International Journal of Zoological Research1811-97781811-9786Academic Journals Inc.10.3923/ijzr.2013.1.16G. OpemaGlaiza A. CabreraRez J. TorresMark Anthony G. GorospeJessie G. DemayoCesar 1201391The power of computers have enabled the field of biology to make significant
leaps in quantitative methods. Fresh ideas from other disciplines in science
and technology offer insight on how old techniques can be evolved into new ones
for the benefit of biologists worldwide. In this study, a different approach
to Drosophila species identification is presented by making use of binary
coding and computer automation. The developed software, a System of Identification
for Drosophilidae (SIrD) uses binary strings to describe species characteristics
and use it to calculate the degree of similarity between a sample specimen and
the species stored in the database. This method of identification allows for
greater tolerance to errors and flexibility in adding new species characters.
The linear nature of the binary string enables the software to eliminate the
common problems encountered in the couplet system of the dichotomous key, such
as, species-specific paths, low tolerance to errors and rigidity in adding new
characters. SIrD has a user-friendly interface and is created using open-source
web development software, making it Internet-ready, for easy access on the World
Wide Web.]]>Abdulrahaman, A.A., I.B. Asaju, M.O. Arigbede and F.A. Oladele,20102112116Cerretti, P., H.P. Tschorsnig, M. Lopresti and F. di Giovanni,2012205518Dallwitz, M.J., T.A. Paine and E.J. Zurcher,20002000Harrison, R.A.,1950Drosophila fallen.]]>79505517Jaccard, P.,190137241272Kirchoff, B.K., D.L. Remington, L. Fu and F. Sadri,20082008Markow, T.A. and P.M. O'Grady,2006Pages: 247Pages: 247Norton, G.,20052005Osborne, D.V.,196362144160Rocker, J., C.M. Yauch, S. Yenduri, L.A. Perkins and F. Zand,2007223038Smith-Akin, K.A., S. McLane, T.M. Craig and T.R. Johnson,20062006pp: 739743Van der Linde, K. and D. Houle,2008Drosophila and closely related genera (Diptera, Drosophilidae).]]>39241266Wheeler, M.R.,195214421423