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PhycoKey Description

PhycoKey is a key to microscopic algae that is morphing into a way to identify all sorts of objects commonly found in water or near-water samples. Visual aids are quicker than dichotomous keys with traditional and archane text!

The goal of PhycoKey is to enable students to compare objects in a microscope field with images in the key, and rapidly proceed to a generic name. Images of similar genera in the same class are placed close to each other, and mentioned in the "genus" page.

Starting with the opening page, all common classes of algae, as well as the non-photosynthetic protists and "anomalies" (crystals, parts of organisms commonly found), are represented with an image. Also on the first page are several informartional "buttons". Passing the "mouse" over any of these items changes the central image to either a montage of organisms, or introductory information. Clicking on any of the items advances to a new page, either a "class" of organisms, or more informational text.

Successive page advances eventually leads, by image comparison, to a "genus" page with thumbnail images and additional notes about the chosen genus. Clicking on the thumbnails brings up larger images up to 600 pixels wide.

At any time the user can jump backward one or more steps with the use of the hot keys found at the top of each page, likely necessary when reaching a "dead end" genus that doesn't match what's seen in the microscope.

Suggestions for improving PhycoKey are welcomed at albaker@unh.edu. Thanks for trying it out!

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