1st COMAR Advanced Training Workshop on Systematics of Deep-sea Benthos

During April 27th to May 10th, the 1st COMAR advanced training workshop on systematics of deep-sea benthos was hold inHong Kong University of Science & Technology. Two world-famous experts, Professor Greg W. Rouse from Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Dr. Timothy D. O’Hara from Museum Victoria were invited by professor Pei-Yuan Qian as the workshop instructors. Nine trainees from 6 mainland institutions including 3 universities participated this workshop.

The topics of the workshop were systematics of annelids and echinoderms. The courses were divided into basic theory study and lab exercise, including applications of phylogenetic, diversity and anatomy, deep sea annelids and echinoderms, collection and preservation of annelids, biogeography and so on. Two field trips were arranged to collect polychaetes and echinoderms specimens from local habitats of sandy and rocky beaches. Identification of the collected specimens and presentation of group project were carried out.

One of the most interesting content of this workshop is about the discussion of current system of Linnean nomenclature. Because the system was developed before evolution became the central dogma and has some problems and makes it not compatible with tree-thinking. One of goals of nomenclature is the stability of names and it is unsatisfactory for that either. It will be better to replace the current system by the PhyloCode which is under phylogenetic definitions. The PhyloCode is rankles and with no types. Under PhyloCode the meaning of the name will always be stable though the content will vary with new phylogenetic hypotheses.

1st COMAR Advanced Training Workshop on Systematics of Deep-sea Benthos