A Complete Review About The Most Useful Encyclopedias Of Zoology
if you are searching for a holistic online encyclopedia of zoology, or exploring niches inside the science, such as an online encyclopedia of botany, online encyclopedia of ecology, online encyclopedia of geology or even an online encyclopedia of mammalogywhat’s the one-stop destination that streamlines information?
In today’s post, we bring you a concise list of a couple of good resources that can serve as a good encyclopedia of zoology for general information on zoology and not cost you anything.
Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
Probably the most credible and diverse online encyclopedia of zoology, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System, ITIS holds authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi and microbes found across North America and the world.
Taxonomy is the science of identifying and naming species and organizing them into systems of classification, so it doesn’t mean you’ll find data on how much taxes gorillas paid last year. Nice one there, eh?
Animal Diversity Web by University of Michigan
A complete online resource, the Animal Diversity Web is an online database of animal natural history, distribution, classification and conservation biology. It falls under the umbrella of initiatives by the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. The fact that thousands of students and informal visitors use it to expand on knowledge, it is a lot similar to Wikipedia in terms of constant information updating.
Resources and Evolution
A host of students keep adding to the subject matter on each topic according to their specialization. Due to that approach, this online encyclopedia of zoology is a great facilitator of inquiry-driven learning.
Structure of Information
Implying that the information is structured specifically according to the defined scientific method of deciphering the secrets of the universe, and additionally, allows the reader to foster comparisons between species. Innovatively, an advanced search tool allows a user to call up species accounts fitting any combination of descriptors.
Encyclopedia of Life (EOL)
“Imagine an electronic page for each species of organism on Earth…”
- Edward O. Wilson.
That, is the impetus for the Encyclopedia of Life (EOL). Citing the penchant to “document our understanding of the 1.9 million known species and the millions more yet to be discovered and described”, the EOL is a global effort to bring biodiversity to the masses. Whether its educators or students, enthusiasts or simply a search for ideas & activities, the Encyclopedia of Life offers something for everyone.
World Biodiversity Database (WDB)
A project of the University of Amsterdam, the World Biodiversity Database (WBD) is a continuously growing taxonomic database and information system that allows a user to search and browse a number of online species banks covering a wide variety of organisms.
This encyclopedia covers 21 banks of species, offering taxonomic information, species names, synonyms, descriptions, illustrations and literature references, as well as online identification keys and interactive geographical information systems. It currently includes 25493 unique taxa, plus 4149 synonyms.
Key Innovation
One of the key features of the WDB is the Linnaeus II, a free and multifunctional information management tool for systematists and biodiversity researchers. It facilitates the creation of taxonomic databases, interactive maps, computer aided ID keys and a host of other professional tools. And, at the end of the day, you can actually have your own-created database published on CD, DVD or even the Web, through the University. A win-win situation.
Wiley-Blackwell Journal of Zoology
Published on behalf of the Zoological Society of London, The Journal of Zoology publishes high-quality research papers that are original and are of broad interest. Studies that are hypothesis-driven and interdisciplinary in nature, covering genres such as animal behavior, ecology, physiology, anatomy, developmental biology, evolution, systematics, genetics and genomics.
All though different from the traditional online encyclopedias of zoology, it is yet another excellent initiative of Wiley-Blackwell, a 150-year old name in the scientific world. The Journal is a great platform for following the traditional information into areas of new research and interest.
Whilst there may be other online platforms for zoological information, the one’s we’ve covered will make your work easier due to their streamlined nature.
So….get searching!
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