Why Most New Species Are Discovered By Amateurs

Over the past two decades, amateurs have surpassed professional scientists in discovering new species, particularly in Europe. This trend is due to the complex and time-consuming nature of species discovery, which involves detailed research and publication. Amateurs, free from academic pressures, have embraced digitized resources and accessible tools like cameras and genome sequencing to contribute significantly to taxonomy. With only 14% of species officially discovered, there is vast potential for new findings, especially among small organisms. Amateurs, including retirees and hobbyists, are actively participating in this scientific endeavor.

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