Abstract Detail

Systematics Section

Funk, Vicki A. [1], Bonifacino, J. Mauricio [2].

VKC Virtual Key to the Compositae.

The accurate identification of species in difficult or diverse groups has always been a central element in gaining a better understanding of those groups. The Compositae family is a prime example of a this type of group and has been always associated with a idea that they are hard to identify. As a result its members are often consigned to DYC folders in the herbarium. An international effort is currently underway to build an electronic key that will simplify the task of identifying any Compositae. A list of characters and states has been built and recently revisited and expanded. The project, thanks to the generous support of USDA is currently on phase I, Compositae in the United States. The scoring of a matrix is advancing rapidly for the over 2500 species present in the US, and a final product is expected by March 2011. The Virtual Key is built on a Lucid platform and keys to each tribe will be make available at the project web site (www.vkcomp.org) as they become available.

Broader Impacts:

Related Links:
The Virtual Key to the Compositae Project

1 - National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Department of Botany, MRC-166, P.O. Box 37012, Washington, DC, 20013-7012, USA
2 - Universidad de la República, Laboratorio de Botánica , Facultad de Agronomía, Av. Garzón 780, Sayago, Montevideo, CP, 12900, Uruguay

Keywords:
Compositae
virtual key.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Hall A/Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PSY001
Abstract ID:325