Types of GCOBsTypes of GCOBs  theoretical challenges  challenges in the development of resources

Measure of ProgressMeasure of Progress  Open ended  GCOB #4 from Schwenk et al. (2009): Understanding how genomes produce organisms.When are we done?  Goal oriented  U.S. National Academy of Engineering – Practical or technical

GCOB #9—Understanding the origin of species  Framework established 150 years ago (Darwin 1859), but the problem has not been solved.  Lack fundamental understanding of how biodiversity is generated or how boundaries between species are established. Limited cases in which we understand the specific molecular mechanisms that underlie reproductive incompatibility, adaptation, diversification, and speciation in natural populations.  Overlaps with GCOB #5 concerning stability and change – but more then phenotypic response

 Some methods cheaper now – e.g. sequencing  Some more expensive – e.g. organismal collection GCOB #10—Assemble the tree of life and catalog organismal diversity

 Three missions:  (1) Discovering biological diversity  (2) Understanding biological diversity (a.k.a., AToL)  (3) Managing systematic knowledge. Systematics Agenda 2000: Charting the Biosphere (1994).

 Hypothesis-driven research may not be the most efficient mechanism by which to complete certain projects - AToL or a catalog of biodiversity.  Goal-based versus Hypothesis-based Research

GCOB #11—Significant paradigm shift for supporting, capturing, and storing biological information  Most biological databases are doomed to fail because that dedicated individual(s) who maintain a given database will simply not be there one day.  Genbank example  Gene function, networks, taxonomic knowledge

GCOB #12—Raise public awareness of the importance of organismal biology  Hands down, this grand challenge is the biggest and most important for the advancement of organismal biology.