Managing Taxonomic Reference Data

The Taxonomy form records one or more scientific identifications for a specimen. Identifications may range from a broad assignment (for example, Animalia → Mollusca → Cephalopoda) to a complete species-level identification.

Taxonomic understanding often improves over time. It is therefore perfectly acceptable—and encouraged—to record the best identification currently available rather than waiting until every level is known.

Taxonomy History

The table at the top of the page lists all taxonomy records associated with the specimen.

This allows the identification history of a specimen to be preserved. For example, a specimen may initially be identified only as an ammonoid, later assigned to a genus, and finally identified to species. Earlier identifications can be retained as part of the specimen's history if desired.

Selecting an existing taxonomy record loads it for editing.

Selecting New taxonomy creates a new identification record.

Field Reference

Field	Purpose
Kingdom	Highest taxonomic rank. Fossils will normally be recorded as Animalia, although plants, fungi and other groups are equally supported.
Phylum	Records the specimen's phylum (for example Mollusca, Arthropoda, Brachiopoda).
Class	Records the class within the phylum (for example Cephalopoda, Trilobita, Bivalvia).
Order	Records the taxonomic order if known.
Family	Records the family if known.
Genus	Records the genus.
Species	Records the species epithet. Together with the genus this forms the scientific name.
Identification confidence	Indicates how confident you are that the identification is correct. This represents an assessment of the available evidence rather than certainty.
Identification notes	Free-text notes explaining the identification, references consulted, distinguishing characteristics, uncertainties or alternative possibilities.
Save taxonomy	Saves the taxonomy record for the specimen.
Delete taxonomy	Deletes the currently selected taxonomy record.

Working with Partial Identifications

Complete species-level identifications are not required.

Record the most specific identification that can be supported by the available evidence.

For example:

Example 1 – Broad identification

A polished ammonite purchased from a fossil dealer may initially be identified only as:

Rank	Value
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Mollusca
Class	Cephalopoda

Leave the remaining fields blank.

In the notes you might record:

Ammonoidea recognised from shell morphology. Genus and species not yet investigated.

Example 2 – Intermediate identification

After further research the specimen may be identified as belonging to the family:

Rank	Value
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Mollusca
Class	Cephalopoda
Order	Ammonitida
Family	Perisphinctidae

Again, the remaining fields can be left blank.

Example 3 – Complete identification

Once sufficient evidence is available:

Rank	Value
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Mollusca
Class	Cephalopoda
Order	Ammonitida
Family	Perisphinctidae
Genus	Perisphinctes
Species	biplex

Identification Confidence

The Identification confidence field records your confidence in the identification rather than its taxonomic rank.

For example:

Confidence	Typical meaning
Unknown	No assessment has yet been made.
Low	Tentative identification with significant uncertainty.
Medium	Identification appears reasonable but requires confirmation.
High	Identification is well supported by the available evidence.

Confidence may be revised as further evidence becomes available.

Best Practices

• Record the best identification currently available rather than waiting for certainty
• Leave unknown ranks blank rather than guessing
• Explain uncertainties in the identification notes
• Record references, field guides or papers used during identification
• Update the taxonomy as your understanding improves
• Use additional taxonomy records if you wish to preserve a history of changing identifications