Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
A growing awareness of the importance of biodiversity has brought international attention to seed collecting, saving, and information sharing. Scientists are continually learning more about seeds at the most basic biological level, and this new knowledge is raising questions about the taxonomic systems scientists have used since the 1700s. Contemporary seed metadata is a complex and diverse area for study.This begins by looking at the taxonomic systems employed by botanists and discussing current trends and issues in that area of seed metadata. The most prominent seed metadata standards are examined. Third, the emerging field of bioinformatics is addressed, and the impact of biodiversity impact on seed metadata is explored by looking at the major seed collecting and saving organizations and projects.