ABSTRACT
The EOL will dynamically synthesize biodiversity knowledge about all known species, including their taxonomy, geographic distribution, specimens in collections, genetics, evolutionary history, morphology, behavior, ecological relationships, and importance for human well-being, and distribute this information freely through the Internet. It will serve as a primary resource for a wide audience that includes scientists, natural resource managers, conservationists, teachers, and students around
Species Sites Group ....................................................................................................................... 128 Biodiversity Informatics Group ..................................................................................................... 128 Scanning and Digitization Group ................................................................................................... 130 Education and Outreach Group ...................................................................................................... 132 Biodiversity Synthesis Group ........................................................................................................ 132 Secretariat ...................................................................................................................................... 133 Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................... 133 Acknowledgments .......................................................................................................................... 134 References ...................................................................................................................................... 134
the world. The EOL’s broad scope and innovative tools will have a major global impact in facilitating biodiversity research, conservation, and education. Many countries, especially those in the developing world, regard biodiversity as an important element in their economic and societal development. The EOL will greatly facilitate access to biodiversity information in the countries where most of the planet’s biodiversity is found and where it must be managed sustainably.
