Random Act of Metaphor: The Mosaic Darner Conundrum

Hmmm, just exactly how fine is the margin of error between the survival and extinction of a species in our natural world?

The tipping point may well be so fine that we don't even notice when it happens. Yes, I know that sounds like hyperbole. But hear me out.

The discernable difference between a Canada Darner dragonfly and a Lance-tipped Darner dragonfly comes down to two, hair-splitting judgment calls. 1. An ever so slim difference in the notch in one of two thorax stripes. 2. A slight...