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Linnaeus in the information age

Nature volume 446, pages 259–260 (2007)Cite this article

As we celebrate the visionary genius of Carl Linnaeus, it is time to analyse how professional taxonomy interfaces with the rest of biology and beyond. Where next for Linnaeus's heirs, asks H. C. J. Godfray?

In Linnaeus's time, the natural world seemed static and relatively untouched by humans. This is no longer true, and a greater appreciation of our planet's changing biodiversity is increasing the demand for taxonomic information and expertise. Simultaneously, the nature of biology is changing, so that tasks that were once the unique preserve of the taxonomist can now be done by most biologists. In confronting these realities, taxonomists need to think about where to prioritize their efforts, and how to make the best use of limited resources.

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  1. H. C. J. Godfray is in the Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Park Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK.,

    H. C. J. Godfray Jr

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  1. H. C. J. Godfray Jr
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See also pages 231 , 247 and 253 .

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Godfray, H. Linnaeus in the information age. Nature 446, 259–260 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/446259a

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