Diatoms of North AmericaDescription: To ensure that analysts are qualified in diatom identification, a genus level exam was developed. Under the umbrella of the Society for Freshwater Science, the Diatom Taxonomic Certification Committee has been working to develop a diatom species exam. In this webinar, participants will gain an understanding of the elements of the Level 2 Certification Exam, how to prepare for the exam, and how to schedule an exam. We will work through the skills that are required and example exam questions. The Level 2 Diatom Taxonomic Certification indicates knowledge of 1) variation in diatom morphology within a species, 2) morphological operational taxonomic units (mOTUs), and 3) basic concepts of diatom nomenclature. A Level 2 Certification is intended to indicate a practical base for proficiency in using a voucher flora to identify inland diatoms. The primary goal of the Level 2 exam is to help acknowledge a practitioner’s proficiency in the skills used to distinguish mOTUs, identify specimens that should not be included in an mOTU without further investigation, assign formal scientific names to mOTUs using diatoms.org, and understanding basic rules of botanical nomenclature.
Target Audience: This webinar will be of interest to analysts, students, freshwater ecologists, and taxonomists.
