The researchers also noted there were no emojis representing either platyhelminths (flatworms, including tapeworms) or nematodes, despite there being more than 20,000 platyhelminth species and almost 20,000 nematode species.
An analysis published in the journal iScience found that while animals are well represented by the current emoji catalog, plants, fungi, and microorganisms get short shrift.
Too many cats, not enough crustaceans: The current emoji catalog doesn't accurately represent the breadth of biodiversity seen in nature and that hurts conservation efforts, according to scientists. An analysis published Monday in the journal iScience found that while animals are well represented by the current emoji catalog, plants, fungi, and microorganisms get short shrift.
The current panel of emojis does not accurately represent the extent of biodiversity, scientists say. Among animals, vertebrates are overrepresented, making up 76% of the panel. There are 1.3 million arachnids, compared to only 85,000 vertebrate species. The number of animals in the emoji pool is expected to increase in the coming years, the authors say. The first new animal emoji will be added to the panel in 2020. For more information, visit Emojipedia.com.