Lecture Notes: The Discovery of Trogloraptor

Introduction

• Citizen scientists from the Western Cave Conservancy discovered a peculiar spider in a southern Oregon cave.
• Named Trogloraptor, it was declared a new species and a new family of spiders by scientists in California.
• The process of scientific discovery is non-linear and dynamic.

Science Flowchart

• Developed by Judy and colleagues to explain the process of science.
• Science is less a linear process and more akin to a pinball machine.
• Collaboration and communication with the scientific community are essential.

The Trogloraptor Discovery Process

• Initial Discovery:
  • Citizen scientists sent the spider to Tracy Audisio, curious about cave-dwelling species.
  • Initial observations were inconclusive.
• Further Examination:
  • Charles Griswold at the Academy observed it further, initially mistaking it for a brown recluse.
  • Detailed anatomical differences identified it as unique.

Research and Collaboration

• Scientists used trial and error, referencing books and fossil records.
• Hypotheses were formulated about the spider’s classification.
• Extensive comparisons were made with known spider families.
• Collaboration with the scientific community confirmed it was a new family.

Publishing and Peer Review

• Findings were documented and submitted to anonymous scientists.
• Peer reviews agreed with the conclusions.

Ongoing Research

• Continuous research on Trogloraptor and related goblin spiders.
• Studies on its unique respiratory system and claws, led by Facundo Labarque.
• Phylogeny research on Haplogyne spiders using molecular data.

Conclusion

• Trogloraptors continue to live in protected caves.
• The non-linear scientific process reflects everyday problem-solving and inquiry.
• Emphasizes that everyone can engage in scientific thinking.