Assessing Identification Accuracy of Research Grade iNaturalist Observations in Lichens and other Taxonomically Difficult Organisms

Community science-generated biodiversity data can provide essential information for understanding species distributions, behaviors and conservation statuses. However, their utility be limited due to high uncertainty variability in quality, especially small taxonomically difficult organisms like fungi insects. One important set of community-generated that are increasingly used by scientists Research Grade (RG) iNaturalist observations. These observations aggregated into the Global Biodiversity Information Facility database. Here we assessed accuracy RG lichen iNaturalist. Lichens mutualistic symbioses formed between a photosynthetic partner, either algae or cyanobacteria occur every terrestrial ecosystem on planet (Brodo et al. 2001). They sensitive indicators environmental health, air essental food nesting material animals, along with performing many other services (Allen Lendemer 2021, Brodo 2001, Nimis 2002). We examined hundreds determined if identification was correct, it not possible identify observation given provided, incorrect. Identification selected varied widely, from zero enough correct (e.g., Rhizocarpon geographicum Cladonia chlorophaea ) 100% identifications Cetradonia linearis Physconia subpallida , McMullin Allen 2022). Most frequently, require microscopic examination chemical tests accurate were unable verified versus those only macromorphology. series suggestions best practices improve quality thus organisms.