Abstract:
Herbarium and museum specimens are inanimate objects, carefully stored to ensure their preservation and continued value for research. They come alive, metaphorically, when used to help us understanding the world's biodiversity and its evolution and interactions, whether by demonstrating the increasing density of leaf venations over time or the relationship between leaf size and annual precipitation. Research biologists have welcomed innovative technology to help them learn more from old specimens. Today, digital technology challenges us to incorporate its use into the collection of new specimens, our research, and our teaching. Doing so can be challenging, but it is becoming easier. An excellent place to start learning to incorporate digital technology into biodiversity research is by learning to preparing “energetic specimens”, specimens prepared in ways that conform to the higher standards required if they are to have their maximum value to one's own research and teaching and that of others. It also calls for development of new collaborations within and between institutions and individuals and new combinations of abilities by students and young faculty. For older and emeritus faculty, it means learning to understand how recent technologies, such as digital technology, can help their students contribute in ways that were impossible when they were in college. As an emeritus faculty member, I am envious of what is now possible but delighted for the resources and opportunities that digital technology makes possible, including for those for whom knowing and understanding the floristic diversity of a region is their passion.
Page(s):
0-0
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: First International Conference on Revamped Scientific Outlook of 21st Century (Abstract Book), Volume: 0, Issue: 0, Year: 2022
Keywords:
Museum
,
Digital technology
,
Specimens
,
Energetic Herbarium