The Role of Taxonomy and Natural History in the Study of the Evolution of Eneopterinae Crickets

This chapter demonstrates how taxonomy, natural history and descriptive approaches are paramount in the study of evolution. After a brief reminder that taxonomy is part of comparative approaches, it presents the Eneopterinae study model in detail, reviewing the recent contributions related to taxonomic work in terms of knowledge on phylogenetic relationships and biogeographic patterns. Through this case study, the chapter addresses the question regarding the usefulness of taxonomic exploration to study the evolution of communication. Although taxonomic exploration makes phylogenetic analyses, classification systems and biogeographical interpretations more reliable, it also has a role to play in the knowledge of the traits of the species themselves. Beyond the act of naming and describing taxa, taxonomy provides access to a wealth of information for the entire scientific community.