Abstract Detail

Colloquia: SERNEC: Four years of development of a herbarium Research Coordination Network

Denslow, M.W. [1].

Diverse uses of herbarium data: opportunities and challenges.

Herbarium specimens are an underutilized data source with the potential to inform interdisciplinary studies of profound importance to science. Traditionally, herbarium specimens have been used by botanists for a variety of uses related to plant systematics. However, herbarium specimens and the metadata generated from these specimens have the potential to inform critical questions facing the broader field of life science. For example, herbarium specimens can be used to examine many aspects of global change (e.g., species range and phenological shifts). In addition, biodiversity scientists are increasingly interested in large-scale analyses, for which herbarium specimens are well suited. Many of these analyses (e.g., niche models) require the use of digitized and accurately georeferenced specimens, although this is not the case for all analyses (e.g., pollution or chemical analysis). One limitation to the utilization of herbarium data is the fact that data mobilization (i.e., digitization and online publication) is occurring at a slower rate than the need for such data. This paper will (1) highlight the diverse uses of herbarium data with examples from the published literature and online resources, (2) discuss potential biases and limitations in the use of this data, and (3) offer solutions for overcoming such biases for more effective analysis. I hope to increase awareness of the importance of this critical resource, and to accelerate online publication of herbarium specimen data. The southeast United States has over 200 years of specimen data from over 200 herbaria that can provide a critical data source for a variety of research questions. By broadening awareness and use of herbarium data in life science research, we will enhance support and funding for herbaria.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Appalachian State University, Department of Biology, Box 32027, Boone, North Carolina, 28608, U.S.A.

Keywords:
museum specimens
Herbaria
Analysis
specimen data
data mobilization.

Presentation Type: Symposium or Colloquium Presentation
Session: C3
Location: Ballroom C/Convention Center
Date: Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
Time: 3:00 PM
Number: C3008
Abstract ID:700