AME 27:203-207 (2002)  -  doi:10.3354/ame027203

ABSTRACT: Computer-based media constitute an ideal tool for disseminating data concerning protist biodiversity. Interactive guides can combine micrographs, illustrations, text and links to molecular data. A standardized web-based guide could collate information collected by researchers and create a mechanism for ecologists to identify taxa. Web-based guides have advantages: they are easily modified and expanded; they are easy to distribute; they can include a search engine to replace a dichotomous key; they can be downloaded to run on stand-alone computers; and they can be structured to provide printed information. We have developed a model for a guide that incorporates these methods of disseminating information. Using this model, we indicate how the web can provide information and act as a tool to identify taxa. We then use a guide to the planktonic ciliates, based on this model, as an example (www.liv.ac.uk/ciliate). Finally we present data from a survey that reviewed our model website; it indicated that the site was well received. Ultimately, we offer this guide as a template to be applied to other taxa.

KEY WORDS: Biodiversity · Ciliate · Internet · Key · Plankton · Taxonomy