Mutualism (carpooling) of ecologists and taxonomists
Ecologists and taxonomists have a common stake in the biodiversity enterprise but approach problems differently. Ecologists use structured designs to obtain multispecies samples and supporting information which they transform to data for analysis. Taxonomists obtain collections by less formal search, are specimen- rather than data-focused, target rare and undescribed species, and organize specimens and data by taxon with less attention to associated species and environmental data. Ecologists undervalue their contributions to taxonomic and distributional research. Taxonomists pass by the multispecies and negative occurrence data in collections. Complementarity of taxonomic and ecological approaches guarantees a stronger scientific product but effective collaboration requires continuing reciprocal involvement by both parties.