2000 new mammal species about to be discovered

27/02/2007 00:00:00 Scientists at Texas Tech University have devised a new system of defining a mammal species based on genetics. If this new system is accepted it will result in the recognition of many more species than previously thought to exist, with perhaps an extra 2000 species being recognised.

Traditionally, species have been recognized based on physical characteristics, although it has been assumed that species differences are inherited and thereby reflect genetic differences.
Study researchers Robert Baker and Robert Bradley define “species” based on genetic data. The new definition distinguishes species that are genetically isolated from one another.

New molecular techniques for sequencing genes provide far greater resolution than was previously available. It is also possible to identify species that hybridize but have gene pools that are protected from one another.

The result of using genetic data is that species can be identified that cannot be distinguished using other methods. According to the authors, this means that we will need to rethink the nature of speciation in mammals, barriers that evolve to produce genetic isolation between species, and how diverse mammals are.

To read the entire study, click here: http://www.allenpress.com/pdf/mamm-87-04-24_643..662.pdf