Synospecies is created and maintained by FactsMission, is powered by Franz Inc. AllegroGraph, and uses the taxonomic treatment data provided by Plazi.
Synospecies allows manually writing and submitting such queries in the advanced mode and sending such queries in the background when using the easier interface.
Key Features of Synospecies:
- Data Handling: It stores the RDF data of all treatments in an AllegroGraph triple store. This setup allows for efficient and structured storage and retrieval of data, which is crucial for handling large volumes of scientific information.
- SPARQL Queries: Synospecies enables the execution of SPARQL queries over this data. This functionality is significant for researchers who need to perform complex searches and analyses within the vast array of taxonomic data available in Plazi.
- User Interface: The tool allows users to manually write and submit queries in an advanced mode. This feature is particularly useful for users who are familiar with SPARQL and wish to craft custom queries to meet their specific research needs. Additionally, it can send such queries in the background when using an easier interface, making it accessible to users with varying levels of expertise in SPARQL querying.
Overall, Synospecies represents a significant resource for biodiversity research, particularly in the field of taxonomy. Its ability to handle complex queries and its user-friendly interface makes it a valuable tool for scientists and researchers who are working with large datasets and require a robust system for data retrieval and analysis.
Synospecies is an Open Source application running purely in the browser, the source code is available on GitHub.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program (grant agreement 101007492) and the Arcadia Fund.
Practical Scenario of Use: Studying Pollinator-Plant Interactions
Let's assume you're a researcher interested in studying the interactions between specific pollinators and plant species. Your focus is on understanding how certain bee species, such as the European honey bee (Apis mellifera), interact with various flowering plants.
Objective
To gather detailed information about the taxonomic treatments of Apis mellifera and the plant species it interacts with, as recorded in scientific literature.
Steps for Using Synospecies
Step 1: Accessing Synospecies
This example illustrates how Synospecies can be a powerful tool in biodiversity research, particularly in studies involving complex ecological interactions and the need for detailed taxonomic data. By enabling efficient data retrieval and analysis, Synospecies aids researchers in uncovering valuable insights into the relationships and dynamics within ecosystems.
Let's assume you're a researcher interested in studying the interactions between specific pollinators and plant species. Your focus is on understanding how certain bee species, such as the European honey bee (Apis mellifera), interact with various flowering plants.
Objective
To gather detailed information about the taxonomic treatments of Apis mellifera and the plant species it interacts with, as recorded in scientific literature.
Steps for Using Synospecies
Step 1: Accessing Synospecies
- Navigate to Synospecies: Go to the Synospecies website.
- Familiarize with Interface: Understand the basic layout and features of the tool.
- Select Advanced Mode: If you're familiar with SPARQL, choose the advanced mode to write custom queries.
- Query Formulation: Write a SPARQL query to retrieve data about Apis mellifera and its interactions with plants. Your query might look for articles that mention Apis mellifera in the context of pollination, floral visitation, or symbiotic relationships with plants.
- Run the Query: Input and execute your SPARQL query.
- Review Results: Check the returned data for relevance and completeness.
- Extract Relevant Information: From the results, extract information about the plant species that Apis mellifera interacts with, the nature of these interactions (e.g., pollination), and any ecological or environmental factors mentioned.
- Compile Data: Organize this information in a structured format, like a database or spreadsheet.
- Further Research: Use other databases like GBIF or EOL to gather additional data on the identified plant species, such as geographical distribution, flowering period, and conservation status.
- Interpret Data: Analyze the data to understand patterns or trends in the interactions between Apis mellifera and the plant species.
- Research Implications: Conclude the ecological role of Apis mellifera in various ecosystems and the potential impacts of environmental changes on these interactions.
- Compile a Report: Write a research paper or report detailing your findings, methodologies (including how you used Synospecies), and the implications of your study.
- Share Your Work: Submit your work for publication or present it at relevant conferences.
- Access to Comprehensive Data: Synospecies offers a wealth of taxonomic treatment data, essential for detailed ecological studies.
- Custom Query Capability: The ability to craft specific SPARQL queries allows for targeted research, focusing precisely on the interactions and species of interest.
- Efficient Data Retrieval: Synospecies streamlines the process of gathering relevant scientific literature, saving time and resources.
This example illustrates how Synospecies can be a powerful tool in biodiversity research, particularly in studies involving complex ecological interactions and the need for detailed taxonomic data. By enabling efficient data retrieval and analysis, Synospecies aids researchers in uncovering valuable insights into the relationships and dynamics within ecosystems.
Last modified: Sunday, 19 November 2023, 10:37 PM