Corrections Policy

BioExplorer takes accuracy seriously. When errors occur, we correct them promptly and transparently. This page describes how we handle corrections, updates, and reader-reported inaccuracies.

Our Commitment

We believe in transparent correction rather than silent editing. When a published article contains a factual error, we correct it, note what changed, and update the article’s timestamp. We do not delete or silently overwrite errors without acknowledgment.

Types of Corrections

We distinguish between three types of changes:

Corrections are changes made because information published was factually wrong at the time of publication. Corrections are noted with an editor’s note at the bottom of the article.

Updates are changes made because new scientific research, new IUCN assessments, or new data has superseded previously accurate information. The original information was correct when published but is no longer current. Updates are reflected in the last-updated timestamp and may include a note when the change is significant.

Clarifications are changes made to improve the precision or clarity of a statement without changing its fundamental meaning. Clarifications are not separately noted unless the original wording was substantially misleading.

How Corrections Are Made

When an error is identified — either by our team or reported by a reader — we follow this process:

  1. The reported error is reviewed by our editorial team against primary sources
  2. If the error is confirmed, the article is corrected immediately
  3. An editor’s note is added to the bottom of the article stating what was corrected and when
  4. The article’s last-updated timestamp is revised to reflect the correction date
  5. If the error was significant or affected a key conclusion, a more prominent correction notice may be added

Correction Notes

Correction notes appear at the bottom of the affected article in this format:

Editor’s note: This article was updated on [date] to correct [brief description of what was corrected]. The original text stated [original claim]. The correct information is [corrected claim].

Significant Updates

Biology is a living science. IUCN conservation assessments are updated regularly. New species are described. Genetic reclassifications change taxonomy. When these updates affect information on BioExplorer, we revise the relevant articles to reflect current scientific consensus. Significant updates are noted at the bottom of the revised article.

All “last updated” timestamps on BioExplorer reflect genuine content revisions, not automated or cosmetic timestamp refreshes.

What We Do Not Do

  • We do not silently delete or overwrite errors without acknowledgment
  • We do not revise articles to misrepresent what was originally published
  • We do not suppress corrections because they reflect poorly on earlier content
  • We do not apply corrections under pressure from third parties with a commercial interest in the outcome

How to Report an Error

If you have identified a factual error in a BioExplorer article, please contact us via our contact page. Include:

  • The URL of the article
  • The specific sentence or claim you believe is incorrect
  • The source that supports the correction

We review all reported errors. Reports that include a supporting source are given priority review. We aim to respond to substantive error reports within 5 business days.

See also: our Editorial Standards, Fact-Checking Policy, and Review Process.

Last reviewed: May 2026