An Xper3 reference guide for taxonomists: a collaborative system for identification keys and descriptive data

The Xper3 software enables collaborative management of descriptive data on taxa. This paper focuses on the essential information about the knowledge model that underlies the software, its features and user interface which has been evolving since 2014. The best practices for representing taxonomic descriptions, managing polymorphism and missing data in a consistent way are also presented. Its ease of use and the versatility of its data model mean that the software can be used to create and distribute identification keys for all types of taxa.

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Publication Details

Journal
European Journal of Taxonomy
Published
2025-04-18
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2025.987.2875
Citations
4
Primary Topic
Species Distribution and Climate Change
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
7.35

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article

An Xper3 reference guide for taxonomists: a collaborative system for identification keys and descriptive data

R Portier, Adeline Kerner, Elie Saliba, Sylvain Bouquin et al.
4 citations
European Journal of Taxonomy
Species Distribution and Climate Change
7.35
article

An Xper3 reference guide for taxonomists: a collaborative system for identification keys and descriptive data

R Portier, Adeline Kerner, Elie Saliba, Sylvain Bouquin, Régine Vignes‐Lebbe
article en
4 citations

Abstract

The Xper3 software enables collaborative management of descriptive data on taxa. This paper focuses on the essential information about the knowledge model that underlies the software, its features and user interface which has been evolving since 2014. The best practices for representing taxonomic descriptions, managing polymorphism and missing data in a consistent way are also presented. Its ease of use and the versatility of its data model mean that the software can be used to create and distribute identification keys for all types of taxa.

European Journal of TaxonomyVol. 987
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (FR), École Pratique des Hautes Études (FR), Sorbonne Université (FR), Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité (FR), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (FR), Éco-Anthropologie (FR), Institut de Paléontologie Humaine (FR), Centre de recherche en paléontologie - Paris (FR)
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Université
Openalex Percentile: Top 3%
Species Distribution and Climate Change
7.35
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