Abstract
The applicability of expert systems (a branch of artificial intelligence) to identifi- cation and classification in systematics is examined. Existing devices used for taxonomic iden- tification (dichotomous, tabular, and computerized keys) are reviewed and compared to expert systems. Expert systems technology is briefly reviewed, and a prototype expert system (SYSTEX) for species identification in one species group of the genus Signiphora Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Signiphoridae) is presented. SYSTEX is a rule-based, backward chaining system with 114 rules. It was developed using a commercially available expert system shell. In building the identification system and in its use, we find the expert system approach to be in most ways superior to the dichotomous key and other identification devices in terms of efficiency and ease of use, tolerance of missing data, explanatory capability, and the ability to provide meaningful output when an unambiguous identification is not possible. The potential for incorporation of phylogenetic hypotheses into an identification device is discussed. (Diagnosis; identification; classification; expert systems; artificial intelligence; dichotomous key; tabular key; computer identification; Signiphora; Signiphoridae.) The primary tasks of the systematist are the delineation of natural taxa and the de-
Published Version
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