How taxonomic "lumping" of species can lead to extinction

[pavu...@aol.com]

All:
 
Some of you may be aware of two different opposing "taxonomic philosophies" that prevail among scientists, authors, hobbyists, naturalists, anybody with an interest in biological organisms.  On the one hand are the "splitters" who view diversity among organisms and on the other are "lumpers" who view unity among organisms.  One of the big problems with "lumping" (grouping several organisms under a different species' name) is that it masks diversity, thus reporting of things like "Red Spotted Admiral" in place of White Admiral (Limenitis arthemis arthemis) and Red Spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax) tends to change the focus away from recognizing these two very unique entities.  Same for reporting Spring Azure, Summer Azure, Holly Azure and Cherry Gall Azure all as "Spring Azures".  Sure, these are not rare, but when one of the "lumped" species is rare, it's existence can be in peril.

 

While not about butterflies (it's about sea life), below is an article in Science Daily that points to how "lumping" (=taxonomic masking) may be about to cause one such extinction - among Skates (Dipturus).  This is a very short article, but to the point.
 
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117191048.htm
 
The principles at work here apply directly to the way we view butterfly classification.
 
Enjoy,
Harry Pavulaan