One reason for this taxonomic inflation is that the idea of a species becoming extinct is easy to grasp, and thus easy to make laws about.

ECONOMIST: Species inflation

And if dead and decomposing bodies aren't your thing you can test your knowledge of the rules of taxonomic nomenclature by suggesting new names for five species of deep-sea worm, recently discovered around hydrothermal vents off Antarctica.

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Paul Cannon knows more than most, he's a British taxonomic mycologist, rarer now than many of the species he studies.

BBC: Fears over fungi expert demise

Dr Fleischer's tree also suggests it may be time to abandon the Canada goose as a distinct species, and elevate its many subspecies one rung up the taxonomic ladder.

ECONOMIST: Feathers are flying in the world of bird classification

As patterns of diversity between one taxonomic group and another do not always align well with each other, conservation priorities may well overemphasise protecting familiar species.

ECONOMIST: Green.view: Finger on the spot | The