Re: [xtm-wg] Re: Trying to locate zoological taxonomy

[Murray Altheim <altheim@eng.sun.com>]

Okay. I had someone forward me a message from a biologist where my
question put me at the brunt of some lighthearted humour. To quell
the rumour that I was asking for the list of every species in the
world and how they all relate to each other, let me say that I'm
really interested in creating a topic map such that people who
refer to a living creature (and have that creature's genus/species
already) can link their node into an XTM-based zoological taxonomy.
I certainly don't claim to be an expert on zoological taxonomy (heck,
I don't really claim to be an expert in what I'm getting paid to do,
though I sure swagger a lot at times), and I understand that there 
are several different taxonomical models, depending on what part 
of the tree one is in.

In terms of scope, I'm guessing that if it were possible to create
a topic map that reached down to whatever level is above genus 
(which seems in some cases to be tribe or subtribe?), this would 
allow the functionality I mentioned above. But I certainly expect
to rely on a real expert to assist me. The USDA has an ITIS database
which I've downloaded, but the download itself doesn't give me 
enough information on how the various taxons fit together, though a
start at least.

And as I mentioned previously, if the source is in some computer-
readable format (preferably text or markup of some kind, but at 
least text) I can perhaps use it. I've had several private offers
of help which I'm trying to pursue with some measure of intelligence.
(and thanks for any help!)

Oh, turns out Jack was looking for a project very similar to this
for something he's cooking up, so this would help both of us.

Murray

[Ronald, does this clarify?]
...........................................................................
Murray Altheim                            <mailto:altheim&#x40;eng.sun.com>
XML Technology Center
Sun Microsystems, Inc., MS MPK17-102, 1601 Willow Rd., Menlo Park, CA 94025

      In the evening
      The rice leaves in the garden
      Rustle in the autumn wind
      That blows through my reed hut.  -- Minamoto no Tsunenobu

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