title: The potential for computer-aided identification in biodiversity research.
abstract: Species identification lies at the heart of most ecological studies, but it is recognized as a difficult and often frustrating task. Taxonomists have sought to overcome the difficulties of species identification by developing a range of tools and techniques that have increasingly involved the use of computers. We describe recent developments in computer-aided species identification, which have been in four main areas; multi-access keys; hypertext keys; expert systems; and neural networks. We also suggest which technique might be appropriate for a particular taxonomic group.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Transport Studies, University College London, Gower Street, London, UK WC1E 6BT.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Morse