DNA results cannot confirm new species

On May 16, the Dat Viet newspaper published an interview with Prof. Dr. Vu Quang Con on the announcement of the Sword Lake turtle which is a new species based on the DNA test which is not convincing, many scientists have related opinions. around this issue.

Dr. Vo Van Su, Head of the Department of Rare and Precious Animal and Biodiversity, National Institute of Animal Husbandry (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) : In order to identify new species, we must first rely on differences in appearance. Next is to study the physiological, biochemical and living characteristics of that species. And finally, with current advances, to identify new species, scientists also rely on DNA technology.

If it is confirmed that Turtle Lake is a completely new species, I think it is very unlikely, and it is acceptable to say that the new turtle is acceptable. Must understand, the current classification species have sub-species.

Based on the DNA that Lake Sword turtle is a new species, I think it is not right, it is just a new species of tortoise.

Is Sword Lake turtle a new species . The problem is still controversial. In the photo: Textures of turtles Ho Guom in Ngoc Son temple (Photo: Nguyen Huu ).

Associate Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Quynh, Department of Biology, University of Natural Sciences (Hanoi National University): To identify a new species, it is necessary to rely on many factors and each species group has standards. Different categories. However, there are common standards that must be followed such as the description of external morphological characteristics, internal structure and now people still make DNA.

I am an expert on invertebrates such as shrimp and crabs, so for our species group it is most important to accurately describe the morphological characteristics of the species to identify and determine if they are new species Only when the determination is too complicated to rely on external morphological characteristics will we need DNA testing.

To publish a new species, it is best to publish in a prestigious scientific journal in the country or publish it in a foreign scientific journal, but it is important that the world recognizes its findings. I can't refute it.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Dang, Head of Vertebrate Zoology Department, Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology) : To confirm a new species, the morphology must be determined primarily. , that is, size, mass, structure . and now, people also rely on DNA test results.

Unfortunately, up to now, I have not been able to access the research of the group of scientists from the Institute of Biotechnology on the announcement of the Ho Guom turtle as a new species. However, the Institute of Biotechnology is also a leading institute in this field, so I think their research is well-founded.

My opinion, when publishing new species is not necessarily required to be published in prestigious scientific journals in the world, but just published in reputable scientific journals in the country. . It is not important to publish in the country or abroad, that's the same!

Prof. Dr. Dang Huy Huynh, chairman of Vietnam Zoological Society : To announce Ho Guom turtle is a new species, scientists need to discuss and review the research process.

Be careful because it is new, it must be 100% accurate. In order to do that, it is necessary to have the participation of scientists specializing in classification, international organizations on turtles so that they can recognize it very well. Must give them samples, analyze samples with me because they have very good subspecies experience anyway.

With many organizations working together, the results will be more objective and increase the credibility for their publication. In my opinion, the publication of Ho Guom turtle is a new species that is a bit hasty when the conditions are not yet mature. Doing science, the more cautious the better.