PVIK

The polynomial visual identification key is a tool created to help identify plankton species. It is based on more than 30 years of work as a plankton identifier. The key can easily be developed to work for other groups of organisms too. PVIK is intended for professionals, but can be used by others with the skills required to distinguish between the groups that the key uses. Species are divided into groups at the genus level.

What makes the work of a plankton identifier challenging is that there can be so many species that are very similar to each other. The traditional dichotomous identification key is rigid and static, choosing between two possibilities and progressing step by step. PVIK, on the other hand, allows you to use characteristics simultaneously and to combine them in different ways. Much faster!

Here lies the strength of PVIK: you can quickly narrow down the number of possible species. In PVIK, you select your group, enter the length and width, and you get a list of the species that fit the group size. You can then narrow down the species further by selecting other characteristics. The final work of verifying the identification should still be done in the traditional way using various identification books and articles.

PVIK may not always give only one result, but it saves time by allowing you to focus on comparing a few species. At the same time, PVIK provides a great opportunity to learn and compare different species.

Do you need a simple identification key for a (plankton) group? Contact us and maybe we can develop the next group together.