About Integrated taxonomic information system (itis)
Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) is a comprehensive database that provides authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America. Hosted by the USGS Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, ITIS is designed through the cooperative efforts of interagency ITIS Teams. The system serves as a reliable source for scientists, researchers, policymakers, and the general public to access accurate taxonomic data.
The primary objective of ITIS is to provide standardized nomenclature and classification for all living organisms in North America. The database contains over 1.8 million scientific names and synonyms for more than 1 million species. It also includes common names in various languages along with distributional data.
ITIS has been developed to meet the needs of diverse user groups such as biologists, ecologists, conservationists, educators, students and many others who require accurate taxonomic information about living organisms in North America. The system provides an easy-to-use interface that allows users to search for specific taxa or browse through hierarchical classifications.
One of the key features of ITIS is its ability to integrate with other databases such as Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), Encyclopedia of Life (EOL), Catalogue of Life (CoL), etc., which makes it an essential tool for biodiversity research worldwide.
The team behind ITIS comprises experts from various fields including taxonomy, biology, ecology and computer science who work together to ensure that the database remains up-to-date with current taxonomic knowledge. They also collaborate with other organizations such as NatureServe and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List to provide conservation status assessments for species listed under these programs.
In addition to providing taxonomic information on individual species or groups thereof; ITIS also offers tools like geographic search which allows users to find taxa based on their distributional range within North America; advanced search options which enable users to filter results based on various criteria such as habitat, life cycle, etc.; and a download feature which allows users to export data in various formats.
ITIS is an essential resource for anyone interested in biodiversity research or conservation. Its comprehensive database and user-friendly interface make it an indispensable tool for scientists, researchers, policymakers and the general public alike. The system is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of its users and remains committed to providing accurate taxonomic information on North American organisms.
In conclusion, ITIS is a valuable resource that provides standardized nomenclature and classification for all living organisms in North America. It serves as a reliable source of taxonomic data for diverse user groups including biologists, ecologists, conservationists, educators and students. With its comprehensive database and user-friendly interface; ITIS has become an indispensable tool for biodiversity research worldwide.