Box 1. Why taxonomic monographs are important |
A monograph captures all relevant existing taxonomic knowledge about a group of organisms at the time of publication, constituting the most up-to-date source of information for that group and providing the necessary taxonomic support for subsequent studies A monograph includes information on: - Nomenclature (including synonyms, types, notes) - Descriptions - General and detailed distribution - Basic information on habitat and ecology - Assessment of conservation status (in recent years, if available) - Reference specimens - Basic information on recorded uses (if available) - Cytology and micromorphology (if available) - Information on phylogenetic relationships (if available) To be most useful, a monograph should also include tools that allow other researchers and users to identify specimens, such as identification keys, photographs, maps, and illustrations |