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Type: Article
Published: 2008-12-05
Page range: 5–8
Abstract views: 28
PDF downloaded: 15

Actual usage of biological nomenclature and its implications for data integrators; a national, regional and global perspective

Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD UK
University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94766, NL-1090 GT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Global Biodiversity Information Facility, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
General Biodiversity Digital data bases Nomenclators

Abstract

Biological names play an important role in resource identification and as anchors for all sorts of associated information. This is borne out in ever-expanding online resources but the ways in which names are stored and presented give rise to challenges and pitfalls that can lead to missed or misinterpreted information. These resources must serve a variety of users and keep abreast of changes in nomenclature and systematics. Observations on the use of biological names are presented and some solutions to the challenges are offered.

References

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