Look there! A house sparrow (Passer domesticus); one of the most widespread and successful species on Earth. How cute.
I love seeing birds, especially because they can be excellent indicators of ecosystem health and resilience. When bird populations are robust, we could conclude there’s sufficient food, water, habitat, and other resources in our location.
But wait…
Are you imagining a park somewhere in Eurasia or one in the Americas?
If you’re in the ‘natural range’ of the house sparrow (see Animation #1), maybe their presence does tell us local conditions are optimal. But what about where I live ?
House sparrows are not from my area (Idaho, USA), but humans helped them arrive here more than 100 years ago. If I see some in my local park, what should I conclude?
Are they displacing other bird species that evolved in my bioregion? Are conditions supportive of true biodiversity, or is this human-dominated landscape only well suited for a few generalist species?
Now, imagine a friend of mine goes to my favorite park and sees a lot of house sparrows… Then they inform me that they are CONFIDENT the park is a thriving wonderland.
Can you imagine what I’d think about that interpretation?
The abundance of a common bird is not solid evidence for ecosystem vitality. Strolling along a concrete path is not a valid sampling method. The assumptions are all wrong. Population surveys need to be systematic, and data collection needs to be tuned to ecological realities… or, the conclusions will be flawed.
This is EXACTLY how I feel about most ‘applied microscopy’ in our movement. Land management and soil regeneration are too important; we need effective techniques, not bogus ones that are built on incorrect assumptions.
Why am I focusing on this topic AGAIN?
I already laid out some of my gripes in a previous HUBnote. What gives? Well, I recently met with some folks who are looking for a way forward… and I want to be part of that story.
Criticism is MUCH easier than construction. I already articulated how ciliates, nematodes, and fungi (three key examples) are often treated inappropriately – leading to odd judgements. My criticisms of the status quo are out there.
I’m ready to help build something better. Let’s co-create a new paradigm for microscopes and microbiology assessments.
So, who’s interested in having time and space for some fun discussions? I think 8-12 of us can cultivate something meaningful.
If you’re keen, please fill out this quick form to receive future HUBscope meeting invites. Hope to see you there