The Silent Extinction of Knowledge: Taxonomy's Dying Science

Art Borkent, a 72-year-old taxonomist, has dedicated his career since 1989 to the study of biting midges. He has described and named over 300 of the 6,000 known ceratopogonidae species, with tens of thousands more estimated to remain undiscovered. Borkent expresses deep concern that his life's work may not be continued once he stops, as his contemporaries are no longer active in the field.

The Decline of Taxonomy

When Borkent ceases his work, biting midges risk becoming an "orphan group" – a term for a branch of life no longer under scientific study. This concerning trend is observed across the entire field of taxonomy. Borkent highlights a crisis where the taxonomic community is aging without sufficient replacement, citing difficulties in securing grant money and a scarcity of university or museum positions.

"My science is dying." - Art Borkent

Despite over 2.1 million species identified, this figure is estimated to represent only about 20% of all life on Earth. Millions of insects, fungi, and other organisms await discovery, a task made urgent by current rates of species extinction. Insects, the most diverse invertebrates, have approximately 170,000 fly species identified, yet entomologists estimate millions more exist. Alarmingly, half of the 157 fly families are considered taxonomically orphaned.

Challenges Facing Taxonomists

Taxonomists themselves face a widespread crisis in this foundational biodiversity science. A 2025 survey found that half of nearly 100 countries had fewer than 10 plant taxonomists, and only 18% were employed full-time in the role. In Africa, less than half of taxonomists had access to computers, and the field is predominantly male.

Universities often no longer include taxonomy in biology courses, and the field has lost its appeal. Taxonomists have a reputation for internal disputes, and their work rarely attracts headlines, significantly impacting research grant opportunities. Borkent emphasizes the profound importance of taxonomy:

"We are interpreting the world around us."

He notes that biting midges, for instance, are important pollinators, essential for products like chocolate, underscoring the practical implications of taxonomic understanding.

DNA Barcoding and its Limitations

The invention of DNA barcoding in 2003 by Canadian scientist Paul Hebert revolutionized species identification. This rapid method differentiates species using mitochondrial DNA and is widely adopted, considered by proponents as a key tool for identifying Earth's life forms.

While Borkent acknowledges DNA barcoding's power for identifying known species and even detecting unknown ones, he points to its crucial limitations. It does not provide information on species interactions, mating behaviors, or habitats, which remain the exclusive domain of traditional taxonomy. He firmly argues that genetic data alone cannot provide a comprehensive understanding of an organism.

Unaddressed Warnings

Warnings about the decline of taxonomic expertise are not new. A 2003 UK House of Lords report highlighted diminishing expertise in many species and recommended initiatives to engage young people and modernize the field's image. Borkent indicates that little has changed since then.

Taxonomists gather every four years, where discussions frequently center on hidden extinctions and the uncertain fate of their profession. Borkent describes a "universal lament" among colleagues regarding the intense pressures and lack of time for their vital work. He concludes by emphasizing the critical need for this information:

"Humans hardly know anything."