Italian scientists have called for an increase in the biodiversity of emojis after concluding that the “tree of life” is not entirely accurately represented by these icons, the DPA agency reported, citing Agerpres.

Animal emojisPhoto: Shutterstock

Italian conservation biologists Stefano Mammola, Mattia Falaschi, and Gentile Francesco Ficetola cataloged the emojis representing plants and animals that are available in the online catalog Emojipedia, then compared the biodiversity of those symbols to that of the real world.

In total, they identified emojis that represent 112 organisms – 92 animals, 16 plants, a fungus and a microorganism.

“Currently available emoji cover a wide range of animal species, while plants, fungi and microorganisms are underrepresented,” the biologists wrote in a study published Monday in the scientific journal Cell.

“Such strong taxonomic favoritism is consistent with current public understanding of biodiversity, which tends to favor animals over other taxa,” the study authors added.

Vertebrates dominate emoji, researchers say

According to the study, “Among animals, vertebrates are significantly overrepresented in their actual diversity, while arthropods are underrepresented.”

Mammola, Falaski and Ficetola argued that a more representative catalog of emojis could contribute to discussions about biodiversity and its conservation. Italian researchers have found a significant increase in emoji biodiversity after the number of animal taxa represented by emoji more than doubled between 2015 and 2022.

Annular worms began to appear in 2020 – with the addition of the “worm” emoji, and in 2021 – cnidaria – with the addition of the red coral emoji.

“This increase in phylogenetic diversity defined by lesser-known taxa highlights the positive trend of increased possibilities for the ’emojification’ of communication in the biodiversity sector, allowing users of digital platforms to more effectively discuss a range of topics and feelings related to it. biodiversity, except for symbols that represent emblematic species,” the Italian researchers write.