Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)

The Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) database maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). ITIS was selected as the taxonomic name server for Morphbank in 2004 because it represented the most complete comprehensive taxonomic name service available at the time. Also, the entire database could be downloaded locally making access to the data quick and efficient. ITIS is a consistent service. It has a high level of stability and a rigid review system. Since ITIS is maintained by the USDA, the probability that the service will be persistent for several years is high. Taxonomic names are entered into the system and panel of experts periodically review the names for quality assurance.

The Morphbank development team recognized early in the development of the system, the need for a Taxonomic Name Server that would supply the scientific names needed in determination of species. However, there were none available that contained all of the recognized names. ITIS was chosen because it

1. contained the most complete set of names at the time,
2. has a formal method for adding new names and
3. because the system is supported by the USDA ensuring the longevity of the system.

Because the addition of new names does take some time, the Morphbank team established a method to add temporary names and update them whenever they are added by the USDA. This allows scientists to add specimens whose scientific determination has not been added to ITIS.

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