Linnaean shortfall, a term coined to describe the gap between known and estimated species. This important topic was inspired by this article from Research Gate, “How taxonomic change influences forecasts of the Linnean shortfall (and what we can do about it)?

The Linnaean shortfall and taxonomy changes have profound implications for information science, particularly in the fields of biodiversity informatics and data management. Information scientists play a critical role in addressing the challenges posed by taxonomic uncertainty and the ever-expanding pool of biological data.

By leveraging technological innovations, interdisciplinary collaborations and data-driven approaches, information scientists can bridge the gap between known and estimated species, advance our understanding of biodiversity and pave the way for sustainable conservation efforts. As we navigate the complexities of taxonomy in the digital age, collaboration and innovation will be key to unlocking the secrets of life on Earth.

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Melody K. Smith

Data Harmony is an award-winning semantic suite that leverages explainable AI.

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