ITIS

ITIS Data Model

Entity Relationships and Element Definitions
Revision 2.3
4/23/2019

This document is designed to provide information on ITIS data semantics. It describes what is
stored, their characteristics, the data requirements of those characteristics, and the
relationships between the stored entities.
ITIS Data Model

ITIS Physical Model

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ITIS Data Model

1.0 Definitions for the entity taxonomic_units and its elements

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ITIS Data Model

1.1 taxonomic_units Description

Taxon name and associated attributes for levels of taxonomic hierarchy structure from
kingdom to genus; below genus, binomials/polynomials are identified.

@1 tsn +
unit_ind1 +
unit_name1 +
unit_ind2 +
unit_name2 +
unit_ind3 +
unit_name3 +
unit_ind4 +
unit_name4 +
unnamed_taxon_ind +
usage +
unaccept_reason +
credibility_rtng +
completeness_rtng +
currency_rating +
phylo_sort_sequence +
initial_time_stamp +
parent_tsn +
taxon_author_id +
hybrid_author_id +
kingdom_id +
rank_id +
update_date +
uncertain_prnt_ind +
name_usage +
complete_name

1.2 taxonomic_units Elements

1.2.1 tsn
Name:tsn Element Size: Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name: tsn
Nullness: NOT NULL UNIQUE Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules: A taxonomic serial number will be assigned for occurrences of Taxonomic
Units at each level of the hierarchy through genus and for all polynomial infrageneric
Taxonomic Units.
Description: Taxonomic Serial Number. The unique identifier for an occurrence of Taxonomic
Units.

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1.2.2 unit_ind1
Name: unit_ind1 Element Size:1 Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: CHAR SQL Server Name: unit_ind1
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: CHOICE LIST
Validation Rules: Applicable to the kingdom Chromista, Fungi and Plantae.
Description: Indicator of an occurrence of a plant hybrid at the generic level.

1.2.3 unit_name1
Name: unit_name1 Element Size:35 Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: CHAR SQL Server
Name:unit_name1
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: CHOICE LIST
Validation Rules: For monomials this will be the only name field entered. For uninomials and
polynomials, this field will be used for the first part of the name. The names in this position
require the initial letter to be capitalized.
Description: The singular or first part of a scientifically accepted label for an occurrence of
Taxonomic Units.

1.2.4 unit_ind2
Name: unit_ind2 Element Size:1 Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: CHAR SQL Server Name:unit_ind2
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: CHOICE LIST/USER ENTERED
Validation Rules: Applicable to the kingdom Chromista, Fungi and Plantae.
Description: A hybrid indicator positioned between the first and second parts of a binomial or
polynomial taxonomic name.

1.2.5 unit_name2
Name: unit_name2 Element Size:35 Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server
Name:unit_name2
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules: For binomials, this will be the last field populated for the name. For
trinomials and quadrinomials, this will be the second position populated.
Description: The second part of a scientifically accepted label for a binomial/polynomial
occurrence of Taxonomic Units.

1.2.6 unit_ind3
Name: unit_ind3 Element Size:7 Table: taxonomic_units

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Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name:unit_ind3

Nullness: NULL Values List:
ssp.
var.
subvar.
f.
subf.
X
Data Source: CHOICE LIST
Validation Rules: All values of this element apply to the kingdoms Chromista, Fungi, and
Plantae. The value ssp. also applies to Animalia, Archaea, Bacteria, Protozoa.
Description: A category indicator located within a polynomial taxonomic name.

1.2.7 unit_name3
Name: unit_name3 Element Size:35 Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server
Name:unit_name3
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules: For trinomials this field will be populated with the last part of the taxonomic
name. For quadrinomials and hybrid formulas this field will be populated with the third part of
the name.
Description: The third portion of a scientifically accepted label for a polynomial occurrence of
Taxonomic Units.

1.2.8 unit_ind4
Name: unit_ind4 Element Size:7 Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name:unit_ind4
Nullness: NULL Values List:
var.
f.
Data Source: CHOICE LIST
Validation Rules: Applicable to the Plant kingdom.
Description: A category indicator located within a polynomial taxonomic name.

1.2.9 unit_name4
Name: unit_name4 Element Size:35 Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server
Name:unit_name4
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules: This is the final position populated for quadrinomials or hybrid formulas.
Description: The fourth part of a scientifically accepted label for a polynomial occurrence of
Taxonomic Units.

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1.2.10 unnamed_taxon_ind
Name: unnamed_taxon_ind Element Size:1 Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: CHAR SQL Server Name:
unnamed_taxon_ind
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Y = Unnamed taxon
N = Named taxon
Data Source: CHOICE LIST
Validation Rules: This field will need to be populated only when an occurrence of Taxonomic
Units possesses a non-standard name.
Description: Indicator for occurrences of Taxonomic Units whose names represent unnamed
taxa and are therefore not standard taxonomic names.

1.2.11 usage
Name: usage Element Size:12 Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name: usage
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
accepted (Chromista, Fungi,
Plantae)
not accepted (Chromista,
Fungi, Plantae)
valid (Animalia, Archaea,
Bacteria, Protozoa)
invalid (Animalia, Archaea,
Bacteria, Protozoa)
Data Source: CHOICE LIST
Validation Rules: Choice lists are dependent upon the values associated with a kingdom.
Description: Current standing of an occurrence of a Taxonomic Unit. Note that the usage
column is deprecated and will be removed in the future. This attribute has been replaced by
name_usage.

1.2.12 unaccept_reason
Name: unaccept_reason Element Size:50 Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name:
unaccept_reason
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Chromista, Fungi, and
Plantae:
database artifact
homonym (illegitimate)
horticultural
invalidly published, nomen
nudum
invalidly published, other
misapplied
orthographic variant
(misspelling)
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other, see comments

pro parte
rejected name
superfluous renaming
(illegitimate)
synonym
unspecified in provided data
Animalia, Archaea, Bacteria
and Protozoa:
homonym & junior synonym
junior homonym
junior synonym
misapplied
nomen dubium
nomen oblitum
original name/combination
other, see comments
pro parte
subsequent name/combination
unavailable, database artifact
unavailable, incorrect orig.
spelling
unavailable, literature
misspelling
unavailable, nomen nudum
unavailable, other
unavailable, suppressed by
ruling
unjustified emendation
unnecessary replacement
unspecified in provided data
Data Source: CHOICE LIST
Validation Rules: This element is required when usage is set to not accepted (Chromista,
Fungi, and Plant) or invalid (Animalia, Archaea, Bacteria and Protozoa). Only those reasons
for a particular kingdom should be displayed.
Description: The cause for an occurrence of Taxonomic Units being identified as not
accepted/invalid under the usage element.

1.2.13 credibility_rtng
Name: credibility_rtng Element Size:40 Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name:
credibility_rtng
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
No review; non-peer reviewed
source
No review; untreated NODC
data

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Minimum
taxonomic/nomenclature
review
TWG standards met
Data Source: CHOICE LIST
Validation Rules: This element will be populated for all occurrences of the Taxonomic Units
table. This element is entered by the TWG.
Description: A subjective rating designation as determined by the Taxonomic Work Group
reflecting the level of review and the perceived level of accuracy for an occurrence of
Taxonomic Units and its associated attributes.

1.2.14 completeness_rtng
Name: completeness_rtng Element Size:10 Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: CHAR SQL Server Name:
completeness_rtng
Nullness: NULL Values List:
unknown
partial
complete
Data Source: CHOICE LIST
Validation Rules: This element will be populated for occurrences of the Taxonomic Units table
for which the rank is genus or above. Different ratings may occur for different rank levels.
Description: A rating designation reflecting whether all known, named, modern species (extant
or recently extinct) for that taxon were incorporated into ITIS at the time of review.

1.2.15 currency_rating
Name: currency_rating Element Size:7 Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: CHAR SQL Server Name:
currency_rating
Nullness: NULL Values List:
unknown
A specific 4 digit year, e.g.
1993
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules: This element will be populated for rows within the Taxonomic Units table
for which the taxon's rank is genus or above. Different ratings may occur at different rank
levels.
Description: A rating designation reflecting the year of revision/source for a group.

1.2.16 phylo_sort_seq
Name: phylo_sort_seq Element Size: Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: SMALLINT SQL Server Name:
phylo_sort_seq
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: NOT IN USE
Validation Rules: This field is required for ranks from kingdom to order inclusive.
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Description: A sequence for an occurrence of Taxonomic Units with ranks between kingdom
and order, inclusive, that will allow output to be displayed in phylogenetic order.

1.2.17 initial_time_stamp
Name: initial_time_stamp Element Size: Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: yyyy-mm-dd Data Type: DATETIME SQL Server Name:
hh:mm:ss.sss initial_time_stamp
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: Date and time at which an occurrence of Taxonomic Units is initially loaded into
the ITIS database.

1.2.18 parent_tsn
Name:parent_tsn Element Size: Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name: parent_tsn
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: CHOICE LIST
Validation Rules: Nulls allowed. The parent should previously exist in the database or be
concurrently input with the subject Taxonomic Unit record.
Description: Taxonomic Serial Number. The unique identifier for an occurrence of Taxonomic
Units. The taxonomic serial number for the direct parent of the subject occurrence of
Taxonomic Units.

1.2.19 taxon_author_id
Name: taxon_author_id Element Size: Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name:
taxon_author_id
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: A unique identifier for the author(s) of a taxonomic name.

1.2.20 hybrid_author_id
Name: hybird_author_id Element Size: Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name:
hybrid_author_id
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: CHOICE LIST/USER ENTERED
Validation Rules: Applicable to the kingdom Chromista, Fungi, Plantae
Description: The unique identifier for the author(s) of a taxonomic name which has been
identified as the second part of a hybrid formula. For example Agrostis L. X Polypogon Desf.

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1.2.21 kingdom_id
Name: kingdom_id Element Size: Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: SMALLINT SQL Server Name:
kingdom_id
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
1 Bacteria
2 Protozoa
3 Plantae
4 Fungi
5 Animalia
6 Chromista
7 Archaea
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: A unique identifier for the highest level of the taxonomic hierarchy structure.

1.2.22 rank_id
Name: rank_id Element Size: Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: SMALLINT SQL Server Name: rank_id
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: A unique identifier for a specific level within the taxonomic hierarchy.
Plantae/Chromista Animalia Fungi Archaea ITIS
Bacteria/Protozoa rank_id
Kingdom Kingdom Kingdom Kingdom 10
Subkingdom Subkingdom Subkingdom Subkingdom 20
Infrakingdom Infrakingdom Infrakingdom(Protozoa 25
only)
Superdivision Superphylum 27
Division Phylum Division Phylum 30
Subdivision Subphylum Subdivision Subphylum 40
Infradivision Infraphylum Infraphylym(Protozoa 45
only)
Parvdivision(Chromista Parvphylum(Protozoa 47
only) only)
Superclass Superclass Superclass 50
Class Class Class Class 60
Subclass Subclass Subclass Subclass 70
Infraclass Infraclass Infraclass 80
Superorder Superorder Superorder Superorder 90
Order Order Order Order 100
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Plantae/Chromista Animalia Fungi Archaea ITIS

Bacteria/Protozoa rank_id
Suborder Suborder Suborder Suborder 110
Infraorder Infraorder 120
Section 124
Subsection 126
Superfamily Superfamily 130
Family Family Family Family 140
Subfamily Subfamily Subfamily Subfamily 150
Tribe Tribe Tribe Tribe 160
Subtribe Subtribe Subtribe Subtribe 170
Genus Genus Genus Genus 180
Subgenus Subgenus Subgenus Subgenus 190
Section Section 200
Subsection Subsection 210
Species Species Species Species 220
Subspecies Subspecies Subspecies Subspecies 230
Variety Variety Variety Variety (Protozoa 240
only)
Form 245
Subvariety Race Subvariety 250
Stirp 255
Form Morph Form 260
Aberration 265
Subform Subform 270
Unspecified 300

1.2.23 update_date
Name: update_date Element Size: Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: yyyy-mm-dd Data Type: SQL Server Name:
00:00:00 SMALLDATETIME update_date
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The date on which a record is modified. The purpose of this element is to provide
assistance to those downloading data on a periodic basis.

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1.2.24 uncertain_prnt_ind
Name: uncertain_prnt_ind Element Size:3 Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: CHAR SQL Server Name:
uncertain_prnt_ind
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Yes = of uncertain placement
No = certain placement
Data Source: CHOICE LIST
Validation Rules: This field is set to true when an occurrence of Taxonomic Units has
uncertain placement.
Description: Indicator for occurrences of Taxonomic Units where placement is uncertain.

1.2.25 name_usage
Name: name_usage Element Size:12 Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name:
name_usage
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
accepted (Chromista, Fungi,
Plantae)
not accepted (Chromista,
Fungi, Plantae)
valid (Animalia, Archaea,
Bacteria, Protozoa)
invalid (Animalia, Archaea,
Bacteria, Protozoa)
Data Source: CHOICE LIST
Validation Rules: Choice lists are dependent upon the values associated with a kingdom.
Description: Current standing of an occurrence of a Taxonomic Unit. A duplicate of usage
element. Note usage values moved to name_usage because “usage” is a SQL reserved word
which sometimes causes issues with database code.

1.2.26 complete_name
Name: complete_name Element Size:300 Table: taxonomic_units
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name:
complete_name
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The unit indicators and unit name fields concatenated and trimmed to present
entire scientific name, without taxon author. Designed to be helpful when searching for taxa by
scientific name.

2.0 Definitions for the entity comments and its elements

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ITIS Data Model

2.1 comments Description

A mechanism for recording history or detail deemed important for an occurrence(s) of
Taxonomic Units.

@1 comment_id +
commentator +
comment_detail +
comment_time_stamp +
update_date

2.2 comments Elements

2.2.1 comment_id
Name: comment_id Element Size: Table: comments
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name:
comment_id
Nullness: NOT NULL UNIQUE Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The unique identifier for remarks associated with an occurrence of Taxonomic
Units.

2.2.2 commentator
Name: commentator Element Size:100 Table: comments
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name:
commentator
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules:
Description: The name of the person associated with the comment being provided with regard
to an occurrence of Taxonomic Units.

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2.2.3 comment_detail
Name: comment_detail Element Size:2000 Table: comments
Display Picture: Data Type: CHAR SQL Server Name:
comment_detail
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules:
Description: Remarks providing additional information regarding an occurrence of Taxonomic
Units.

2.2.4 comment_time_stamp
Name: comment_time_stamp Element Size: Table: comments
Display Picture: yyyy-mm-dd Data Type: DATETIME SQL Server Name:
hh:mm:ss.sss comment_time_stamp
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM ENTERED
Validation Rules:
Description: The date and time at which a comment associated with an occurrence of
Taxonomic Units is entered.

2.2.5 update_date
Name: update_date Element Size: Table: comments
Display Picture: yyyy-mm-dd Data Type: SQL Server Name:
00:00:00 SMALLDATETIME update_date
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The date on which a record is modified. The purpose of this element is to provide
assistance to those downloading data on a periodic basis.

3.0 Definitions for the entity experts and its elements

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3.1 experts Description

A taxonomist who is the responsible source for an occurrence of Taxonomic Units being
recognized by and added to the ITIS database, or for changes being made to an
occurrence of Taxonomic Units existing in the ITIS database, or who provides credibility
for vernacular names.

@1 expert_id_prefix +
@2 expert_id +
expert +
exp_comment +
update_date

3.2 experts Elements

3.2.1 expert_id_prefix
Name: expert_id_prefix Element Size:3 Table: experts
Display Picture: Data Type: CHAR SQL Server Name:
expert_id_prefix
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:EXP
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: A prefix attached to a serial number to identify the record as existing in Experts.

3.2.2 expert_id
Name: expert_id Element Size: Table: experts
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name: expert_id
Nullness: NOT NULL UNIQUE Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The unique identifier established for a specific expert in the field of taxonomy
whose work is being utilized by the ITIS.

3.2.3 expert
Name: expert Element Size:100 Table: experts
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name: expert
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules:
Description: The name of the taxonomic expert providing credence to the taxonomy,
nomenclature or attributes of a Taxonomic Unit’s occurrence for the ITIS.

3.2.4 exp_comment
Name: exp_comment Element Size:500 Table: experts

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Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name:

exp_comment
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules:
Description: Remarks noted by or associated with a taxonomic expert who is providing
credence to the taxonomy, nomenclature or attributes of a Taxonomic Unit’s occurrence.

3.2.5 update_date
Name: update_date Element Size: Table: experts
Display Picture: yyyy-mm-dd Data Type: SQL Server Name:
00:00:00 SMALLDATETIME update_date
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The date on which a record is modified. The purpose of this element is to provide
assistance to those downloading data on a periodic basis.

4.0 Definitions for the entity geographic_div and its elements

4.1 geographic_div Description

Geographic association for the referenced occurrence in Taxonomic Units.

@1 tsn +
@2 geographic_value +
update_date

4.2 geographic_div Elements

4.2.1 tsn
Name:tsn Element Size: Table: geographic_div
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name: tsn
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED

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Validation Rules: A taxonomic serial number will be assigned for occurrences of Taxonomic
Units at each level of the hierarchy through genus and for all polynomial infrageneric
Taxonomic Units. Half of a two-part key in geographic_div.
Description: Taxonomic Serial Number. The unique identifier for an occurrence of Taxonomic
Units.

4.2.2. geographic_value
Name: geographic_value Element Size:45 Table: geographic_div
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name:
geographic_value
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
North America
Middle America
Caribbean
South America
Europe & Northern Asia
(excluding China)
Africa
Southern Asia
Australia
Oceania
Antarctica/Southern Ocean
Eastern Atlantic Ocean
Indo-West Pacific
East Pacific
Data Source: CHOICE LIST
Validation Rules: Half of a two-part key in geographic_div.
Description: Label given to a geographic division as identified by the Taxonomic Work Group.

4.2.3 update_date
Name: update_date Element Size: Table: geographic_div
Display Picture: yyyy-mm-dd Data Type: SQL Server Name:
00:00:00 SMALLDATETIME update_date
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The date on which a record is modified. The purpose of this element is to provide
assistance to those downloading data on a periodic basis.

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5.0 Definitions for the entity jurisdiction and its elements

5.1 jurisdiction Description

Association of a referenced occurrence of Taxonomic Units with one or more US
jurisdictional units. Also provides an identification of whether the taxon was native
and/or introduced to the unit.

@1 tsn +
@2 jurisdiction_value +
origin +
update_date

5.2 jurisdiction Elements

5.2.1 tsn
Name:tsn Element Size: Table: jurisdiction
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name: tsn
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules: A taxonomic serial number will be assigned for occurrences of Taxonomic
Units at each level of the hierarchy through genus and for all polynomial infrageneric
Taxonomic Units. Half of a two-part key in jurisdiction.
Description: Taxonomic Serial Number. The unique identifier for an occurrence of Taxonomic
Units.

5.2.2 jurisdiction_value
Name: jurisdiction_value Element Size:30 Table: jurisdiction
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name:
jurisdiction_value
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Continental US
Alaska
Hawaii
Central Pacific Territories
Caribbean Territories
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Canada
Mexico
Data Source: CHOICE LIST
Validation Rules: Half of a two-part key in jurisdiction.
Description: Label signifying a US jurisdictional unit as defined by the TWG, and Canada.

5.2.3 origin
Name: origin Element Size:19 Table: jurisdiction
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name: origin
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Native
Introduced
Native & Introduced
Incidental
Data Source: CHOICE LIST
Validation Rules:
Description: Indication of whether an occurrence of Taxonomic Units is native and/or
introduced to a US jurisdictional unit.

5.2.4 update_date
Name: update_date Element Size: Table: jurisdiction
Display Picture: yyyy-mm-dd Data Type: SQL Server Name:
00:00:00 SMALLDATETIME update_date
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The date on which a record is modified. The purpose of this element is to provide
assistance to those downloading data on a periodic basis.

6.0 Definitions for the entity kingdoms and its elements

6.1 kingdoms Description

The highest rank in the taxonomic hierarchical structure

@1 kingdom_id +
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kingdom_name +
update_date +

6.2 kingdoms Elements

6.2.1 kingdom_id
Name:kingdom_id Element Size: Table: kingdoms
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name:
kingdom_id
Nullness: NOT NULL UNIQE Values List:
1 Bacteria
2 Protozoa
3 Plantae
4 Fungi
5 Animalia
6 Chromista
7 Archaea
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: A unique identifier for the highest level of the taxonomic hierarchy structure.

6.2.2 kingdom_name
Name: kingdom_name Element Size:10 Table: kingdoms
Display Picture: Data Type: CHAR SQL Server Name:
kingdom_name
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Bacteria
Protozoa
Plantae
Fungi
Animalia
Chromista
Archaea
Data Source: CHOICE LIST
Validation Rules:
Description: The label associated with the highest level of the taxonomic hierarchy structure.

6.2.3 update_date
Name: update_date Element Size: Table: kingdoms
Display Picture: yyyy-mm-dd Data Type: SQL Server Name:
00:00:00 SMALLDATETIME update_date
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The date on which a record is modified. The purpose of this element is to provide
assistance to those downloading data on a periodic basis.
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7.0 Definitions for the entity nodc_ids and its elements

7.1 nodc_ids Description

A mechanism for maintaining the association between the NODC data applications and
the ITIS database to support users’ needs

nodc_id +
update_date +
tsn

7.2 nodc_ids Elements

7.2.1 nodc_id
Name: nodc_id Element Size:12 Table: nodc_ids
Display Picture: Data Type: CHAR SQL Server Name: nodc_id
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules:
Description: An identifier previously assigned to an occurrence of Taxonomic Units by the
National Oceanographic Data Center.

7.2.2 update_date
Name: update_date Element Size: Table: nodc_ids
Display Picture: yyyy-mm-dd Data Type: SQL Server Name:
00:00:00 SMALLDATETIME update_date
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The date on which a record is modified. The purpose of this element is to provide
assistance to those downloading data on a periodic basis.

7.2.3 tsn
Name:tsn Element Size: Table: nodc_ids

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Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name: tsn

Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules: A taxonomic serial number will be assigned for occurrences of Taxonomic
Units at each level of the hierarchy through genus and for all polynomial infrageneric
Taxonomic Units.
Description: Taxonomic Serial Number. The unique identifier for an occurrence of Taxonomic
Units.

8.0 Definitions for the entity other_sources and its elements

8.1 other_sources Description

References, other than persons or publications, that are taxonomically significant for
additions or changes to occurrences of the Taxonomic_units table and/or associated data,
or that provide credibility for vernacular names.

@1 source_id_prefix +
@2 source_id +
source_type +
source +
version +
acquisition_date +
source_comment +
update_date

8.2 other_sources Elements

8.2.1 source_id_prefix
Name: source_id_prefix Element Size:3 Table: other_sources

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Display Picture: Data Type: CHAR SQL Server Name:

source_id_prefix
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:SRC
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: A prefix attached to a serial id to identify the record as an Other Source.

8.2.2 source_id
Name: source_id Element Size: Table: other_sources
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name: source_id
Nullness: NOT NULL UNIQUE Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The unique identifier for a supplier of information, other than a person or
publication, lending credence to the establishment of or changes to an occurrence of
Taxonomic Units.

8.2.3 source_type
Name: source_type Element Size:10 Table: other_sources
Display Picture: Data Type: CHAR SQL Server Name:
source_type
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules:
Description: The designation of the kind of supplier providing information to the ITIS (other
than a person or publication); e.g. database.

8.2.4 source
Name: source Element Size:64 Table: other_sources
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name: source
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules:
Description: The name of the supplier of information, other than a person or publication, to the
ITIS database. Examples include, among others, Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of
Madagascar and Hawaiian Arthropod Checklist Database.

8.2.5 version
Name: version Element Size:10 Table: other_sources
Display Picture: Data Type: CHAR SQL Server Name: version
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED

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Validation Rules:
Description: Number, date or other identifying characteristic of the source which indicates the
functionality and/or data at a point in time in the life of the system, database, etc.

8.2.6 acquisition_date
Name: acquisition_date Element Size: Table: other_sources
Display Picture: yyyy-mm-dd Data Type: SQL Server Name:
00:00:00 SMALLDATETIME acquisition_date
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules:
Description: The date on which ITIS acquired the data it is utilizing from a source other than a
publication or expert.

8.2.7 source_comment
Name: source_comment Element Size:500 Table: other_sources
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name:
source_comment
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules:
Description: Remarks associated with the provider of information to the ITIS (other than a
person or publication).

8.2.8 update_date
Name: update_date Element Size: Table: other_sources
Display Picture: yyyy-mm-dd Data Type: SQL Server Name:
00:00:00 SMALLDATETIME update_date
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The date on which a record is modified. The purpose of this element is to provide
assistance to those downloading data on a periodic basis.

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9.0 Definitions for the entity publications and its elements

9.1 publications Description

Printed references that are taxonomically significant for additions or changes to
occurrences of the Taxonomic_units table and/or associated data, or that provide
credibility for approved vernacular names.

@1 publication_id_prefix +
@2 publication_id +
reference_author +
title +
publication_name +
listed_pub_date +
actual_pub_date +
publisher +
pub_place +
isbn +
issn +
pages +
pub_comment +
update_date

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9.2 publications Elements

9.2.1 publication_id_prefix
Name: publication_id_prefix Element Size:3 Table: publications
Display Picture: Data Type: CHAR SQL Server Name:
publication_id_prefix
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List: PUB
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: A prefix attached to a serial number to associate the record with the Publications
table.

9.2.2 publication_id
Name: publication _id Element Size: Table: publications
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name:
publication _id
Nullness: NOT NULL UNIQUE Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The unique identifier of a printed reference.

9.2.3 reference_author
Name: reference_author Element Size:100 Table: publications
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name:
reference_author
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules:
Description: Author(s) of a printed reference.

9.2.4 title
Name: title Element Size:255 Table: publications
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name: title
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules:
Description: The identifying name given an article contained in a printed reference.

9.2.5 publication_name
Name: publication_name Element Size:255 Table: publications
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name:
publication_name

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Nullness: NULL Values List:

Data Source: CHOICE LIST/USER ENTERED
Validation Rules:
Description: The identifying title of the printed reference, including volume and number, if
applicable.

9.2.6 listed_pub_date
Name: listed_pub_date Element Size: Table: publications
Display Picture: yyyy-mm-dd Data Type: DATETIME SQL Server Name:
hh:mm:ss.sss listed_pub_date
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules:
Description: The date printed on a journal or other printed reference.

9.2.7 actual_pub_date
Name: actual_pub_date Element Size: Table: publications
Display Picture: yyyy-mm-dd Data Type: DATETIME SQL Server Name:
hh:mm:ss.sss actual_pub_date
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules: This date should be greater than or equal to the listed date if such is
populated. In kingdoms Animalia and Protozoa it should also correspond to the date associated
with the taxon_author if this is the reference in which the subject taxon is described.
Description: The true date on which a journal or other written reference was published. It may
or may not correspond with the publication’s listed date.

9.2.8 publisher
Name: publisher Element Size:80 Table: publications
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name: publisher
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules:
Description: Producer of a printed reference.

9.2.9 pub_place
Name: pub_place Element Size:40 Table: publications
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name: pub_place
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules:
Description: Location of the publisher of a printed reference.

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9.2.10 isbn
Name: isbn Element Size:16 Table: publications
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name: isbn
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules:
Description: The ISBN number of a book cited; older publications and some alternatively
published books do not have assigned ISBN numbers.

9.2.11 issn
Name: issn Element Size:16 Table: publications
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name: issn
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules:
Description: The ISSN number of a journal cited; older journals and some alternatively
published publications do not have assigned ISSN numbers.

9.2.12 pages
Name: pages Element Size:15 Table: publications
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name: pages
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules:
Description: Page numbers within a printed reference to which the specific citation refers.

9.2.13 pub_comment
Name: pub_comment Element Size:500 Table: publications
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name:
pub_comment
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules:
Description: Remarks associated with the printed reference cited.

9.2.14 update_date
Name: update_date Element Size: Table: publications
Display Picture: yyyy-mm-dd Data Type: SQL Server Name:
00:00:00 SMALLDATETIME update_date
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED

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Validation Rules:
Description: The date on which a record is modified. The purpose of this element is to provide
assistance to those downloading data on a periodic basis.

10.0 Definitions for the entity taxon_authors_lkp and its

elements

10.1 taxon_authors_lkp Description

Reference to authors of taxa for all kingdoms.

@1 taxon_author_id +
taxon_author +
update_date +
kingdom_id +
short_author

10.2 taxon_authors_lkp Elements

10.2.1 taxon_author_id
Name: taxon_author_id Element Size: Table: taxon_authors_lkp
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name:
taxon_author_id
Nullness: NOT NULL UNIQUE Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: A unique identifier for the author(s) of a taxonomic name.

10.2.2 taxon_athor
Name: taxon_author Element Size:100 Table: taxon_authors_lkp
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name:
taxon_author
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: CHOICE LIST/USER ENTERED

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Validation Rules: For authorities associated with the kingdoms Animalia and Protozoa the
author(s) and the actual date of the publication in which the author(s) first described the taxon
are required. For authorities associated with the kingdoms Archaea and Bacteria, the author(s)
and the actual date of the publication in which the author(s) first described the taxon and the
emending authors with the date of the emendation are required. For authorities associated with
the Chromista, Fungi, and Plantae kingdom only author(s) and any emending authors are
required. Note: Initially, authors/dates may not be available for all records
Description: The author(s) associated with the name of a taxon.

10.2.3 update_date
Name: update_date Element Size: Table: taxon_authors_lkp
Display Picture: yyyy-mm-dd Data Type: SQL Server Name:
00:00:00 SMALLDATETIME update_date
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The date on which a record is modified. The purpose of this element is to provide
assistance to those downloading data on a periodic basis.

10.2.4 kingdom_id
Name:kingdom_id Element Size: Table: taxon_authors_lkp
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name:
kingdom_id
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
1 Bacteria
2 Protozoa
3 Plantae
4 Fungi
5 Animalia
6 Chromista
7 Archaea
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:.
Description: A unique identifier for the highest level of the taxonomic hierarchy structure.

10.2.5. short_author
Name: short_author Element Size:100 Table: taxon_authors_lkp
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name:
short_author
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The author(s) associated with the name of a taxon with parenthesis, commas and
periods removed. Designed to be helpful when searching for an author whose name contains a
different punctuation for different taxon names.

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11.0 Definitions for the entity taxon_unit_types and its elements

11.1 taxon_unit_types Description

Defines the levels associated with the taxonomic hierarchical structure and establishes the
rank order for an occurrence of the Taxonomic Units.

@1 kingdom_id +
@2 rank_id +
rank_name +
direct_parent_rank_id +
required_parent_rank_id +
update_date

11.2 taxon_unit_types Elements

11.2.1 kingdom_id
Name:kingdom_id Element Size: Table: taxon_unit_types
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name:
kingdom_id
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
1 Bacteria
2 Protozoa
3 Plantae
4 Fungi
5 Animalia
6 Chromista
7 Archaea
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules: Half of a two-part key in taxon_unit_types.
Description: A unique identifier for the highest level of the taxonomic hierarchy structure.

11.2.2 rank_id
Name: rank _id Element Size: Table: taxon_unit_types

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Display Picture: Data Type: SMALLINT SQL Server Name: rank _id
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules: Half of a two-part key in taxon_unit_types
Description: A unique identifier for a specific level within the taxonomic hierarchy.

11.2.3 rank_name
Name: rank _name Element Size:15 Table: taxon_unit_types
Display Picture: Data Type: CHAR SQL Server Name: rank
_name
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: CHOICE LIST
Validation Rules:
Description: The label associated with the specific level of a taxonomic hierarchy.
Plant Animal Fungi/Chromista Archaea/Bacteria ITIS
Protozoa rank_id
Kingdom Kingdom Kingdom Kingdom 10
Subkingdom Subkingdom Subkingdom Subkingdom 20
Infrakingdom Infrakingdom 25
Superphylum 27
Division Phylum Division Phylum 30
Subdivision Subphylum Subdivision Subphylum 40
Infradivision Infraphylum 45
Superclass Superclass Superclass (Chromista Superclass 50
only)
Class Class Class Class 60
Subclass Subclass Subclass Subclass 70
Infraclass Infraclass 80
Superorder Superorder Superorder Superorder 90
Order Order Order Order 100
Suborder Suborder Suborder Suborder 110
Infraorder Infraorder 120
Section 124
Subsection 126
Superfamily Superfamily 130
Family Family Family Family 140
Subfamily Subfamily Subfamily Subfamily 150
Tribe Tribe Tribe Tribe 160

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Plant Animal Fungi/Chromista Archaea/Bacteria ITIS

Protozoa rank_id
Subtribe Subtribe Subtribe Subtribe 170
Genus Genus Genus Genus 180
Subgenus Subgenus Subgenus Subgenus 190
Section Section 200
Subsection Subsection 210
Species Species Species Species 220
Subspecies Subspecies Subspecies Subspecies 230
Variety Variety Variety Variety (Protozoa 240
only)
Form 245
Subvariety Race Subvariety 250
Stirp 255
Form Morph Form 260
Aberration 265
Subform Subform 270
Unspecified 300

11.2.4 dir_parent_rank_id
Name: dir_parent_rank_id Element Size: Table: taxon_unit_types
Display Picture: Data Type: SMALLINT SQL Server Name:
dir_parent_rank_id
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: CHOICE LIST
Validation Rules:
Description: The unique identifier for the rank of the closest parent of an occurrence of
Taxonomic Units as defined by the kingdom's rank rules.

11.2.5 req_parent_rank_id
Name: req_parent_rank_id Element Size: Table: taxon_unit_types
Display Picture: Data Type: SMALLINT SQL Server Name:
req_parent_rank_id
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: CHOICE LIST
Validation Rules:
Description: The unique identifier for the closest, required parent of an occurrence of
Taxonomic Units as established by the respective kingdom's rank rules.

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11.2.6 update_date
Name: update_date Element Size: Table: taxon_unit_types
Display Picture: yyyy-mm-dd Data Type: SQL Server Name:
00:00:00 SMALLDATETIME update_date
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The date on which a record is modified. The purpose of this element is to provide
assistance to those downloading data on a periodic basis.

12.0 Definitions for the entity tu_comments_links and its

elements

12.1 tu_comments_links Description

An intersection table which provides the means for establishing a many to many
relationship between an occurrence of Taxonomic Units and associated Comments.

@1 tsn +
@2 comment_id +
update_date

12.2 tu_comments_links Elements

12.2.1 tsn
Name:tsn Element Size: Table: tu_comments_links
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name: tsn
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules: A taxonomic serial number will be assigned for occurrences of Taxonomic
Units at each level of the hierarchy through genus and for all polynomial infrageneric
Taxonomic Units. Half of a two-part key in tu_comments_links.
Description: Taxonomic Serial Number. The unique identifier for an occurrence of Taxonomic
Units.

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12.2.2 comment_id
Name: comment _id Element Size: Table: tu_comments_links
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name: comment
_id
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules: Half of a two-part key in tu_comments_links.
Description: The unique identifier for remarks associated with an occurrence of Taxonomic
Units.

12.2.3 update_date
Name: update_date Element Size: Table: tu_comments_links
Display Picture: yyyy-mm-dd Data Type: SQL Server Name:
00:00:00 SMALLDATETIME update_date
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The date on which a record is modified. The purpose of this element is to provide
assistance to those downloading data on a periodic basis.

13.0 Definitions for the entity synonym_links and its elements

13.1 synonym_links Description

A mechanism to provide the link between an accepted taxonomic name and alternates or
predecessors to it.

@1 tsn +
@2 tsn_accepted +
update_date

13.2 synonym_links Elements

13.2.1 tsn
Name:tsn Element Size: Table: synonym_links
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name: tsn

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Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:

Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules: A taxonomic serial number will be assigned for occurrences of Taxonomic
Units at each level of the hierarchy through genus and for all polynomial infrageneric
Taxonomic Units. Must have usage of invalid or not accepted name Half of a two-part key in
synonym_links.
Description: Taxonomic Serial Number. The unique identifier for an occurrence of Taxonomic
Units.

13.2.2 tsn_accepted
Name:tsn Element Size: Table: synonym_links
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name: tsn
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules: Must have usage of valid or accepted name. Half of a two-part key in
synonym_links.
Description: The taxonomic serial number assigned to the accepted occurrence of Taxonomic
Units to which a synonym is associated.

13.2.3. update_date
Name: update_date Element Size: Table: synonym _links
Display Picture: yyyy-mm-dd Data Type: SQL Server Name:
00:00:00 SMALLDATETIME update_date
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The date on which a record is modified. The purpose of this element is to provide
assistance to those downloading data on a periodic basis.

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14.0 Definitions for the entity reference_links and its elements

14.1 reference_links Description

An intersection table that provides a link between occurrences of Taxonomic Units and
occurrences of publications, experts, or other_sources.

@1 tsn +
@2 doc_id_prefix+
@3 documentation_id +
original_desc_ind +
init_itis_desc_ind +
change_track_id +
vernacular_name +
update_date

14.2 reference_links Elements

14.2.1 tsn
Name:tsn Element Size: Table: reference_links
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name: tsn
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules: A taxonomic serial number will be assigned for occurrences of Taxonomic
Units at each level of the hierarchy through genus and for all polynomial infrageneric
Taxonomic Units. Part of a three-part key in reference_links.
Description: Taxonomic Serial Number. The unique identifier for an occurrence of Taxonomic
Units.

14.2.2 doc_id_prefix
Name: doc_id_prefix Element Size:3 Table: reference_links
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Display Picture: Data Type: CHAR SQL Server Name:

doc_id_prefix
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List: EXP, PUB, SRC
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules: Part of a three-part key in reference_links.
Description: A designation affixed to the documentation_id identifying the reference as a
publication, expert or other source.

14.2.3 documentation_id
Name: documentation_id Element Size: Table: reference_links
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name:
documentation_id
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules: Part of a three-part key in reference_links.
Description: The serial portion of the identifier created for either the Publications table, the
Experts table or the Other_Sources table used with the documentation_id_prefix to provide the
reference link with an instance from the Taxonomic_units table.

14.2.4 original_desc_ind
Name: original_desc_ind Element Size:1 Table: reference_links
Display Picture: Data Type: CHAR SQL Server Name:
original_desc_ind
Nullness: NULL Values List: If selected, the
indicator will be set to true
Data Source: CHOICE LIST
Validation Rules:
Description: Indicator used to identify that this occurrence represents the reference of the
original description, when available.

14.2.5. init_itis_desc_ind
Name: init_itis_desc_ind Element Size:1 Table: reference_links
Display Picture: Data Type: CHAR SQL Server Name:
init_itis_desc_ind
Nullness: NULL Values List: If selected, the
indicator will be set to true
Data Source: NOT IN USE
Validation Rules:
Description: Indicator used to identify the reference(s) that serve as the reason for an
occurrence of Taxonomic Units being recognized where the original reference is unavailable.

14.2.6. change_track_id
Name: change_track _id Element Size: Table: reference_links
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name:
change_track _id
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Nullness: NULL Values List:

Data Source: NOT IN USE
Validation Rules:
Description: The unique identifier assigned to a change made to an occurrence of Taxonomic
Units.

14.2.7 vernacular_name
Name: vernacular_name Element Size:80 Table: reference_links
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name:
vernacular_name
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: NOT IN USE
Validation Rules:
Description: A common name associated with an occurrence of Taxonomic Units.

14.2.8 update_date
Name: update_date Element Size: Table: reference _links
Display Picture: yyyy-mm-dd Data Type: SQL Server Name:
00:00:00 SMALLDATETIME update_date
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The date on which a record is modified. The purpose of this element is to provide
assistance to those downloading data on a periodic basis.

15.0 Definitions for the entity vernaculars and its elements

15.1 vernaculars Description

Common names associated with an occurrence in Taxonomic Units.

@1 tsn +
vernacular_name +
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language +
approved_ind +
update_date +
@2 vern_id

15.2 vernaculars Elements

15.2.1 tsn
Name:tsn Element Size: Table: vernaculars
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name: tsn
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules: A taxonomic serial number will be assigned for occurrences of Taxonomic
Units at each level of the hierarchy through genus and for all polynomial infrageneric
Taxonomic Units.
Description: Taxonomic Serial Number. The unique identifier for an occurrence of Taxonomic
Units.

15.2.2 vernacular_name
Name: vernacular_name Element Size:80 Table: vernaculars
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name:
vernacular_name
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: USER ENTERED
Validation Rules:
Description: A common name associated with an occurrence of Taxonomic Units.

15.2.3 language
Name: language Element Size:15 Table: vernaculars
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name: language
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: CHOICE LIST/USER ENTERED
Validation Rules:
Description: Native language from which the vernacular name originates; e.g. English, French,
Spanish, Portuguese, etc.

15.2.4 approved_ind
Name: approved_ind Element Size:1 Table: vernaculars
Display Picture: Data Type: CHAR SQL Server Name:
approved_ind
Nullness: NULL Values List: If selected, the
indicator will be set to true.
Data Source: CHOICE LIST

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Validation Rules: If the approved_ind is set to true, then the reference identifying the
vernacular must be entered.
Description: Designation identifying those vernacular names authorized for use by regulation,
statute, etc.

15.2.5 update_date
Name: update_date Element Size: Table: vernaculars
Display Picture: yyyy-mm-dd Data Type: SQL Server Name:
00:00:00 SMALLDATETIME update_date
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The date on which a record is modified. The purpose of this element is to provide
assistance to those downloading data on a periodic basis.

15.2.6 vern_id
Name: vern_id Element Size: Table: vernaculars
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name: vern_id
Nullness: NOT NULL UNIQE Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules: Every vernacular_name associated with a TSN is assigned a distinct vern_id.
Description: The serial portion of the identifier created for a vernacular name associated with
an occurrence of a Taxonomic Unit.

16.0 Definitions for the entity vern_ref_links and its elements

16.1 vern_ref_links Description

An intersection table that provides a link between occurrences of Vernaculars and
occurrences of Publications, Experts, or Other_Sources.

@1 tsn +
@2 doc_id_prefix +
@3 documentation_id +
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update_date +
@4 vern_id +

16.2 vern_ref_links Elements

16.2.1 tsn
Name:tsn Element Size: Table: vern_ref_links
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name: tsn
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules: A taxonomic serial number will be assigned for occurrences of Taxonomic
Units at each level of the hierarchy through genus and for all polynomial infrageneric
Taxonomic Units. Part of a four-part key in vern_ref_links.
Description: Taxonomic Serial Number. The unique identifier for an occurrence of Taxonomic
Units.

16.2.2 doc_id_prefix
Name: doc_id_prefix Element Size:3 Table: vern_ref_links
Display Picture: Data Type: CHAR SQL Server Name:
doc_id_prefix
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List: EXP, PUB, SRC
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules: Part of a four-part key in vern_ref_links.
Description: A designation affixed to the documentation_id identifying the reference as a
publication, expert or other source.

16.2.3 documentation_id
Name: documentation_id Element Size: Table: vern_ref_links
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name:
documentation_id
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules: Part of a four-part key in vern_ref_links.
Description: The serial portion of the identifier created for either the Publications table, the
Experts table or the Other_Sources table used with the documentation_id_prefix to provide the
reference link with an instance from the vernaculars table.

16.2.4 update_date
Name: update_date Element Size: Table: vern_ref_links
Display Picture: yyyy-mm-dd Data Type: SQL Server Name:
00:00:00 SMALLDATETIME update_date
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED

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Validation Rules:
Description: The date on which a record is modified. The purpose of this element is to provide
assistance to those downloading data on a periodic basis.

16.2.5 vern_id
Name: vern_id Element Size: Table: vern_ref_links
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name: vern_id
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules: Part of a four-part key in vernaculars.
Description: The serial portion of the identifier created for a vernacular name associated with
an occurrence of a Taxonomic Unit.

17.0 Definitions for the entity longnames and its elements

17.1 longnames Description

A support table that provides a full scientific name without taxon author for Taxonomic
Units.

@1 tsn +
completename

17.2 longnames Elements

17.2.1 tsn
Name:tsn Element Size: Table: longnames
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name: tsn
Nullness: NOT NULL UNIQUE Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules: A taxonomic serial number will be assigned for occurrences of Taxonomic
Units at each level of the hierarchy through genus and for all polynomial infrageneric
Taxonomic Units.
Description: Taxonomic Serial Number. The unique identifier for an occurrence of Taxonomic
Units.

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17.2.2 completename
Name: completename Element Size:164 Table: longnames
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name:
completename
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The unit indicators and unit name fields concatenated and trimmed to present
entire scientific name, without taxon author. Designed to be helpful when searching for taxa by
scientific name.

18.0 Definitions for the entity strippedauthor and its elements

18.1 strippedauthor Description

A support table that provides the author(s) associated with the name of a taxon with
parenthesis, commas and periods removed. Designed to be helpful when searching for an
author whose name contains a different punctuation for different taxon names.

@1 taxon_author_id +
shortauthor

18.2 strippedauthor Elements

18.2.1 taxon_author_id
Name: taxon_author_id Element Size: Table: strippedauthor
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name:
taxon_author_id
Nullness: NOT NULL UNIQUE Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: A unique identifier for the author(s) of a taxonomic name.

18.2.2 shortauthor
Name: short_author Element Size:100 Table: strippedauthor
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name:
short_author
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:

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Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED

Validation Rules:
Description: The author(s) associated with the name of a taxon with parenthesis, commas and
periods removed. Designed to be helpful when searching for an author whose name contains a
different punctuation for different taxon names.

19.0 Definitions for the entity hierarchy and its elements

19.1 hierarchy Description

A support table that provides an accepted or valid Taxonomic Units full TSN hierarchy in
a single string.

@1 hierarchy_string +
TSN +
Parent_TSN +
[level] +
ChildrenCount

19.2 hierarchy Elements

19.2.1 hierarchy_string
Name: hierarchy_string Element Size:300 Table: hierarchy
Display Picture: Data Type: VARCHAR SQL Server Name:
hierarchy_string
Nullness: NOT NULL UNIQUE Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The concatenated TSNs, delimited with a hyphen, which represents the hierarchy
from Kingdom to TSN of concern.

19.2.2 TSN
Name:TSN Element Size: Table: hierarchy
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name: TSN

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Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:

Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules: A taxonomic serial number will be assigned for occurrences of Taxonomic
Units at each level of the hierarchy through genus and for all polynomial infrageneric
Taxonomic Units.
Description: The TSN for the hierarchy entry. Taxonomic Serial Number. The unique identifier
for an occurrence of Taxonomic Units.

19.2.3 Parent_TSN
Name: Parent_TSN Element Size: Table: hierarchy
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name:
Parent_TSN
Nullness: NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The direct parent TSN of hierarchy.TSN.

19.2.4 [level]
Name: [level] Element Size: Table: hierarchy
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name: [level]
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The distance down the hierarchy from Kingdom to TSN of concern for the
hierarchy entry. For example, TSN 51, Schizomycetes, a Bacteria Class, has a level of 2.

19.2.5 ChildrenCount
Name: ChildrenCount Element Size: Table: hierarchy
Display Picture: Data Type: INT SQL Server Name:
ChildrenCount
Nullness: NOT NULL Values List:
Data Source: SYSTEM GENERATED
Validation Rules:
Description: The number of total children a particular TSN has, from its direct children to the
bottom of the hierarchy.

20.0 Deprecated Tables

There are entities within ITIS which are not currently in use. They are synonym_names
and reviews.

20.1 synonym_names Description

Designed to store the TSNs and complete names of not accepted and invalid names, and
their corresponding accepted or valid TSNs and complete names. ITIS relies upon the
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synonym_links table to relate not accepted and invalid names to their accepted and valid
names.

20.2 reviews Description

Once used for descriptions of evaluations, either periodic or requested, undertaken to add
credence to the data supported by the ITIS. ITIS relies upon links to sources (Experts,
Publications, and Other Sources) to provide evidence for taxonomic decisions.

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