Accurate identification of organisms is fundamental to biological research, biodiversity assessment, ecology, conservation, and bioinformatics.
IdentifyLife aims to support this process by connecting researchers, educators, and citizen scientists with curated identification tools and standardized descriptive data.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity encompasses the variety of living organisms on Earth across three hierarchical levels:
- Genetic diversity (variation within species)
- Species diversity (variety between species)
- Ecosystem diversity (variety of habitats and ecological communities).
Taxonomic Coverage and Biological Diversity
IdentifyLife encompasses the full diversity of life, including prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, reflecting modern biological classification systems.
Taxonomic coverage refers to the proportion and breadth of biological diversity (species, genera, families across kingdoms) documented through identification efforts, critical for comprehensive biodiversity inventories.
Current Global Taxonomic Coverage (2026)
Estimated total: 8.7 million eukaryotic species on Earth, with 86-91% undescribed (7.5 million species).
Recent acceleration: 16,000 new species/year (2015-2025), mostly arthropods (10K), plants (2.5K), fungi (2K).
Phylogeny vs. Taxonomy
Phylogeny reconstructs evolutionary relationships through branching trees showing common ancestry, while taxonomy assigns formal names and hierarchical ranks (Kingdom→Species).
Phylogeny provides the evolutionary truth; modern taxonomy uses phylogenetic data for scientifically accurate classification.
Integrative Approaches
Integrative taxonomy combines morphological, molecular, ecological, and chemical data to maximize species resolution and coverage across Tree of Life branches.
DNA Barcoding and Metabarcoding
DNA barcoding relies on the sequencing of a standardized genetic marker (barcode) to identify individual organisms by comparison with reference sequences.
This approach is widely used for species identification, especially when morphological characters are incomplete, ambiguous, or unavailable (e.g. larval stages, fragments, or cryptic species).
DNA metabarcoding extends this concept to mixed environmental samples by simultaneously sequencing barcode regions from multiple organisms.
It enables the detection and identification of entire biological communities from sources such as soil, water, or bulk organism samples, and is increasingly applied in biodiversity monitoring, ecology, and environmental assessment.
IdentifyLife integrates morphological identification keys with molecular identification concepts, recognizing DNA-based methods as complementary tools that enhance accuracy, reproducibility, and scalability in organism identification.
Taxonomic frameworks and nomenclature can be aligned with internationally recognized molecular reference databases, such as those maintained by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and supported by resources from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH/NLM).
All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventories (ATBIs)
All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventories (ATBIs) represent comprehensive efforts to catalog every living species within defined geographic areas, typically biodiversity hotspots like national parks or reserves.
Great Smoky Mountains ATBI is one of the most comprehensive biodiversity documentation projects ever undertaken.
Its objective is to identify and record every species of living organism within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, spanning microorganisms, plants, fungi, invertebrates, and vertebrates.
Morphological AI classification is most effective when combined with curated taxonomic frameworks and expert-validated reference data.
Protein fingerprinting Using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) provides a complementary, laboratory-based approach to organism identification through protein fingerprinting, particularly for microorganisms.
Ribosomal protein spectral profiles enable rapid and reproducible identification of bacterial and fungal species.
Commercial systems such as the Bruker Biotyper report ~97% species-level identification accuracy for many clinically and environmentally relevant taxa.
MALDI-TOF MS has become a standard tool in microbiology laboratories due to its speed, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
Multi-Omics Integration
Multi-omics integration combines multiple layers of biological data genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and phenomics to achieve a more comprehensive and robust understanding of organism identity, function, and diversity.
In the context of biological identification, multi-omics approaches move beyond single-marker or single-method analyses by integrating molecular signatures, phenotypic traits, and computational models. This integrative framework is particularly valuable for resolving cryptic species, complex microbial communities, and organisms with limited or ambiguous morphological characters.
Databases Tracking Described Species Totals
Catalogue of Life (CoL)
The Catalogue of Life (CoL) is a comprehensive global database that aims to list all known species of living organisms on Earth. It provides verified scientific names, taxonomic classification, and links to authoritative sources, helping researchers, educators, and citizen scientists confirm species identities. By integrating CoL data, IdentifyLife connects identification tools and resources to a trusted reference system, making it easier to explore the diversity of life and understand how organisms are classified within the broader tree of life.
GBIF Species Backbone
The GBIF Species Backbone is a global taxonomic framework provided by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) that unifies species names and classifications from multiple sources. It serves as a reference backbone for biodiversity data, ensuring that species records from around the world are consistent, standardized, and interoperable. By aligning identification resources with the GBIF Species Backbone, IdentifyLife helps users access reliable taxonomic information, compare species data across databases, and explore the diversity of life in a scientifically accurate way.
IUCN Red List
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is the world’s most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of plants, animals, and fungi. It provides scientifically assessed categories, such as endangered, vulnerable, or least concern, helping researchers, conservationists, and policymakers understand which species are at risk of extinction. By linking organism identification with the IUCN Red List, IdentifyLife allows users to explore not only the diversity of life but also the conservation status of species, supporting informed decisions in research, education, and biodiversity protection.
Species Spotlight
1. Microorganisms
Microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea (extremophiles), and microscopic algae (phytoplankton produce 50% global O₂), form the foundation of ecosystems. They play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, decomposition, and supporting higher life forms. Identifying microorganisms often requires molecular methods : 16S rRNA sequencing (bacteria/archaea, 95% genus accuracy), ITS barcoding (fungi), and MALDI-TOF MS protein fingerprinting (clinical standard, 97% species ID) as many species cannot be distinguished by eye alone.
2. Plants
Plants serve as primary producers across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, generating ~50% global biomass through photosynthesis while supplying oxygen, food, and structural habitat for 80% of terrestrial species.
Morphological identification leverages diagnostic traits across life stages:
- Leaves (shape: linear/lanceolate/ovate; margins: entire/serrate/lobed; venation: parallel/pinnate/palmate; arrangement: alternate/opposite/whorled)
- Flowers (petal number/shape, symmetry: radial/bilateral, reproductive structures: stamen/pistil ratios)
- Fruits/seeds (capsule/berry/achene)
- Stems (woody/herbaceous, thorn presence).
From bryophytes (mosses: gametophyte dominant) to angiosperms (flowering plants: 300K species), these characters enable field identification via dichotomous keys.
3. Fungi
mushrooms (Basidiomycota), molds (Ascomycota/Zygomycota), and yeasts (Saccharomyces) decompose 85-90% terrestrial lignocellulose via extracellular enzymes (laccases, cellulases, ligninases), recycling carbon and essential nutrients (N, P, S) back to soil.
Macroscopic identification: Cap morphology (convex/umbonate), gills (free/adnate), spore print color (white/brown/pink).
Microscopic identification: Basidia (4-spore clubs), asci (sac spores), clamp connections.
Molecular confirmation: ITS rDNA barcoding resolves 95% species (UNITE database), essential for cryptic mushrooms (Amanita spp.) and soil molds.
4. Invertebrates
Invertebrates comprise 97% of described animal species (~1.5 million of 1.55 million total animals), with insects alone representing ~1 million species (80% of all animals). Spiders (50K), mollusks (85K), crustaceans (67K), and nematodes (25K) dominate biodiversity.
Morphological identification uses diagnostic traits:
- Insects (3 body segments, 6 legs, antennae, wing venation)
- Arachnids (cephalothorax + abdomen, 8 legs, no antennae)
- Mollusks (muscular foot, mantle, radula)
- Crustaceans (2 body pairs antennae, biramous appendages).
We offer a 30-day return policy for all products. Items must be in their original condition, unused, and include the receipt or proof of purchase. Refunds are processed within 5-7 business days of receiving the returned item.
5. Vertebrates
fish (34K species), amphibians (8K), reptiles (11K), birds (11K), mammals (6.5K) constitute 3% of animal diversity (70K total species) but serve as flagship conservation species due to charisma, economic value, and ecosystem roles as predators/prey.
Morphological identification integrates: fish (fins, scales, lateral line), amphibians (moist skin, larval gills), reptiles (scutes, amniotic egg), birds (feathers, beak types), mammals (fur, mammary glands).
Behavioral traits (vocalizations, courtship displays) and geographic range refine field identification, while molecular data (cyt b, 12S rRNA) resolves cryptic complexes.
6. Algae and Diatoms
Primary producers generating 50-85% global aquatic primary production (diatoms alone contribute ~20% Earth's oxygen via photosynthesis) form the base of marine/freshwater food webs, supporting fisheries and carbon sequestration.
Algae identification uses pigmentation (chlorophyll a/b: Chlorophyta green algae; phycoerythrins: Rhodophyta red algae; fucoxanthin: Phaeophyta brown algae), cell structure (unicellular Chlorella, colonial Volvox, filamentous Spirogyra), and thallus morphology (blade-like kelp).
Diatom identification examines siliceous frustules: valve shape (centric Coscinodiscus discoid vs. pennate Navicula boat-shaped), striae density (20-60 in 10µm), raphe presence (locomotion), and areolae patterns via light/SEM microscopy.
Molecular sequencing (18S rDNA, rbcL) resolves cryptic taxa (e.g., Pseudo-nitzschia complexes).
Hidden and Unusual Life Forms
Sponges may look simple, but research shows astonishing diversity in their body structures and lifestyles.
Some deep-sea species even capture small animals instead of filtering water a rare carnivorous mode among animals.
Scientists use detailed skeletal features and DNA data to uncover these hidden species, demonstrating how much biodiversity remains to be discovered.
Species classification
Taxonomic Hierarchy
The standard hierarchy starts with broad categories and narrows to specific ones:
Main Levels of Taxonomic Hierarchy
The hierarchy ranges from the broadest categories to the most specific:
Domain : The highest level, distinguishing major cell types (e.g., Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya).
Kingdom : Groups organisms with similar cellular organization and fundamental traits (e.g., Animalia, Plantae, Fungi).
Phylum : Groups organisms based on major body plans or structural features (e.g., Chordata for animals with a backbone).
Class : Further divides phyla by shared characteristics (e.g., Mammalia for mammals).
Order : Groups similar families together (e.g., Carnivora for meat-eating mammals).
Family : Organisms with closely related genera (e.g., Felidae for cats).
Genus : Groups closely related species (e.g., Panthera).
Species : The most specific level, identifying individual organisms that can reproduce successfully (e.g., Panthera leo for the lion).
Binomial Nomenclature
Binomial nomenclature is a system introduced by Carl Linnaeus that gives each species a two-part scientific name, consisting of a genus and a species epithet, such as Panthera leo for the lion.
This system ensures that every species has a unique, universally recognized name, avoiding confusion caused by local or common names.
Binomial names are standardized under international codes, linking each species to its taxonomic hierarchy and making it easier for researchers, educators, and conservationists to communicate, catalog biodiversity, and integrate data with global databases such as the Catalogue of Life, GBIF, and the IUCN Red List.
Modern taxonomic research and species identification resources are often published in open scientific journals such as ZooKeys, where new species, identification keys, and detailed morphological data are made openly available. This digital approach enhances access to identification tools and supports FAIR data principles making taxonomic resources findable, accessible, and reusable by researchers, educators, and citizen scientists alike.
PhyloJIVE Phylogenetic Visualization of Biodiversity Data
PhyloJIVE (Phylogeny JavaScript Information Visualiser and Explorer) is an open-source web application that integrates biodiversity information from multiple online data sources into interactive phylogenetic trees.
Using standard web technologies (HTML5 and JavaScript), PhyloJIVE allows users to explore evolutionary relationships and diversity patterns by linking species names on a tree to aggregated data such as occurrence records, taxonomic details, and character traits.
This evolutionary view of biodiversity helps researchers and educators visualize how species and clades relate within the Tree of Life, and can dynamically link to services like the Atlas of Living Australia, Catalogue of Life, and other biodiversity web services to enrich the display with maps, images, and character information.
“The beginning of wisdom is to call a thing by its right name.”