Undescribed taxon

The discovery of undescribed taxa has accelerated dramatically with advances in molecular biology and the growing use of image-based identifications.

As a result, many clearly distinct species remain in an undescribed state for extended periods, known only by temporary names or identifiers.

Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs) are groups of organisms distinguished by DNA sequence similarity, often revealing diversity that exceeds known described species.

However, while molecular methods are powerful tools for discovering potential new species, they do not replace traditional taxonomic description.

MOTUs and similar molecular groupings serve as important indicators of undescribed diversity, but formal species description typically requires additional evidence, including morphological analysis and ecological data.

It may also consist of the genus name followed by such a specimen identifier or by a provisional specific epithet which is enclosed by quotation marks.

[5] Major biodiversity databases have developed various approaches to handle undescribed taxa while maintaining taxonomic rigor.

The World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) allows for five broad name status categories: Accepted, Unaccepted, Uncertain, Alternative representation, and Temporary.

This same specimen might then be referenced in molecular databases like GenBank or BOLD (Barcode of Life Data System) with a different identifier, and appear in published literature with yet another temporary name.

Biodiversity databases must track these various identifiers and maintain links between them until the species receives formal taxonomic description.

When species are formally described, their temporary identifiers can be retained in databases as alternative names, maintaining the connection between pre- and post-description records.