How to act on RG observations that lack evidence for the community ID

[bouteloua]

@agujaceratops

Based on my forum search

Thank you for doing some searching around before posting. It’s really appreciated!

@agujaceratops

not to disagree when evidence is insufficient (e.g., to move a species community ID to the general generic ID) unless you can prove that the ID is wrong

Many iNatters add disagreeing IDs based on lack of evidence. It’s very common to do so, even if it’s possible the organism could be that species, but the evidence just can’t support the ID because it could also be one of many other species in the area. I don’t think consensus has built around not disagreeing in these cases. (oof double negatives)

@agujaceratops

not to use the “Based on the evidence, can the Community Taxon still be confirmed or improved?” to move a generic ID to research grade unless in very rare cases where one is absolutely sure the ID can’t be improved (i.e., with published evidence that microscopy or genetics are needed).

It’s not actually that rare, since this happens with some of the most common organisms. But yes, the person checking that box should be fully informed when doing so.

@annkatrinrose, I’ll respond to your comment at this topic: https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/change-wording-used-by-the-system-when-downgrading-an-observation-to-an-higher-level-taxa/3862

If anyone want to add to that topic about the disagreeing ID pop-up language, meaning, or concerns, please do read that existing discussion first to see if your thoughts, questions, or ideas have already been covered. Thanks!