Addressing the sublime scale of the microbial world: reconciling an appreciation of microbial diversity with the need to describe species

There are fewer than 20,000 prokaryotic species with validly published names, meaning >99% of a reasonable estimate of microbial diversity remains formally unnamed. Here we explore the damaging consequences of the current practice in which each new species is described in a standardized publication, most typically a 'single strain species description'. This approach is both an impediment to scaling up progress in naming the microbial world and also a significant factor in the poor reputation of the discipline of microbial taxonomy. We conclude that significant changes in author habits are needed and make constructive suggestions as to how author practice should adapt. (c) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

Currently, less than 20,000 prokaryotic species have been officially named, leaving over 99% of microbial diversity unnamed. The practice of describing each new species in a standardized publication, often a 'single strain species description', hinders the naming progress in the microbial world and contributes to the poor reputation of microbial taxonomy. The authors suggest significant changes in author habits are necessary for improvement.