Reticulation (single-access key)

In biology, a reticulation of a single-access identification key connects different branches of the identification tree to improve error tolerance and identification success.[1][2][3] In a reticulated key multiple paths lead to the same result; the tree data structure thus changes from a simple tree to a directed acyclic graph.

Two forms of reticulation can be distinguished: Terminal reticulation and inner reticulation.

Reticulations generally improve the usability of a key, but may also diminish the overall probability of correct identification averaged over all taxa.[4]

References

  1. Osborne, D. V. 1963. Some Aspects of the theory of dichotomous keys. New Phytologist, 62 (2): 144-160.
  2. Payne, R. W. & Preece, D. A. 1977. Incorporating checks against observer error into identification keys. New Phytol. 79: 203-209.
  3. Payne, R. W. 1977. Reticulation and other methods of reducing the size of printed diagnostic keys. J. Gen. Microbiol. 98: 595-597.
  4. Osborne, D. V. 1963. Some Aspects of the theory of dichotomous keys. New Phytologist, 62 (2): 144-160.
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