Polyclaves
|
 |
|
|
| Polyclaves are devices that allow an
identifier to select, without a preset sequence of choices,
the characteristics for use in identifying a specimen. In other
words, they allow multiple entry in the identification process.
A polyclave for the local Euphorbiaceae plants is presented
here.
|
|
| There are two possible designs for polyclaves: |
| |
a) |
through choices and a series of elimination
process until reaching a tentative identification,
and |
| |
b) |
through choices and accumulation of
several differences that form a pattern or matrix set for best
matching with an authentic sample.
|
|
| The threshold depends on the variability
of plants, but toleration of just one or two differences allows
improvement in the identification success. |
|
| The advantage of a polyclave is that it
allows multiple entry by using available characteristics. |
|
| The disadvantage is that it is much slower.
|
