SYSTEMATICS AND ENTOMOLOGY: SOME MAJOR THEMES

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Abstract
Systematics allows the extraordinary diversity of biological systems to be understood, and information about organisms to be organized and made accessible. Key patterns that help to interpret natural processes can be summarized, and biological traits predicted, by determining the relationships of natural taxa. Ecological roles are made visible and existing knowledge is made accessible only through specific names. Most organismic diversity is represented by terrestrial arthropods, but knowledge is very incomplete. Even for species found in Canada, half have not been described and the immature stages of most are unknown.Systematics supports entomology and underpins studies of biology in many different ways. From these roles, understanding is gained about diversity and evolution, distributions and biogeographically significant regions of the country, adaptations as related especially to species interactions and metamorphosis, and the application of systematics information. In addition, the values of basic systematic work, modern techniques, and long-term coordinated efforts in studying the fauna are emphasized.A coordinated study of diversity by systematists in conjunction with ecologists and others is required. Such a coordinated approach is timely given recent recognition that the world depends on self-sustaining but increasingly threatened biological systems. Diverse organisms maintain those systems but can be distinguished only through systematics. Adequate long-term support — for systematics positions, research collections, activities that include the preparation of basic works such as monographs, and educational facilities — is required to underpin the systematics component of such a coordinated study.

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