Researchers keep identifying new species, but they have no idea about the life cycle of a given species or its other hosts. They cut open an animal and find a new species. Where did it come from? What effect does it have on its host? What is its next host? They don't know and they don't have time to find out, because there are too many other species waiting to be discovered and described.
Interpretation
Scientists often discover new species without fully understanding their biology or ecological roles.
This quote by Carl Zimmer highlights the challenges faced by researchers in the field of biology, particularly in the area of taxonomy and ecology. It emphasizes the rapid pace at which new species are being identified, yet points out the lack of understanding regarding their life cycles and interactions with other organisms. The urgency of discovery often overshadows the necessity of in-depth study, leading to gaps in knowledge about newly found species and their ecological significance.
In practice
In a biology conference, one might use this quote to stress the importance of understanding ecological interactions.
At long last, we may be returning to the original two-sided sense of the word virus, which originally signified either a life-giving substance or a deadly venom. Viruses are indeed exquisitely deadly, but they have provided the world with some of its most important innovations. Creation and destruction join together once more.
We often say that our science is objective and accurate, but we don't often say that our science is incomplete - that although the established parts of natural science are very well tested and the evidence makes a compelling case for things being as they've been described, there nevertheless are open questions that we cannot answer.
If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts.
The conscious mind is not at the center of the action in the brain; instead, it is far out on a distant edge, hearing but whispers of the activity.
Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution.
The most important discoveries will provide answers to questions that we do not yet know how to ask and will concern objects we have not yet imagined.
The use of solar energy has not been opened up because the oil industry does not own the sun.
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