Comment by Dr. Jiao Genlin on the Article: Kew Gardens Will Hold State of the World’s Plants and Fungi Symposium in October 2023

On July 23, 2023, the WeChat account “OceanWetlands” run by China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) published an article with the title of “Kew Gardens Will Hold State of the World's Plants and Fungi Symposium in October 2023”. After reading it, Dr. Jiao Genlin in botany made a helpful comment on its content. With his permission, the comment will be introduced as follows:

Picture source: Kew Gardens

“The history-honored taxonomic research on fungi and plants makes Kew Gardens a global leader in this field. However, there are some shortcomings in the article that require your attention.

First of all, the diversity conservation of plants and animals has been paid attention to in the past, so reliable ideas and opinions can be put forward based on the current level of science. However, the diversity of animals and plants is relatively low compared to fungi. As far as I know, the actual diversity of fungi is still beyond the current taxonomic understanding, making it difficult to talk about their protection.

Secondly, the article talks a lot about the ranks of species. But life evolves and diversifies in the mode of tree. Therefore, there is no hierarchical difference among different species unless they are on the same branch. Fungi and plants are of different “branches” so we cannot say which one ranks higher than the other.

Science should be accurate; otherwise, it will become part of the pop culture.”

Thanks to the expert for helping us improve our work!

Original Chinese Article:

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/uEuT6TFpe89dWcnMICSzaA

Translator: Irene

Checked by Richard

Editor: Irene

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

Contribution

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