Abstract
Since Linnaeus (1735) proposed a now globally adopted classification scheme, taxonomists have benefited greatly from the 'Linnasan Binomial Enterprise'. Ebach's (2011) concerns, particularly that taxonomy "is slowly dying off, were around well beforeDNA barcoding began. Here we discuss the integrative potential of DNA barcoding with morphology, which contrary to Ebach's comments, has proved a useful addition to the taxonomists tool-kit; such molecular applications to taxonomy are not new and have been widely used by taxonomists for over 30 years (e.g., Kitchener et al. 1984). We argue that taxonomy, like the vast majority of disciplines, must continue to develop in response to changing technologies. Taxonomy is not the static science as Ebach portrays. Scanning Electron Microscopy (S.E.M.) is a good example of a valuable tool that has assisted taxonomists since it became commercially available around 1965; and now the use of environmental S.E.M., confocal microscopy and mini-CT scanners are proving useful as taxonomic tools (e.g., http://digimorph.org/). DNA barcoding enters this category. It has the added advantage that its application crosses many facets of science and we agree with Ebach that the benefits of DNA barcoding in biosecurity, foodsciences and forensics are certainly a clear highlight (see also Mitchell 2011).
NSTL