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Biota 2: The Biodiversity Database Manager

Robert K. Colwell, University of Connecticut

January 2004
CD-ROM

About This Title

Biota 2 builds on the success of Biota 1, with a new interface and many new features based on 7 years of user experience managing specimen-based biodiversity and collections data for ecologists, biodiversity inventories, and collections managers in 40 countries and 47 U.S. states. Its easy-to-use graphical interface harnesses the power of a fully relational database powered by an industrial-grade engine (4th Dimension, www.4d.com). With a comprehensive, profusely illustrated and cross-referenced Manual on CD and an introductory tutorial to back up intuitive menus and screens, Biota 2 offers a rich array of user-tested tools for rapid data input, update, maintenance, analysis, reporting, and Web publication.

Images

Biota 2 manages images linked to Species, Specimen, Collection and Locality records in any of 10 image formats. Thumbnail image arrays speed specimen identification, with transparent links to full external image files for zooming or editing.

References

Biota 2 integrates a capable Reference manager for literature citation records, hot-linked to online sources, with relational links to Species, Specimen, Collection and Locality records. You can import citation files exported by reference management applications.

Web Publication

Biota 2 introduces a capable, onboard Web server (enabled with an additional licensing fee*) offering Website visitors either easy, query-based access to data and images, or (if you choose) an extensive array of Biota’s desktop query and browsing tools.

Data Import and Export

Biota's powerful import tools help you convert your existing data, image, and literature reference files to Biota's relational structure. A wide array of text and image file export tools provides easy access to your data for analysis and publication using other applications.

Tools for Ecologists, Conservation Biologists, Reserve Managers, and Biogeographers

Biota 2 offers efficient and flexible tools for recording and analyzing locality- or sample-based survey data, fully referenced geographically and taxonomically. Export options include taxon-by-collection or taxon-by locality abundance or incidence matrices based on any selection of records, ready for statistical analysis.

Tools for Taxonomists, Systematists, and Collections Managers

Biota 2 offers rigorous tools for recording, updating, and archiving specimen determinations for collections, revisions, and evolutionary studies. You can export species-by-character matrices in NEXUS format or virtually journal-ready Specimens Examined lists, from any selection of records. Managers of institutional or personal collections and data managers for biodiversity surveys rely on Biota's straightforward specimen loan management system and label-printing and label text export facilities (for pinned, fluid-preserved, slide-mounted, or herbarium specimens).

Other Tools and Features

Biota 2's features also include unlimited, user-definable Auxiliary fields and Projects (each with its own set of fields); re-namable core fields; authority/pick-list tools; one-screen input for historical specimens; recursive specimen relations (e.g., herbivore–plant, parasite–host, DNA–specimen); automatic archiving of a specimen determination "audit-trail"; flexible barcode/manual input for record entry, record retrieval, and loan management; and a password security system with multiple privilege levels.

Platforms

Biota 2 is available for Windows (XP, NT, ME, 2000, or 98) and Macintosh (native OS X or OS 9) in the stand-alone BiotaApp version. (Biota4D is no longer available.). BiotaApp is a stand-alone, single-user application with an integrated database engine (4D Engine) and onboard Web server. You need no additional software to run BiotaApp. (Continuous use of the Web server requires an additional license.*)

Interchangeable Data Files. Biota Data Files are fully transportable between Macintosh and Windows operating systems.

Individual Latin American purchasers may request a 20% discount on all Biota software, with airmail shipping charges waived.

*NOTE: Biota 2's onboard Web server can be used in demo mode one hour at a time; a separate license ($300) is required for continuous operation of the Web server. Contact orders@sinauer.com for ordering information.

AVAILABLE NOW at the Biota Website, viceroy.eeb.uconn.edu/biota—a full BiotaApp demo that runs for one hour at a time, including the onboard Web server. If you later purchase BiotaApp, just enter your license number to enable continuous use.

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Site License Information

Biota 2 is also available for simultaneous use on multiple machines. For more information, download the site license agreement and the site license fee schedule. Orders for site licenses must include a signed site license agreement, and may be faxed to: Marie Scavotto at 413-549-1118. Questions may be directed to scavotto@sinauer.com.

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Pricing and Options

TitlesProduct CodePrice (USD)  
BiotaApp Upgrade (for registered users of BiotaApp 1.x for Windows)
0-87893-163-5 $150.00 Purchase  
BiotaApp Upgrade (for registered users of BiotaApp 1.x for Macintosh)
0-87893-161-9 $150.00 Purchase  
BiotaApp for Windows
0-87893-163-5 $200.00 Purchase  
BiotaApp for Macintosh
0-87893-161-9 $200.00 Purchase  
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