Why there are studies...long

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Rat Snake Forum ]

Posted by jeff on November 17, 2001 at 00:11:40:

In Reply to: As always, thanks for your valued input posted by Terry Parks on November 16, 2001 at 20:35:04:

: Hi Terry - There seems to be two accepted data collection methods nowadays (please correct me if there are more). One is DNA and the other is morphology. Sometimes they're in agreement and than sometimes they contradict each other. It's pretty exciting to me that there seems to be alot of renewed taxonomy in all species. In some cases, like the Great Plains ratsnake and the bullsnake, there is alot of push to go back to full species status. Your input has showed me why some people still hold to an older study and publication and some people use a newer study. Now there is a renewed push on Elaphe obsoleta taxonomy. I guess with scientists it is never ending LOL, but they devote their lives to it so to speak. Thanks again Terry.

Many times changes in taxonomy happen because there is a "big push" for someone to get into some vaguely classified species/genera and "clean it up". Reasons behind this can come from most everywhere but the biggest reason for classification and reclassification is that somehwere someone is paying a scientist/student to use more current methods/technologies
for specific gain. For example, if a ratsnake is "Rare" or "threatened" in a state(even if its very common in another)a study may be proposed, monies granted, and the findings from the study can lead to further study... hence your point. Many times scientists will continue their study of said animals past the "original" study-making it a "lifes work" sort to speak--and they will become the "experts" in their field of study. It's usually these people who either prove or disprove others "newer"theories. Because no such $ exists to study animals that are outside the US and not cute and fuzzy there are thousands of "mislabled" exotics and these are being studied more closely than ever by herptoculturists and scientists are working/listening to us more and more all the time. If you ever have any inkling to try and "add" to a study most open-minded scientists will accept some limited help but your documentation(and reputation) MUST be perfect. I encourage everyone to try and work toward this end in at least some area of the hobby. Sorry this was so long,Jeff

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: : Hi Terry - There seems to be two accepted data collection methods nowadays (please correct me if there are more). One is DNA and the other is morphology. Sometimes they're in agreement and than sometimes they contradict each other. It's pretty exciting to me that there seems to be alot of renewed taxonomy in all species. In some cases, like the Great Plains ratsnake and the bullsnake, there is alot of push to go back to full species status. Your input has showed me why some people still hold to an older study and publication and some people use a newer study. Now there is a renewed push on Elaphe obsoleta taxonomy. I guess with scientists it is never ending LOL, but they devote their lives to it so to speak. Thanks again Terry. : Many times changes in taxonomy happen because there is a "big push" for someone to get into some vaguely classified species/genera and "clean it up". Reasons behind this can come from most everywhere but the biggest reason for classification and reclassification is that somehwere someone is paying a scientist/student to use more current methods/technologies : for specific gain. For example, if a ratsnake is "Rare" or "threatened" in a state(even if its very common in another)a study may be proposed, monies granted, and the findings from the study can lead to further study... hence your point. Many times scientists will continue their study of said animals past the "original" study-making it a "lifes work" sort to speak--and they will become the "experts" in their field of study. It's usually these people who either prove or disprove others "newer"theories. Because no such $ exists to study animals that are outside the US and not cute and fuzzy there are thousands of "mislabled" exotics and these are being studied more closely than ever by herptoculturists and scientists are working/listening to us more and more all the time. If you ever have any inkling to try and "add" to a study most open-minded scientists will accept some limited help but your documentation(and reputation) MUST be perfect. I encourage everyone to try and work toward this end in at least some area of the hobby. Sorry this was so long,Jeff

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Rat Snake Forum ]