NRDC: Combining New and Old

Q & A with NRDC's Sylvia Fallon

Staff Scientist Sylvia Fallon focuses on the role of genetics in identifying and protecting endangered species. We asked how her work might benefit from the Encyclopedia of Life.

Taxonomy has been around for a long time. Has genetics opened up new ways of thinking about it?

With the advent of genetic techniques, there has been a shift away from more traditional ways of describing species, such as morphological measurements or field-based observations of behavior and ecology. In fact, I've seen several articles recently lamenting the "death" of taxonomy. But genetics also has its limitations, and the traditional taxonomic approaches can add real value to our understanding of the biology and function of species. I believe it's important not to look at one without the other, and the species pages being designed by the encyclopedia should make it easier to assess both kinds of information.

Why is it important to name and describe species?

Species are the main currency of biodiversity. Identifying and counting individual species gives us an understanding of the diversity of life around us. It also provides us with the vocabulary to be able to categorize and communicate about the natural world.

Why focus on protecting species rather than ecosystems?

Both species and ecosystem protection are important and NRDC works to achieve both. In the United States, one of our most effective conservation laws is the Endangered Species Act, which functions at the species level. However, by focusing our efforts on keystone species whose presence have effects throughout their broader ecosystem, such as wolves, grizzlies, and buffalo, we are able to protect many other species -- from plants to fish to birds -- and ensure a healthy ecosystem.

What are the greatest threats to species?

The greatest threat to species has traditionally been loss of habitat due to expanding human populations. Other threats include overharvesting, the introduction of invasive species, and toxic pollutants. Looking forward, however, global warming is fast becoming the number one threat to many species. We are working on species ranging from the polar bear, whose habitat is melting right out from under it, to the whitebark pine, a high-elevation tree species (and important food source for grizzlies) that is suffering from a combination of factors that are exacerbated by elevated temperatures.

How is global warming going to affect biodiversity?

There is no single answer to this question and the outcome is likely to be incredibly complex, with some species ranges shifting into new areas, for example, and other species having more difficulty adapting. The most important strategy for heading off a large number of species extinctions is to address the causes of global warming and slow its effects to the greatest extent possible. The second most important thing we can do is protect large, interconnected landscapes that will provide the opportunity for species to move and adapt to a changing climate.