> But, what I'd really like to hear is why it matters.  Why is it
> important to be able to distinguish species?  Other than providing a longer
> inventory list for dealers (more sales), what is the point?

On the practical end, species are the main operational unit of
conservation.  Particulaly for invertebrates, you generally need
something to be recognized as a species before it will be listed as
endangered, etc.  From a biological standpoint, we recognize the value
of populations, but that isn't the way the policy is written.

While the exact definition of species is contentious, the need for
some sort of separation between the taxa to recognize them implies
that there is something different about things that are different
species.  This affects any sort of study-you need to be sure that
differences between species do not confound your study.  For example,
it's commonly claimed that basommatophorans are more characteristic of
impacted freshwater habitats and caenogastropods of more pristine
ones.  However, some basommatophorans are very restricted in their
habitat tolerances, some types of pristine habitat are better suited
to basommatophorans than to caenogastropods generally, and some caenos
are rather tolerant.

There's also the general human interest in quantifying and statistics.
 E.g., Alabama has over 180 species of freshwater mussel-the most of
anywhere in the world.  Such statements can get attention for
conservation, research, or general appreciation.

--
Dr. David Campbell
4830 University Blvd E H4
Tuscaloosa AL 35404
"I think of my happy condition, surrounded by acres of clams"

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