• SYNONYMS
  • CONFLICTS
  • OCCURRENCES
  • HUMAN

How to audit taxonomic hierarchies with your AI

Connect the Paleobiology Database to your AI client to navigate the tree of life. You can resolve species relationships and settle taxonomic disputes using real-world data.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

How can I use AI to audit taxonomic hierarchies?

Your AI pulls specific taxon data and compares conflicting taxonomic opinions from the Paleobiology Database. This lets you identify synonyms and verify species placement. You'll get a clear view of how researchers have classified the same organism.

Where your findings land.

The outcomes of your audit.

The AI organizes the database data into these specific results.

SYNONYMS

Identify name changes

The AI flags when a taxon has been renamed. You get a list of valid synonyms for a specific species.

CONFLICTS

Spot taxonomic disputes

The AI pulls different scientific opinions on a single organism. You see where researchers disagree on classification.

OCCURRENCES

Map fossil locations

The AI gathers occurrence data for specific taxa. You get a spatial context for where these species appear in the record.

HUMAN

Final taxonomic decision

The AI provides the evidence, but you decide which classification to adopt. It presents the data so you can make the call.

The workflow

What your AI does when the data arrives.

The AI handles the heavy lifting of querying the database and comparing records.

  1. Locate the taxon

    The AI finds the correct biological entity within the database to start the audit.

    get_taxon

  2. Gather specimen data

    The AI pulls all known occurrences for that specific taxon to check for distribution or range issues.

    get_occurrences_taxa

  3. Retrieve scientific opinions

    The AI looks up the specific arguments or classifications recorded by different researchers.

    list_opinions

  4. Analyze specific views

    The AI drills down into a single taxonomic opinion to understand the reasoning behind a classification.

    get_opinion

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to begin your audit.

Starting points

Replace the bracketed names with the specific species or taxa you are researching.

Paleobiology Database Connector

You're all set. Choose your MCP client and follow the setup instructions.

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_LMsuNJagRnlZ0WZkj1f9bs5AIS0QnltioKnEzw67/mcp

Claude Desktop

Follow the steps below to connect in seconds.

  1. 1In Claude Desktop, open Settings → Connectors.
  2. 2Click “Add custom connector” and paste the connector link above as the remote MCP server URL.
  3. 3Click Add and start a new chat — Paleobiology Database capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "paleobiology-database-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_LMsuNJagRnlZ0WZkj1f9bs5AIS0QnltioKnEzw67/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • Find the current taxonomic status for [Species Name] in the Paleobiology Database.

  • List all taxonomic opinions regarding the classification of [Genus Name].

  • Check for any synonyms associated with the taxon [Taxon Name].

  • Show me the occurrence data for [Species Name] to see where it has been found.

  • Claude
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Start here

Connect Paleobiology Database once, then ask.

Just link the MCP to your client. Your credentials stay encrypted, and you can start querying the database immediately.

Connect Paleobiology Database to your AI

FAQ

How this task behaves.

  • 01

    Can the AI change the data in the Paleobiology Database?

    No. The AI can only read and retrieve data from the database. It cannot edit or delete any records.

  • 02

    Does the AI decide which species name is correct?

    No. The AI presents the available opinions and synonyms, but the final taxonomic decision remains with you.

  • 03

    Can I use this to find real-time fossil discoveries?

    The AI can only access the data currently stored in the Paleobiology Database.

  • 04

    Will the AI automatically resolve synonyms for me?

    The AI identifies the synonyms using the available tools, but it won't force a single classification on your dataset.

  • 05

    Can the AI pull images of the fossils?

    No. The tools are limited to taxonomic data, opinions, and occurrence records.

  • More questions about Paleobiology Database? See everything the Paleobiology Database Connector can do

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