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Type: Article
Published: 2014-01-14
Page range: 195–200
Abstract views: 41
PDF downloaded: 14

Correcting the disconnect between phylogenetics and biodiversity informatics

Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research, CSIRO Plant Industry, Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia.
Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research, CSIRO Plant Industry, Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia.
Taxonomy phylogeny distribution biodiversity database

Abstract

Rich collections of biodiversity data are now synthesized in publically available databases and phylogenetic knowledge now provides a sound understanding of the origin of organisms and their place in the tree of life. However, these knowledge bases are poorly linked, leading to underutilization or worse, an incorrect understanding of biodiversity because there is poor evolutionary context. We address this problem by integrating biodiversity information aggregated from many sources onto phylogenetic trees. PhyloJIVE connects biodiversity and phylogeny knowledge bases by providing an integrated evolutionary view of biodiversity data which in turn can improve biodiversity research and the conservation decision making process. Biodiversity science must assert the centrality of evolution to provide effective data to counteract global change and biodiversity loss.