<$BlogRSDUrl$> Marcus P. Zillman, M.S., A.M.H.A. Author/Speaker/Consultant
Marcus P. Zillman, M.S., A.M.H.A. Author/Speaker/Consultant
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Sunday, February 22, 2004  

Biology in the Age of Computers
http://www.asis.org/Bulletin/Dec-03/heidorn2.html

Information technology can play a critical role in understanding and cataloging the spectrum of life process, if appropriate research and development is devoted to the task. We are changing our environment at an accelerated pace. In order to predict the effects of our actions, we need to understand the interrelationships among all living organisms. The first step is to catalog and describe all life on earth, right down to the flora and fauna. Approximately 1.5 million species already have names; as many as 12 million more exist but haven't yet been documented. Many species are also traveling with us to new places around the world. Humans are introducing species where they never existed before, with far-reaching consequences for food supply and health. These range from Gypsy moths to invasive plants and exotic diseases like West Nile Virus and Monkey Pox. Thus, a field guide to ALL species would be invaluable -- but impractical as a paper-and-ink product. It would only be feasible as an online resource. Projects to create electronic catalogs of floras and faunas complement other major international initiatives designed to better understand and manage the world's natural heritage, including the Convention on Biological Diversity. Many private initiatives, such as NatureServe and the All Species Foundation, also need and use information technology to help address this problem.

posted by Marcus Zillman | 4:15 AM
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