About this project
SpeciesWise is a flashcard-based tool for learning to identify the species around you — whether you're a researcher preparing for fieldwork, a naturalist heading out on your next adventure, or simply curious to learn what species are around you.
SpeciesWise grew out of a perhaps familiar struggle - time spent making cue cards to ID species before exams and field trips as an undergrad, or aimlessly flipping through a field guide attempting to learn IDs with little progress. This tool is what I needed then, and still need now to further my own knowledge and to help others in species identification.
The Learn Tool:
- •The database is currently being created and it will be continuously growing. Species occurences in a given region are taken from research grade iNaturalist obvservations to help identify species you may encounter. Species descriptions are sourced from field guides and other credible sources, but taxonomy is always changing so be sure to cross-check with additional sources when identifying species in the field (or upload it to iNaturalist).
- •Each card presents a photo and asks you to name the species. Flip it to reveal the common and scientific name, key identifying features, and the species' range. Species are organized by region, habitat, and taxonomic(ish) groups. Select the categories you want to learn more about!
- •Species are grouped by similar looks to help you narrow down what you want learn more about. Species categories also are not comprehensive, mostly made up of common species that you may encounter but check out the "less common" species if you're up for a challenge.
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Created by:
Kiara Kattler
PhD student in marine ecology with Dr Stephanie Green and Dr Kyle Artelle
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See what we've been up to and what is new on SpeciesWise!