An online micropaleontology database: Radiolaria.org

Abstract

Growing amounts of available radiolarian data require better information-management systems. Managing, preserving and exchanging information can be done by using online databases with a web interface. Radiolaria.org (www.radiolaria.org), an example of such a web-database, contains species information and other resources, and has been designed by and for the radiolarian community. In Radiolaria.org researchers can contribute with information and this body of data is then made freely available. All submitted information is reviewed by appointed web-editors to ensure quality and correctness. Species names, descriptions, synonyms and references are based on published material, and this is linked to a picture-archive showing representatives of the species from different geographical areas and/or periods. In addition, Radiolaria.org also serves as a communal website with e.g. news, events and discussion forums.