A General Data Format for Summarizing Taxonomic Information

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Abstract
The increasing number of computer applications in systematic biology indicates a need for development of a standard format for presentation and communication of data. A new matrix format is discussed, and techniques for coding dichotomous, multistate, and quantitative data for this format are demonstrated. Documentation of sources and reliability of data is necessary, as is a list of characters employed and a method for associating these with the matrix entries in information-retrieval. Methods by which these functions are accomplished and use of the matrix with programs in FORTRAN and BASIC languages are discussed. Data-sharing experiments conducted by the authors indicate the usefulness of such a format for future research in systematics.