Authority is also contextual. Each discipline has a different approach, their own scholarly discourses, and criteria that are relevant or more significant to their information needs. Their conversations may overlap but the way they communicate and provide evidence for claims may differ, and these change over time.

There is so much we can learn, especially ethnobotanical knowledge, from Indigenous Traditional Knowledge. The following video is a great global introduction to Traditional Knowledge and the specialized expertise that lends to the authority of traditional knowledge on ethnobotany.

In this unit, we’ll be using NatureLynx. Take some time and explore the site and think about the idea of authority and the CRAAP criteria. Post your thoughts to the Padlet below.

• 1. What is NatureLynx?

  2. Who made it, who supports it?

  3. Explore the agency that manages the site. What is their role in NatureLynx? What expertise do they have? Are they authoritative?

  4. Would you consider the identifications and related information reliable?

  5. Given the context of the information, would you consider the details in the species gallery reliable?