Index to Organism Names (ION): A Comprehensive Compendium of Zoological Taxa
In the complex world of biological science, maintaining accurate records of species is essential. The Index to Organism Names (ION) serves as an extensive compendium of scientific names for taxa—the various ranks of biological classification—within the field of zoology. As a publicly accessible internet resource, ION provides researchers with a vital tool for navigating the vast history of animal nomenclature.
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Evolution and History of the ION Database
The origins of ION date back to approximately 2000, when it was developed as a web-accessible component of a larger project known as "TRITON" (the Taxonomy Resource and Index To Organism Names system). This project was initially spearheaded by BIOSIS, the publishers of the Zoological Record (ZR) and Biological Abstracts.
Over the decades, the ownership and management of the database have transitioned through several major scientific information providers:
- BIOSIS: The original developer.
- Thomson Scientific / Thomson Reuters: Acquired BIOSIS products in 2006 and extended the database.
- Clarivate Analytics: The current owner, following the acquisition of Thomson Reuters' Intellectual Property and Science division.
Comprehensive Taxonomic Coverage
ION is designed to provide more than just a list of names. Its primary functions include offering basic nomenclatural (the rules of naming) and hierarchy information, as well as providing occurrence counts from the Zoological Record to reflect how often specific names appear in scientific literature. This allows scientists to identify exactly which taxonomic group an organism belongs to and link directly to further data.
Expanding the Scientific Record
The depth of the ION database has grown significantly through strategic integrations of historical records:
- Zoological Record Integration: Initially covering names from 1978, the index was expanded to include the full span of the Zoological Record dating back to 1864.
- Sherborn's Index Animalium: In 2011, an upgrade integrated over 200,000 names from a digitized version of Sherborn's Index Animalium. This expansion pushed the database's coverage back to 1758, coinciding with the commencement of official zoological nomenclature.
As of 2019, the index contains over 2 million newly published names from 1758 onwards. While there is a small gap between 1850 and 1864—representing the transition between the end of the Index Animalium and the start of the Zoological Record—the system manages a total of over 5 million name instances. Each instance is assigned a unique numeric identifier known as an ION LSID.
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Key Facts
- Primary Function: A public compendium of zoological scientific names and taxonomic hierarchies.
- Current Owner: Clarivate Analytics.
- Historical Coverage: Dates back to 1758 via the integration of Sherborn's Index Animalium.
- Data Volume: Contains over 5 million name instances and 2 million newly published names.
- Unique Identification: Every name instance is assigned a unique ION LSID.
Summary of ION Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | ION |
| Formation Year | Approximately 2000 |
| Headquarters | York, United Kingdom |
| Parent Organization | Clarivate Analytics |
| Primary Sources | Zoological Record, Sherborn's Index Animalium |
| Total Name Instances | Over 5 million |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the ION LSID?
The ION LSID is a unique numeric identifier assigned to each of the over 5 million name instances within the database, ensuring precise identification of specific taxonomic entries.
How far back does the ION database go?
Thanks to the integration of Sherborn's Index Animalium, the database provides coverage dating back to 1758, the beginning of official zoological nomenclature.
Is the Index to Organism Names free to use?
ION is provided as a publicly accessible internet resource.
What is the gap in the taxonomic records?
There is a small gap in coverage between approximately 1850 and 1864, which occurs due to the period between the end of the Index Animalium and the start of the Zoological Record.
Who manages the ION database today?
The database is currently managed by Clarivate Analytics.