Get ready to dive into the intriguing world of species discovery with Kris Helgen, a mammologist from the Smithsonian Museum. As the head of mammals at the Smithsonian, Kris has traveled to museums worldwide, examining specimens and uncovering hidden secrets. His journey led him to an unexpected discovery in the carnivore collection: a new species within the raccoon family, known as the olingo.
While reviewing the olingo group, Kris anticipated finding specimens with dark, short hair. However, he stumbled upon something extraordinary—a specimen with a striking red color and long, fluffy fur. This unexpected find was the first step in his quest to identify a new species. To validate his hypothesis, Kris visited other museums, gathered specimens, took measurements, and conducted thorough examinations.
Confident in his discovery, Kris collaborated with fellow mammologists to explore the regions where these specimens originated, specifically the montane areas of Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia. Their field research confirmed the existence of the new species and revealed three distinct subspecies, each with unique morphological characteristics.
One common question in the field of taxonomy is why researchers need multiple specimens of the same species. The answer lies in understanding the variations within a species. By examining a large series of specimens, scientists can identify differences between males and females, young and old, and other variations. This comprehensive approach allows researchers like Kris to confidently declare a distinct form when multiple specimens share consistent traits.
Just as humans exhibit diversity, so do other species. This diversity must be considered when documenting any species, whether it’s squirrels, olingos, or bears. Many new species have been hiding in museum drawers for decades, waiting to be discovered. While field expeditions often yield new finds, some species have been right under our noses all along.
In addition to morphological differences, Kris and his team conducted genetic analyses to support their findings. Their research not only highlighted physical differences but also explored DNA variations and habitat preferences. This comprehensive study culminated in a substantial publication, enriching our understanding of olingos and their natural history.
The discovery of a new carnivore species in the Americas is a rare event, with the last occurrence dating back 35 years to a weasel identified from the Field Museum collections. Kris’s work underscores the importance of museum collections and the untold stories they hold.
In conclusion, Kris Helgen’s journey reminds us of the hidden treasures within museum drawers and the potential for groundbreaking discoveries in the world of taxonomy. Who knows what other secrets await discovery in the collections around us?
Engage in a hands-on workshop where you will examine various specimens from museum collections. Practice identifying morphological differences and hypothesize about potential new species. This activity will help you understand the meticulous process of species identification.
Participate in a simulated field research exercise. You’ll be assigned to teams and tasked with exploring designated areas to collect data on local wildlife. Use your findings to discuss the possibility of undiscovered species and the importance of fieldwork in taxonomy.
Analyze a case study on genetic analysis in species discovery. Work in groups to interpret genetic data and discuss how DNA variations contribute to identifying new species. This activity will deepen your understanding of the role of genetics in taxonomy.
Engage in a debate on the significance of species diversity and the challenges of documenting it. Discuss the implications of discovering new species and how it affects our understanding of biodiversity. This will enhance your critical thinking and communication skills.
Visit a local museum’s collection and explore the specimens on display. Reflect on the potential for undiscovered species within these collections and the importance of preserving such specimens for future research. This activity will provide a real-world context to the theoretical knowledge gained.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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Okay, get ready.
– Yup. Got it?
– Yup. So, this is Kris Helgen from the Smithsonian. Kris is a mammologist from the Smithsonian Museum, correct?
– Okay. He’s the head of mammals at the Smithsonian and has visited museums all over the world. He goes through the drawers, looks at the specimens, and that’s exactly what happened here. He came into the carnivore collection to review the whole olingo group. An olingo is a member of the raccoon family.
When he was looking at the olingos, he expected to see skins that were relatively dark with short hair. But when he pulled out a drawer, he saw something different. The red color and the very long fur were unexpected. Feel how fluffy that is. It’s so soft!
This was the first step; it was what Kris noticed first. He then decided to visit other museums to find additional specimens to support his hypothesis. He was able to assemble a list of specimens, take measurements, and examine them in different museums. He was confident he had discovered a new species. Then he teamed up with other mammologists to visit the areas where these specimens were collected to see if they were still there.
– Really? And they saw one?
– Yes! They are from montane areas in Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia. Within the new species, Kris and his co-authors recognized three subspecies, which are distinct from one another.
So not only did he find an entirely new species, but he also discovered that it contained three discrete forms that can be differentiated based on morphological characteristics.
I often get the question, “If you have one squirrel or a dozen squirrels, why do you keep collecting them?” People think you only need one or two. But you need to determine if the males are different from the females, if the young are different from the old, and so on.
– Yeah.
– It’s only with large series like this that you can tease apart the differences. If we only had this one specimen, it would be intriguing, but not nearly as compelling as when Kris sees a series of these skins all looking the same. He can then confidently say, “This is definitely a distinct form.”
Before making broad determinations, you need an appropriate sample size.
– Exactly.
– That’s just the nature of statistical work. The analogy I always use is if you go to Times Square and watch the ball drop on New Year’s, you’ll see hundreds of thousands of people, and not one will look like you. If a person from another planet came to Earth and described the human species, they would get a very different picture depending on where they landed.
The same diversity we see in our own species needs to be considered when documenting the diversity within any other species, whether it’s squirrels, olingos, or bears. That’s why these collections are so vital. Many people are surprised to learn that a new species has been discovered, but it may have been in museum drawers for as much as 100 years.
– Yeah.
– People think we go out to unexplored areas to bring back something new, which we do, but many times the new species has been here all along. This is why these collections are so important and why there are untold stories in each case.
Did he look at just morphology? Did he determine that these are new species just because some were a little more red and had smaller ears? I assume there’s genetic analysis involved.
– There is. The first step was literally pulling a drawer out and going, “Wow, that’s not at all what I expected.” He was then able to team up with others to work on the molecular aspects. This paper describes not only the morphology but also the DNA differences, the different types of habitats they live in, and it’s a substantial publication.
– Yeah.
– It sums up a lot of the natural history information about the new species and olingos in general. This is really exciting because when was the last time a new species of carnivore was described from the Americas?
– Roughly 35 years ago.
– Really? It’s been 35 years?
– Yes, in fact, ironically enough, that species of carnivore named in 1978 was a weasel from the Field Museum collections and was named by a Field Museum biologist.
So the moral of this story is that I need to spend more time going through the drawers around here.
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Let me know if you need any further modifications!
Species – A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, sharing common characteristics and genetic makeup. – The study focused on the behavioral patterns of various bird species in the Amazon rainforest.
Discovery – The process of finding or learning something for the first time, often leading to new insights or understanding in a scientific context. – The discovery of a new antibiotic compound from soil bacteria has significant implications for medical research.
Specimens – Individual organisms or samples collected for scientific study and analysis. – The biologist collected several plant specimens from the field to analyze their genetic diversity.
Taxonomy – The science of classifying organisms into hierarchical groups based on shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships. – Modern taxonomy relies heavily on genetic data to accurately classify organisms.
Diversity – The variety and variability of species, genes, and ecosystems within a particular region or the entire planet. – The coral reef’s diversity is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance of marine life.
Research – The systematic investigation and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions. – Her research on the effects of climate change on polar bear populations was published in a leading scientific journal.
Analysis – The detailed examination of the elements or structure of something, typically as a basis for discussion or interpretation. – Statistical analysis of the data revealed a significant correlation between air pollution and respiratory diseases.
Characteristics – Distinctive features or qualities that help to identify, describe, or classify an organism or object. – The characteristics of the newly discovered insect include iridescent wings and a unique feeding behavior.
Measurements – The process of obtaining the size, quantity, or degree of something, typically using standard units. – Accurate measurements of the plant’s growth were recorded weekly to assess the effects of different fertilizers.
Collections – Assemblages of specimens or data gathered for study, reference, or exhibition in a scientific context. – The university’s herbarium houses extensive collections of plant specimens from around the world.
