Have you ever wondered who discovers new species? You might think it’s always professional scientists, but that’s not the case! In fact, many new species are found by people who aren’t scientists at all. Let’s dive into why amateurs are so important in discovering new species.
Meet a bus driver from Belgium who has discovered more new marine snail species than anyone else in the last twenty years. He’s not a scientist by profession, but he loves snails. And he’s not alone. People from all walks of life, like teachers, retirees, and even restaurant owners, have discovered more than half of the new species identified in Europe over the past decade. These amateur scientists, or “citizen scientists,” are making a big impact worldwide.
Finding a new species isn’t just about picking up a strange-looking bug or plant. It involves a lot of work, like studying the specimen, comparing it to known species, and consulting with experts. This process can take about five years! Professional scientists often have to focus on publishing research quickly to advance their careers, which means they might not have time to explore new species.
Amateurs, on the other hand, don’t have the same pressures. They can take their time to explore and study. Plus, with the internet, anyone can access scientific literature and guides to learn more about their interests. This means anyone with a passion for nature can become an expert in their chosen field.
Today’s technology makes it easier for amateurs to contribute to science. High-quality cameras, microscopes, and even genome sequencing tools are more accessible than ever. These tools help amateurs gather the evidence needed to prove that a specimen is a new species.
Believe it or not, scientists estimate that only about 14% of all species have been officially identified. This means there are still many species waiting to be discovered, especially small organisms like insects and fungi. These might be hiding in your backyard! For example, a retiree recently found a new type of predatory slug in his garden.
Even if you don’t have a garden, you can still get involved. Some scientists are willing to share their collections of specimens with amateurs who want to help discover new species.
Recently, a new species of lesser ape called the Skywalker Gibbon was discovered in Southern China and Myanmar. It’s amazing to think we’re still finding new relatives in the animal kingdom! Our friends at Terra Mater have captured some of the first video footage of these gibbons in their natural habitat, and it’s truly fascinating to watch.
Terra Mater’s YouTube channel is a great place to explore more about conservation and the environment. They share stunning videos and stories about everything from giant otters to humpback whales. You can check them out at youtube.com/terramaterofficial.
So, whether you’re a student, a retiree, or just someone with a passion for nature, you too can play a part in discovering new species. Who knows what you might find!
Take a walk around your backyard or a local park and observe the different plants and animals. Use a notebook to jot down any unusual species you encounter. Try to identify them using online resources or field guides. This hands-on activity will help you understand the diversity of life around you and the potential for discovering new species.
Join a citizen science project online. Websites like iNaturalist allow you to upload photos of plants and animals, which can be identified by experts and other enthusiasts. This activity will give you a taste of how amateurs contribute to scientific discoveries and help you connect with a community of nature lovers.
Organize a workshop with your classmates to learn how to identify different species. Use microscopes and magnifying glasses to examine specimens closely. This collaborative activity will teach you the skills needed to differentiate between known species and potential new discoveries.
Watch documentaries about recent species discoveries, such as the Skywalker Gibbon. After viewing, discuss with your classmates the role of amateurs in these discoveries and how technology aids their efforts. This activity will enhance your understanding of the real-world impact of citizen scientists.
Start a blog where you document your nature observations and any interesting species you encounter. Share your findings with friends and family, and invite them to contribute. This activity will improve your research and writing skills while encouraging others to explore the natural world.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
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Our friends at Terra Mater have footage of one of the most recently discovered primate species. More on that after this video. Hi, this is David from MinuteEarth. Over the last twenty years, one individual has discovered the most new marine snail species. Interestingly, he’s not a professional scientist; he’s a bus driver from Belgium who has a strong passion for snails.
He’s not alone—restaurateurs, teachers, retirees, and other amateur scientists have discovered more than half of all new species identified in Europe in the last decade. All around the world, amateur taxonomists are playing a significant role in discovering new species.
Part of the reason is that “discovering” a species involves more than just collecting a new specimen; it also requires studying and describing it in detail, reviewing research, and consulting with other experts to ensure it’s not just a variant of another species. Only after this extensive process can the findings be compiled and submitted to an academic journal. On average, discovering a new species can take around five years. This effort can be challenging for many academics today, as the increasing demands of grants and career advancement require scientists to publish more frequently than they did two decades ago.
As a result, many undescribed specimens—potentially new species—are accumulating in offices and museums. One molluscologist estimates he has over a thousand potential new species in storage that he may never have the chance to study. However, amateurs don’t face the same pressures to publish. The recent digitization of scientific literature and taxonomic guides has empowered anyone with enough interest to become knowledgeable in their chosen area of study.
Sometimes, these amateurs are even teaching professionals; for example, fly fishermen focused on creating more effective bait are sharing insights with entomologists about mayfly larva taxonomy. Additionally, advancements in camera technology, microscopy, and genome sequencing have made it easier for amateurs to provide the necessary evidence that their specimens are distinct enough to be classified as new species.
There are many potential new species yet to be discovered; it’s estimated that only 14% of species have been officially identified. In particular, many small, understudied organisms like insects and fungi may be found right in an amateur’s backyard. Recently, a retiree discovered a predatory slug in his garden that, after careful examination, was identified as a new species.
Even those without gardens can participate; the molluscologist with a large backlog is willing to share specimens so that others can “discover” them. Fortunately for science, there are many enthusiastic amateur experts ready to contribute.
A new species of lesser ape, the Skywalker Gibbon, was recently discovered in Southern China and Myanmar. It’s remarkable that we are still finding new relatives! Our friends at Terra Mater ventured deep into the jungle to capture some of the first video footage of this new species, and watching the gibbons in their natural habitat is truly captivating.
On their YouTube channel, Terra Mater specializes in combining stunning video footage with stories about conservation and the environment, featuring breathtaking content about everything from giant otters to humpback whales. Check out Terra Mater and subscribe at youtube.com/terramaterofficial.
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This version maintains the original content while removing any informal language and ensuring clarity.
Species – A group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding. – Scientists discovered a new species of frog in the rainforest that has unique coloring.
Amateurs – People who engage in a pursuit, especially a sport or hobby, on an unpaid basis. – Many amateurs participate in bird watching and contribute valuable data to environmental studies.
Discover – To find something or someone unexpectedly or in the course of a search. – Researchers were excited to discover a plant that can survive in extremely dry conditions.
Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. – Advances in technology have allowed scientists to track animal migrations with greater accuracy.
Environment – The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. – Pollution is a major threat to the environment, affecting both wildlife and human health.
Conservation – The action of conserving something, in particular, preservation, protection, or restoration of the natural environment and wildlife. – Conservation efforts are crucial to protect endangered species from extinction.
Insects – A small arthropod animal that has six legs and generally one or two pairs of wings. – Insects play a vital role in pollinating plants and maintaining ecological balance.
Fungi – A group of spore-producing organisms feeding on organic matter, including molds, yeast, mushrooms, and toadstools. – Fungi are essential decomposers in the ecosystem, breaking down dead organic material.
Nature – The phenomena of the physical world collectively, including plants, animals, the landscape, and other features and products of the earth, as opposed to humans or human creations. – Spending time in nature can help reduce stress and improve mental health.
Habitat – The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism. – The destruction of forests is leading to the loss of habitat for many species.
