So thinking of novel applications, as we continue to link specimens to images (common) and also add genetic data layers (less common but definitely increasing) a range of potentially interesting and very useful things become possible. For instance, if we extend “extend” our specimens with large(ish) SNP datasets it might be possible to reconstruct kinship estimates and infer specimen pedigrees across time and space… This would effectively turn the world’s collections into a giant quantitative genetics experiment with thousands of observations of individuals of known (estimated) relationship across a wide range of environments (GxE!). Why do this? Well if this were true collections could be used to explore genetic control (hereditability and possibly even genetic architecture) of key traits and their response to environmental selection which can then be incorporated into simulations given more sophisticated predictions of species responses.
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