---------------------------------------------------------------
Users will be aware that we published a Review paper last year (see below). Cowman et al responded with a Commentary (click
here
for details). Our Reply has recently been published and can be accessed using this link:
Modern Coral Taxonomy Requires Biologically Relevant Evidence - Reply to Cowman et al. Comments on "Veron et al. Review of Coral Taxonomy, Evolution and Diversity. Diversity 2025, 17, 823"
J.E.N. Veron, M.G. Stafford-Smith, L.M. DeVantier and E. Turak
Here is the link to the original Review:
Review of coral taxonomy, evolution and diversity
J.E.N. Veron, M.G. Stafford-Smith, L.M. DeVantier and E. Turak
Our Review paper provides context for the upcoming new version of CoralsOfTheWorld.org. However, in response to Cowman et al., our Reply includes much more detail to explain why certain recent taxonomic changes do not yet have sufficient support. We highlight molecular, reproductive and morphological studies which together demonstrate that neither detectable lineages nor geographic distance on their own automatically equate with species level differences. In particular, we emphasise that biologically-relevant sampling at all levels is critical for understanding gene flows and lineage significance.
If you have additions, comments or corrections either to the concepts in the papers, or to the website, we invite you to contact Charlie Veron on j.veron@coralreefresearch.com.
---------------------------------------------------------------
