Darwin Core Quick Reference Guide

This document is intended to be an easy-to-read reference of the currently (as of 2023-09-18) recommended terms maintained as part of the Darwin Core standard and is maintained by the Darwin Core Maintenance Group.

Need help? Read more about how to use Darwin Core in the Darwin Core Questions & Answers site. Still have questions? Submit a new issue (question/problem) to the dwc-qa issues page in GitHub, or use the form. See the bottom of this document for how to cite Darwin Core.”

Want to contribute? For information about how to contribute to the Darwin Core Standard, including how to propose changes, see the Guidelines for contributing.

This page is not part of the standard, but combines the normative term names and definitions with the non-normative comments and examples that are meant to help people to use the terms consistently. Definitions, comments, and examples may include namespace abbreviations (e.g., “dwc:”). These are included to show that the meaning for the word it is attached to very specifically means the term as defined in that namespace. Thus, dwc:Event means Event as defined by Darwin Core at https://dwc.tdwg.org/terms/#event. Capitalized terms that follow a namespace abbreviation, such as dwc:Occurrence, are Darwin Core class terms, which are a special category of terms used to group sets of property terms (terms that being with lower case names that follow the namespace abbreviation, e.g., dwc:eventID) for convenience. Comprehensive metadata for current and obsolete terms in human readable form are found in the document List of Darwin Core terms.

Additional files with just the current term names and a file with the full term history can be found in the Darwin Core repository.

Record-level

This category contains terms that are generic in that they might apply to any type of record in a dataset.

modified
Identifier	http://purl.org/dc/terms/modified
Definition	Date on which the resource was changed.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a date that conforms to ISO 8601-1:2019.
Examples	`1963-03-08T14:07-06:00` (8 Mar 1963 at or after 2:07pm and before 2:08pm in the time zone six hours earlier than UTC) `2009-02-20T08:40Z` (20 February 2009 at or after 8:40am and before 8:41 UTC) `2018-08-29T15:19` (29 August 2018 at or after 3:19pm and before 3:20pm local time) `1809-02-12` (within the day 12 February 1809) `1906-06` (in the month of June 1906) `1971` (in the year 1971) `2007-03-01T13:00:00Z/2008-05-11T15:30:00Z` (some time within the interval beginning 1 March 2007 at 1pm UTC and before 11 May 2008 at 3:30pm UTC) `1900/1909` (some time within the interval between the beginning of the year 1900 and before the year 1909) `2007-11-13/15` (some time in the interval between the beginning of 13 November 2007 and before 15 November 2007)

language
Identifier	http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/language
Definition	A language of the resource.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary such as RFC 5646. This term has an equivalent in the dcterms: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`en` (for English) `es` (for Spanish)

rightsHolder
Identifier	http://purl.org/dc/terms/rightsHolder
Definition	A person or organization owning or managing rights over the resource.
Comments
Examples	`The Regents of the University of California`

references
Identifier	http://purl.org/dc/terms/references
Definition	A related resource that is referenced, cited, or otherwise pointed to by the described resource.
Comments	From Dublin Core, "This property is intended to be used with non-literal values. This property is an inverse property of Is Referenced By." The intended usage of this term in Darwin Core is to point to the definitive source representation of the resource (e.g.,dwc:Taxon, dwc:Occurrence, dwc:Event), if one is available. Note that the intended usage of dcterms:bibliographicCitation in Darwin Core, by contrast, is to provide the preferred way to cite the resource itself.
Examples

datasetID
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/datasetID
Definition	An identifier for the set of data. May be a global unique identifier or an identifier specific to a collection or institution.
Comments
Examples	`b15d4952-7d20-46f1-8a3e-556a512b04c5`

institutionCode
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/institutionCode
Definition	The name (or acronym) in use by the institution having custody of the object(s) or information referred to in the record.
Comments
Examples

collectionCode
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/collectionCode
Definition	The name, acronym, coden, or initialism identifying the collection or data set from which the record was derived.
Comments
Examples	`Mammals` `Hildebrandt` `EBIRD` `VP`

datasetName
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/datasetName
Definition	The name identifying the data set from which the record was derived.
Comments
Examples	`Grinnell Resurvey Mammals` `Lacey Ctenomys Recaptures`

basisOfRecord
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/basisOfRecord
Definition	The specific nature of the data record.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary such as the set of local names of the identifiers for classes in Darwin Core.
Examples	`MaterialEntity` `PreservedSpecimen` `FossilSpecimen` `LivingSpecimen` `MaterialSample` `Event` `HumanObservation` `MachineObservation` `Taxon` `Occurrence` `MaterialCitation`

informationWithheld
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/informationWithheld
Definition	Additional information that exists, but that has not been shared in the given record.
Comments	This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`location information not given for endangered species` `collector identities withheld \| ask about tissue samples`

dataGeneralizations
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/dataGeneralizations
Definition	Actions taken to make the shared data less specific or complete than in its original form. Suggests that alternative data of higher quality may be available on request.
Comments	This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`Coordinates generalized from original GPS coordinates to the nearest half degree grid cell`.

dynamicProperties
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/dynamicProperties
Definition	A list of additional measurements, facts, characteristics, or assertions about the record. Meant to provide a mechanism for structured content.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a key:value encoding schema for a data interchange format such as JSON.
Examples	`{"heightInMeters":1.5}` `{"targusLengthInMeters":0.014, "weightInGrams":120}` `{"natureOfID":"expert identification", "identificationEvidence":"cytochrome B sequence"}` `{"relativeHumidity":28, "airTemperatureInCelsius":22, "sampleSizeInKilograms":10}` `{"aspectHeading":277, "slopeInDegrees":6}` `{"iucnStatus":"vulnerable", "taxonDistribution":"Neuquén, Argentina"}`

Occurrence

Occurrence Class
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/Occurrence
Definition	An existence of a dwc:Organism at a particular place at a particular time.
Comments
Examples	`a wolf pack on the shore of Kluane Lake in 1988` `a virus in a plant leaf in the New York Botanical Garden at 15:29 on 2014-10-23` `a fungus in Central Park in the summer of 1929`

occurrenceID
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/occurrenceID
Definition	An identifier for the dwc:Occurrence (as opposed to a particular digital record of the dwc:Occurrence). In the absence of a persistent global unique identifier, construct one from a combination of identifiers in the record that will most closely make the dwc:occurrenceID globally unique.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a persistent, globally unique identifier.
Examples

recordNumber
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/recordNumber
Definition	An identifier given to the dwc:Occurrence at the time it was recorded. Often serves as a link between field notes and a dwc:Occurrence record, such as a specimen collector's number.
Comments	This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`OPP 7101`

recordedBy
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/recordedBy
Definition	A list (concatenated and separated) of names of people, groups, or organizations responsible for recording the original dwc:Occurrence. The primary collector or observer, especially one who applies a personal identifier (dwc:recordNumber), should be listed first.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to separate the values in a list with space vertical bar space ( `\|` ). This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`José E. Crespo` `Oliver P. Pearson \| Anita K. Pearson` (where the value in recordNumber `OPP 7101` corresponds to the collector number for the specimen in the field catalog of Oliver P. Pearson)

organismQuantity
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/organismQuantity
Definition	A number or enumeration value for the quantity of dwc:Organisms.
Comments	A dwc:organismQuantity must have a corresponding dwc:organismQuantityType.
Examples	`27` (organismQuantity) with `individuals` (organismQuantityType) `12.5` (organismQuantity) with `% biomass` (organismQuantityType) `r` (organismQuantity) with `Braun-Blanquet Scale` (organismQuantityType) `many` (organismQuantity) with `individuals` (organismQuantityType)

organismQuantityType
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/organismQuantityType
Definition	The type of quantification system used for the quantity of dwc:Organisms.
Comments	A dwc:organismQuantityType must have a corresponding dwc:organismQuantity. This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`27` (organismQuantity) with `individuals` (organismQuantityType) `12.5` (organismQuantity) with `% biomass` (organismQuantityType) `r` (organismQuantity) with `Braun-Blanquet Scale` (organismQuantityType) `many` (organismQuantity) with `individuals` (organismQuantityType)

sex
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/sex
Definition	The sex of the biological individual(s) represented in the dwc:Occurrence.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples

lifeStage
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/lifeStage
Definition	The age class or life stage of the dwc:Organism(s) at the time the dwc:Occurrence was recorded.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`zygote` `larva` `juvenile` `adult` `seedling` `flowering` `fruiting`

reproductiveCondition
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/reproductiveCondition
Definition	The reproductive condition of the biological individual(s) represented in the dwc:Occurrence.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`non-reproductive` `pregnant` `in bloom` `fruit-bearing`

caste
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/caste
Definition	Categorisation of individuals for eusocial species (including some mammals and arthropods).
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary that aligns best with the dwc:Taxon. This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`queen` `male alate` `intercaste` `minor worker` `soldier` `ergatoid`

behavior
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/behavior
Definition	The behavior shown by the subject at the time the dwc:Occurrence was recorded.
Comments	This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples

vitality
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/vitality
Definition	An indication of whether a dwc:Organism was alive or dead at the time of collection or observation.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. Intended to be used with records having a dwc:basisOfRecord of `PreservedSpecimen`, `MaterialEntity`, `MaterialSample`, or `HumanObservation`. This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`alive` `dead` `mixedLot` `uncertain` `notAssessed`

establishmentMeans
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/establishmentMeans
Definition	Statement about whether a dwc:Organism has been introduced to a given place and time through the direct or indirect activity of modern humans.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use controlled value strings from the controlled vocabulary designated for use with this term, listed at http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/doc/em/. For details, refer to https://doi.org/10.3897/biss.3.38084. This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`native` `nativeReintroduced` `introduced` `introducedAssistedColonisation` `vagrant` `uncertain`

degreeOfEstablishment
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/degreeOfEstablishment
Definition	The degree to which a dwc:Organism survives, reproduces, and expands its range at the given place and time.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use controlled value strings from the controlled vocabulary designated for use with this term, listed at http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/doc/doe/. For details, refer to https://doi.org/10.3897/biss.3.38084. This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`native` `captive` `cultivated` `released` `failing` `casual` `reproducing` `established` `colonising` `invasive` `widespreadInvasive`

pathway
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/pathway
Definition	The process by which a dwc:Organism came to be in a given place at a given time.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use controlled value strings from the controlled vocabulary designated for use with this term, listed at http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/doc/pw/. For details, refer to https://doi.org/10.3897/biss.3.38084. This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`releasedForUse` `otherEscape` `transportContaminant` `transportStowaway` `corridor` `unaided`

georeferenceVerificationStatus
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/georeferenceVerificationStatus
Definition	A categorical description of the extent to which the georeference has been verified to represent the best possible spatial description for the dcterms:Location of the dwc:Occurrence.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`unable to georeference` `requires georeference` `requires verification` `verified by data custodian` `verified by contributor`

occurrenceStatus
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/occurrenceStatus
Definition	A statement about the presence or absence of a dwc:Taxon at a dcterms:Location.
Comments	For dwc:Occurrences, the default vocabulary is recommended to consist of `present` and `absent`, but can be extended by implementers with good justification. This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples

associatedReferences
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/associatedReferences
Definition	A list (concatenated and separated) of identifiers (publication, bibliographic reference, global unique identifier, URI) of literature associated with the dwc:Occurrence.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to separate the values in a list with space vertical bar space ( `\|` ). Note that the dwc:ResourceRelationship class is an alternative means of representing associations, and with more detail. Note also that the intended usage of the term dcterms:references in Darwin Core when applied to a dwc:Occurrence is to point to the definitive source representation of that dwc:Occurrence if one is available. Note also that the intended usage of dcterms:bibliographicCitation in Darwin Core when applied to a dwc:Occurrence is to provide the preferred way to cite the dwc:Occurrence itself.
Examples	`http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/322/5899/261` `Christopher J. Conroy, Jennifer L. Neuwald. 2008. Phylogeographic study of the California vole, Microtus californicus Journal of Mammalogy, 89(3):755-767.` `Steven R. Hoofer and Ronald A. Van Den Bussche. 2001. Phylogenetic Relationships of Plecotine Bats and Allies Based on Mitochondrial Ribosomal Sequences. Journal of Mammalogy 82(1):131-137. \| Walker, Faith M., Jeffrey T. Foster, Kevin P. Drees, Carol L. Chambers. 2014. Spotted bat (Euderma maculatum) microsatellite discovery using illumina sequencing. Conservation Genetics Resources.`

associatedTaxa
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/associatedTaxa
Definition	A list (concatenated and separated) of identifiers or names of dwc:Taxon records and the associations of this dwc:Occurrence to each of them.
Comments	This term can be used to provide a list of associations to dwc:Taxon records other than the one defined in the dwc:Occurrence. Note that the dwc:ResourceRelationship class is an alternative means of representing associations, and with more detail. This term is not apt for establishing relationships between dwc:Taxon records, only between specific dwc:Occurrences of a dwc:Organism with other dwc:Taxon records. Recommended best practice is to separate the values in a list with space vertical bar space ( `\|` ).
Examples	`"host":"Quercus alba"` `"host":"gbif.org/species/2879737"` `"parasitoid of":"Cyclocephala signaticollis" \| "predator of":"Apis mellifera"`

otherCatalogNumbers
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/otherCatalogNumbers
Definition	A list (concatenated and separated) of previous or alternate fully qualified catalog numbers or other human-used identifiers for the same dwc:Occurrence, whether in the current or any other data set or collection.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to separate the values in a list with space vertical bar space ( `\|` ).
Examples	`FMNH:Mammal:1234` `NPS YELLO6778 \| MBG 33424`

Organism

Organism Class
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/Organism
Definition	A particular organism or defined group of organisms considered to be taxonomically homogeneous.
Comments	Instances of the dwc:Organism class are intended to facilitate linking one or more dwc:Identification instances to one or more dwc:Occurrence instances. Therefore, things that are typically assigned scientific names (such as viruses, hybrids, and lichens) and aggregates whose dwc:Occurrences are typically recorded (such as packs, clones, and colonies) are included in the scope of this class.
Examples	`a specific bird` `a specific wolf pack` `a specific instance of a bacterial culture`

organismScope
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/organismScope
Definition	A description of the kind of dwc:Organism instance. Can be used to indicate whether the dwc:Organism instance represents a discrete organism or if it represents a particular type of aggregation.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. This term is not intended to be used to specify a type of dwc:Taxon. To describe the kind of dwc:Organism using a URI object in RDF, use rdf:type (http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#type) instead.
Examples	`multicellular organism` `virus` `clone` `pack` `colony`

causeOfDeath
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/causeOfDeath
Definition	An indication of the known or suspected cause of death of a dwc:Organism.
Comments	The cause may be due to natural causes (e.g., disease, predation), human-related activities (e.g., roadkill, pollution), or other environmental factors (e.g., extreme weather events).
Examples	`trap` `poison` `starvation` `drowning` `shooting` `old age` `vehicle collision` `disease` `herbicide` `burning` `infanticide`

previousIdentifications
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/previousIdentifications
Definition	A list (concatenated and separated) of previous assignments of names to the dwc:Organism.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to separate the values in a list with space vertical bar space ( `\|` ).
Examples	`Chalepidae` `Pinus abies` `Anthus sp., field ID by G. Iglesias \| Anthus correndera, expert ID by C. Cicero 2009-02-12 based on morphology`

MaterialEntity

MaterialEntity Class
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/MaterialEntity
Definition	An entity that can be identified, exists for some period of time, and consists in whole or in part of physical matter while it exists.
Comments	The term is defined at the most general level to admit descriptions of any subtype of material entity within the scope of Darwin Core. In particular, any kind of material sample, preserved specimen, fossil, or exemplar from living collections is intended to be subsumed under this term.
Examples	`an instance of a fossil` `an instance of a herbarium sheet with its attached plant specimen` `a particular part of the plant-derived material affixed to a herbarium sheet` `an instance of a frozen tissue sample` `a specific water sample` `an instance of a meteorite fragment` `a particular wolf in a zoo` `a particular pack of wolves in the wild` `an isolated molecule of DNA` `a specific deep-frozen DNA sample` `a particular field notebook` `a particular paper page from a field notebook` `an instance of a printed photograph`

materialEntityID
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/materialEntityID
Definition	An identifier for a particular instance of a dwc:MaterialEntity.
Comments	Values of dwc:materialEntityID are intended to uniquely and persistently identify a particular dwc:MaterialEntity within some context. Examples of context include a particular sample collection, an organization, or the worldwide scale. Recommended best practice is to use a persistent, globally unique identifier. The identifier is bound to a physical object (the dwc:MaterialEntity) as opposed to a particular digital record (representation) of that physical object.
Examples	`06809dc5-f143-459a-be1a-6f03e63fc083`

materialEntityType
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/materialEntityType
Definition	A category that best matches the nature of a dwc:MaterialEntity.
Comments	A more generic classification of a dwc:MaterialEntity than dwc:preparations. Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`Macro-object` `Micro-object` `Oversized object` `Cut/polished gemstone` `Compound Specimen` `Core` `Mixed Materials` `Environmental sample` `Microscope slide` `Spore print` `Macrofossil` `Mesofossil` `Microfossil` `Pinned object/specimen` `Taxidermy mount` `Blood sampling cards` `Oversized fossil` `Anthropogenic Artifact`

discipline
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/discipline
Definition	The primary branch or branches of knowledge represented by the record.
Comments	This term can be used to classify records according to branches of knowledge. Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary and to separate the values in a list with space vertical bar space ( \| ).This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value. It is also recommended to use this field to describe specimenType in MIDS.
Examples	`Botany` `Botany \| Virology \| Taxonomy`

preparations
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/preparations
Definition	A list (concatenated and separated) of preparations and preservation methods for a dwc:MaterialEntity.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to separate the values in a list with space vertical bar space ( \| ). This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`fossil` `cast` `photograph` `DNA extract` `skin \| skull \| skeleton` `whole animal (EtOH) \| tissue (EDTA)`

disposition
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/disposition
Definition	The current state of a dwc:MaterialEntity with respect to a collection.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`in collection` `missing` `on loan` `used up` `destroyed` `deaccessioned`

verbatimLabel
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/verbatimLabel
Definition	The content of this term should include no embellishments, prefixes, headers or other additions made to the text. Abbreviations must not be expanded and supposed misspellings must not be corrected. Lines or breakpoints between blocks of text that could be verified by seeing the original labels or images of them may be used. Examples of material entities include preserved specimens, fossil specimens, and material samples. Best practice is to use UTF-8 for all characters. Best practice is to add comment “verbatimLabel derived from human transcription” in dwc:occurrenceRemarks.
Comments	Examples can be found at https://dwc.tdwg.org/examples/verbatimLabel.
Examples

MaterialSample

MaterialSample Class
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/MaterialSample
Definition	A material entity that represents an entity of interest in whole or in part.
Comments
Examples	`a whole organism preserved in a collection` `a part of an organism isolated for some purpose` `a soil sample` `a marine microbial sample`

materialSampleID
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/materialSampleID
Definition	An identifier for the dwc:MaterialSample (as opposed to a particular digital record of the dwc:MaterialSample). In the absence of a persistent global unique identifier, construct one from a combination of identifiers in the record that will most closely make the dwc:materialSampleID globally unique.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a persistent, globally unique identifier.
Examples	`06809dc5-f143-459a-be1a-6f03e63fc083`

Event

Event Class
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/Event
Definition	An action that occurs at some location during some time.
Comments
Examples	`a specimen collecting event` `a camera trap image capture` `a marine trawl`

eventID
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/eventID
Definition	An identifier for the set of information associated with a dwc:Event (something that occurs at a place and time). May be a global unique identifier or an identifier specific to the data set.
Comments
Examples	`INBO:VIS:Ev:00009375`

parentEventID
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/parentEventID
Definition	An identifier for the broader dwc:Event that groups this and potentially other dwc:Events.
Comments	Use a globally unique identifier for a dwc:Event or an identifier for a dwc:Event that is specific to the data set.
Examples	`A1` (parentEventID to identify the main Whittaker Plot in nested samples, each with its own eventID - `A1:1`, `A1:2`).

eventType
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/eventType
Definition	The nature of the dwc:Event.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. Regardless of the dwc:eventType, the interval of the dwc:Event can be captured in dwc:eventDate. This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`Sample` `Observation` `Site Visit` `Biotic Interaction` `Bioblitz` `Expedition` `Survey` `Project`

fieldNumber
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/fieldNumber
Definition	An identifier given to the dwc:Event in the field. Often serves as a link between field notes and the dwc:Event.
Comments	This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`RV Sol 87-03-08`

projectTitle
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/projectTitle
Definition	A list (concatenated and separated) of titles or names for projects that contributed to a dwc:Event.
Comments	Use this term to provide the official name or title of a project as it is commonly known and cited. Avoid abbreviations unless they are widely understood. The recommended best practice is to separate the values in a list with space vertical bar space ( \| ).
Examples	`The Nansen Legacy` `Scalidophora i Noreg` `Arctic Deep`

projectID
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/projectID
Definition	A list (concatenated and separated) of identifiers for projects that contributed to a dwc:Event.
Comments	A projectID may be shared in multiple distinct datasets. The nature of the association can be described in the metadata project description element. This term should be used to provide a globally unique identifier (GUID) for a project, if available. This could be a DOI, URI, or any other persistent identifier that ensures a project can be uniquely distinguished from others. The recommended best practice is to separate the values in a list with space vertical bar space ( \| ).
Examples

fundingAttribution
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/ac/terms/fundingAttribution
Definition	Text description of organizations or individuals who funded the creation of the resource.
Comments	Specify the full official name of the funding body. This should include the complete name without abbreviations, unless the abbreviation is an official and commonly recognized form (e.g., NSF for the National Science Foundation). The recommended best practice is to separate the values in a list with space vertical bar space ( \| ).
Examples	`Norges forskningsråd` `Artsdatabanken` `Ocean Census \| Nippon Foundation`

eventDate
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/eventDate
Definition	The date-time or interval during which a dwc:Event occurred. For occurrences, this is the date-time when the dwc:Event was recorded. Not suitable for a time in a geological context.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a date that conforms to ISO 8601-1:2019.
Examples	`1963-03-08T14:07-06:00` (8 Mar 1963 at or after 2:07pm and before 2:08pm in the time zone six hours earlier than UTC) `2009-02-20T08:40Z` (20 February 2009 at or after 8:40am and before 8:41 UTC) `2018-08-29T15:19` (29 August 2018 at or after 3:19pm and before 3:20pm local time) `1809-02-12` (within the day 12 February 1809) `1906-06` (in the month of June 1906) `1971` (in the year 1971) `2007-03-01T13:00:00Z/2008-05-11T15:30:00Z` (some time within the interval beginning 1 March 2007 at 1pm UTC and before 11 May 2008 at 3:30pm UTC) `1900/1909` (some time within the interval between the beginning of the year 1900 and before the year 1909) `2007-11-13/15` (some time in the interval between the beginning of 13 November 2007 and before 15 November 2007)

eventTime
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/eventTime
Definition	The time or interval during which a dwc:Event occurred.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a time of day that conforms to ISO 8601-1:2019.
Examples	`14:07-06:00` (at or after 2:07pm and before 2:08pm in the time zone six hours earlier than UTC) `08:40:21Z` (at or after 8:40:21am and before 8:41:22am UTC) `13:00:00Z/15:30:00Z` (at or after 1pm and before 3:30pm UTC)

startDayOfYear
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/startDayOfYear
Definition	The earliest integer day of the year on which the dwc:Event occurred (1 for January 1, 365 for December 31, except in a leap year, in which case it is 366).
Comments
Examples	`1` (1 January) `366` (31 December) `365` (30 December in a leap year, 31 December in a non-leap year)

endDayOfYear
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/endDayOfYear
Definition	The latest integer day of the year on which the dwc:Event occurred (1 for January 1, 365 for December 31, except in a leap year, in which case it is 366).
Comments
Examples	`1` (1 January) `32` (1 February) `366` (31 December) `365` (30 December in a leap year, 31 December in a non-leap year)

year
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/year
Definition	The four-digit year in which the dwc:Event occurred, according to the Common Era Calendar.
Comments
Examples

habitat
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/habitat
Definition	A category or description of the habitat in which the dwc:Event occurred.
Comments	This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`oak savanna` `pre-cordilleran steppe`

samplingProtocol
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/samplingProtocol
Definition	The names of, references to, or descriptions of the methods or protocols used during a dwc:Event.
Comments	Recommended best practice is describe a dwc:Event with no more than one sampling protocol. In the case of a summary Event with multiple protocols, in which a specific protocol can not be attributed to specific dwc:Occurrences, the recommended best practice is to separate the values in a list with space vertical bar space ( `\|` ). This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples

sampleSizeValue
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/sampleSizeValue
Definition	A numeric value for a measurement of the size (time duration, length, area, or volume) of a sample in a sampling dwc:Event.
Comments	A dwc:sampleSizeValue must have a corresponding dwc:sampleSizeUnit.
Examples	`5` (sampleSizeValue) with `metre` (sampleSizeUnit)

sampleSizeUnit
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/sampleSizeUnit
Definition	The unit of measurement of the size (time duration, length, area, or volume) of a sample in a sampling dwc:Event.
Comments	A dwc:sampleSizeUnit must have a corresponding dwc:sampleSizeValue, e.g., `5` for dwc:sampleSizeValue with `m` for dwc:sampleSizeUnit. This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`minute` `hour` `day` `metre` `square metre` `cubic metre`

fieldNotes
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/fieldNotes
Definition	One of a) an indicator of the existence of, b) a reference to (publication, URI), or c) the text of notes taken in the field about the dwc:Event.
Comments	This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`Notes available in the Grinnell-Miller Library.`

Location

Location Class
Identifier	http://purl.org/dc/terms/Location
Definition	A spatial region or named place.
Comments
Examples	`the municipality of San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina` `the place defined by a georeference`

higherGeographyID
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/higherGeographyID
Definition	An identifier for the geographic region within which the dcterms:Location occurred.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a persistent identifier from a controlled vocabulary such as the Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names.
Examples	`http://vocab.getty.edu/tgn/1002002` (Antártida e Islas del Atlántico Sur, Territorio Nacional de la Tierra del Fuego, Argentina).

higherGeography
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/higherGeography
Definition	A list (concatenated and separated) of geographic names less specific than the information captured in the dwc:locality term.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to separate the values in a list with space vertical bar space ( `\|` ), with terms in order from least specific to most specific.
Examples	`North Atlantic Ocean` `South America \| Argentina \| Patagonia \| Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi \| Neuquén \| Los Lagos` with accompanying values `South America` (continent) `Argentina` (country), `Neuquén` (first order division), and `Los Lagos` (second order division)

continent
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/continent
Definition	The name of the continent in which the dcterms:Location occurs.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary such as the Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names. Recommended best practice is to leave this field blank if the dcterms:Location spans multiple entities at this administrative level or if the dcterms:Location might be in one or another of multiple possible entities at this level. Multiplicity and uncertainty of the geographic entity can be captured either in the term dwc:higherGeography or in the term dwc:locality, or both.
Examples	`Africa` `Antarctica` `Asia` `Europe` `North America` `Oceania` `South America`

waterBody
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/waterBody
Definition	The name of the water body in which the dcterms:Location occurs.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary such as the Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names.
Examples	`Indian Ocean` `Baltic Sea` `Hudson River` `Lago Nahuel Huapi`

islandGroup
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/islandGroup
Definition	The name of the island group in which the dcterms:Location occurs.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary such as the Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names.
Examples	`Alexander Archipelago` `Archipiélago Diego Ramírez` `Seychelles`

island
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/island
Definition	The name of the island on or near which the dcterms:Location occurs.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary such as the Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names.
Examples	`Nosy Be` `Bikini Atoll` `Vancouver` `Viti Levu` `Zanzibar`

country
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/country
Definition	The name of the country or major administrative unit in which the dcterms:Location occurs.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary such as the Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names. Recommended best practice is to leave this field blank if the dcterms:Location spans multiple entities at this administrative level or if the dcterms:Location might be in one or another of multiple possible entities at this level. Multiplicity and uncertainty of the geographic entity can be captured either in the term dwc:higherGeography or in the term dwc:locality, or both.
Examples

countryCode
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/countryCode
Definition	The standard code for the country in which the dcterms:Location occurs.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use an ISO 3166-1-alpha-2 country code, or `ZZ` (for an unknown location or a location unassignable to a single country code), or `XZ` (for the high seas beyond national jurisdictions).
Examples

stateProvince
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/stateProvince
Definition	The name of the next smaller administrative region than country (state, province, canton, department, region, etc.) in which the dcterms:Location occurs.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary such as the Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names. Recommended best practice is to leave this field blank if the dcterms:Location spans multiple entities at this administrative level or if the dcterms:Location might be in one or another of multiple possible entities at this level. Multiplicity and uncertainty of the geographic entity can be captured either in the term dwc:higherGeography or in the term dwc:locality, or both.
Examples	`Montana` `Minas Gerais` `Córdoba`

county
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/county
Definition	The full, unabbreviated name of the next smaller administrative region than stateProvince (county, shire, department, etc.) in which the dcterms:Location occurs.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary such as the Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names. Recommended best practice is to leave this field blank if the dcterms:Location spans multiple entities at this administrative level or if the dcterms:Location might be in one or another of multiple possible entities at this level. Multiplicity and uncertainty of the geographic entity can be captured either in the term dwc:higherGeography or in the term dwc:locality, or both.
Examples

municipality
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/municipality
Definition	The full, unabbreviated name of the next smaller administrative region than county (city, municipality, etc.) in which the dcterms:Location occurs. Do not use this term for a nearby named place that does not contain the actual dcterms:Location.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary such as the Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names. Recommended best practice is to leave this field blank if the dcterms:Location spans multiple entities at this administrative level or if the dcterms:Location might be in one or another of multiple possible entities at this level. Multiplicity and uncertainty of the geographic entity can be captured either in the term dwc:higherGeography or in the term dwc:locality, or both.
Examples	`Holzminden` `Araçatuba` `Ga-Segonyana`

locality
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/locality
Definition	The specific description of the place.
Comments	Less specific geographic information can be provided in other geographic terms (dwc:higherGeography, dwc:continent, dwc:country, dwc:stateProvince, dwc:county, dwc:municipality, dwc:waterBody, dwc:island, dwc:islandGroup). This term may contain information modified from the original to correct perceived errors or standardize the description.
Examples	`Bariloche, 25 km NNE via Ruta Nacional 40 (=Ruta 237)` `Queets Rainforest, Olympic National Park`

verticalDatum
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/verticalDatum
Definition	The vertical datum used as the reference upon which the values in the elevation terms are based.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`EGM84` `EGM96` `EGM2008` `PGM2000A` `PGM2004` `PGM2006` `PGM2007` `EPSG:7030` `not recorded`

minimumDistanceAboveSurfaceInMeters
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/minimumDistanceAboveSurfaceInMeters
Definition	The lesser distance in a range of distance from a reference surface in the vertical direction, in meters. Use positive values for locations above the surface, negative values for locations below. If depth measures are given, the reference surface is the location given by the depth, otherwise the reference surface is the location given by the elevation.
Comments
Examples	`-1.5` (below the surface) `4.2` (above the surface) For a 1.5 meter sediment core from the bottom of a lake (at depth 20m) at 300m elevation: verbatimElevation: `300m` minimumElevationInMeters: `300`, maximumElevationInMeters: `300`, verbatimDepth: `20m`, minimumDepthInMeters: `20`, maximumDepthInMeters: `20`, minimumDistanceAboveSurfaceInMeters: `0`, maximumDistanceAboveSurfaceInMeters: `-1.5`.

maximumDistanceAboveSurfaceInMeters
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/maximumDistanceAboveSurfaceInMeters
Definition	The greater distance in a range of distance from a reference surface in the vertical direction, in meters. Use positive values for locations above the surface, negative values for locations below. If depth measures are given, the reference surface is the location given by the depth, otherwise the reference surface is the location given by the elevation.
Comments
Examples	`-1.5` (below the surface) `4.2` (above the surface) For a 1.5 meter sediment core from the bottom of a lake (at depth 20m) at 300m elevation: verbatimElevation: `300m` minimumElevationInMeters: `300`, maximumElevationInMeters: `300`, verbatimDepth: `20m`, minimumDepthInMeters: `20`, maximumDepthInMeters: `20`, minimumDistanceAboveSurfaceInMeters: `0`, maximumDistanceAboveSurfaceInMeters: `-1.5`.

locationAccordingTo
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/locationAccordingTo
Definition	Information about the source of this dcterms:Location information. Could be a publication (gazetteer), institution, or team of individuals.
Comments	This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names` `GADM`

decimalLatitude
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/decimalLatitude
Definition	The geographic latitude (in decimal degrees, using the spatial reference system given in dwc:geodeticDatum) of the geographic center of a dcterms:Location. Positive values are north of the Equator, negative values are south of it. Legal values lie between -90 and 90, inclusive.
Comments
Examples	`-41.0983423`

decimalLongitude
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/decimalLongitude
Definition	The geographic longitude (in decimal degrees, using the spatial reference system given in dwc:geodeticDatum) of the geographic center of a dcterms:Location. Positive values are east of the Greenwich Meridian, negative values are west of it. Legal values lie between -180 and 180, inclusive.
Comments
Examples	`-121.1761111`

geodeticDatum
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/geodeticDatum
Definition	The ellipsoid, geodetic datum, or spatial reference system (SRS) upon which the geographic coordinates given in dwc:decimalLatitude and dwc:decimalLongitude are based.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use the EPSG code of the SRS, if known. Otherwise use a controlled vocabulary for the name or code of the geodetic datum, if known. Otherwise use a controlled vocabulary for the name or code of the ellipsoid, if known. If none of these is known, use the value `not recorded`. This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for a string literal value.
Examples	`EPSG:4326` `WGS84` `NAD27` `Campo Inchauspe` `European 1950` `Clarke 1866` `not recorded`

coordinateUncertaintyInMeters
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/coordinateUncertaintyInMeters
Definition	The horizontal distance (in meters) from the given dwc:decimalLatitude and dwc:decimalLongitude describing the smallest circle containing the whole of the dcterms:Location. Leave the value empty if the uncertainty is unknown, cannot be estimated, or is not applicable (because there are no coordinates). Zero is not a valid value for this term.
Comments
Examples	`30` (reasonable lower limit on or after 2000-05-01 of a GPS reading under good conditions if the actual precision was not recorded at the time) `100` (reasonable lower limit before 2000-05-01 of a GPS reading under good conditions if the actual precision was not recorded at the time) `71` (uncertainty for a UTM coordinate having 100 meter precision and a known spatial reference system)

coordinatePrecision
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/coordinatePrecision
Definition	A decimal representation of the precision of the coordinates given in the dwc:decimalLatitude and dwc:decimalLongitude.
Comments
Examples	`0.00001` (normal GPS limit for decimal degrees) `0.000278` (nearest second) `0.01667` (nearest minute) `1.0` (nearest degree)

pointRadiusSpatialFit
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/pointRadiusSpatialFit
Definition	The ratio of the area of the point-radius (dwc:decimalLatitude, dwc:decimalLongitude, dwc:coordinateUncertaintyInMeters) to the area of the true (original, or most specific) spatial representation of the dcterms:Location. Legal values are 0, greater than or equal to 1, or undefined. A value of 1 is an exact match or 100% overlap. A value of 0 should be used if the given point-radius does not completely contain the original representation. The dwc:pointRadiusSpatialFit is undefined (and should be left empty) if the original representation is any geometry without area (e.g., a point or polyline) and without uncertainty and the given georeference is not that same geometry (without uncertainty). If both the original and the given georeference are the same point, the dwc:pointRadiusSpatialFit is 1.
Comments	Detailed explanations with graphical examples can be found in the Georeferencing Best Practices, Chapman and Wieczorek, 2020 (https://doi.org/10.15468/doc-gg7h-s853).
Examples

verbatimCoordinates
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/verbatimCoordinates
Definition	The verbatim original spatial coordinates of the dcterms:Location. The coordinate ellipsoid, geodeticDatum, or full Spatial Reference System (SRS) for these coordinates should be stored in dwc:verbatimSRS and the coordinate system should be stored in dwc:verbatimCoordinateSystem.
Comments
Examples	`41 05 54S 121 05 34W` `17T 630000 4833400`

verbatimLatitude
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/verbatimLatitude
Definition	The verbatim original latitude of the dcterms:Location. The coordinate ellipsoid, geodeticDatum, or full Spatial Reference System (SRS) for these coordinates should be stored in dwc:verbatimSRS and the coordinate system should be stored in dwc:verbatimCoordinateSystem.
Comments
Examples	`41 05 54.03S`

verbatimLongitude
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/verbatimLongitude
Definition	The verbatim original longitude of the dcterms:Location. The coordinate ellipsoid, geodeticDatum, or full Spatial Reference System (SRS) for these coordinates should be stored in dwc:verbatimSRS and the coordinate system should be stored in dwc:verbatimCoordinateSystem.
Comments
Examples	`121d 10' 34" W`

verbatimCoordinateSystem
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/verbatimCoordinateSystem
Definition	The coordinate format for the dwc:verbatimLatitude and dwc:verbatimLongitude or the dwc:verbatimCoordinates of the dcterms:Location.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`decimal degrees` `degrees decimal minutes` `degrees minutes seconds` `UTM`

verbatimSRS
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/verbatimSRS
Definition	The ellipsoid, geodetic datum, or spatial reference system (SRS) upon which coordinates given in dwc:verbatimLatitude and dwc:verbatimLongitude, or dwc:verbatimCoordinates are based.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use the EPSG code of the SRS, if known. Otherwise use a controlled vocabulary for the name or code of the geodetic datum, if known. Otherwise use a controlled vocabulary for the name or code of the ellipsoid, if known. If none of these is known, use the value `not recorded`. This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`EPSG:4326` `WGS84` `NAD27` `Campo Inchauspe` `European 1950` `Clarke 1866` `not recorded`

footprintWKT
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/footprintWKT
Definition	A Well-Known Text (WKT) representation of the shape (footprint, geometry) that defines the dcterms:Location. A dcterms:Location may have both a point-radius representation (see dwc:decimalLatitude) and a footprint representation, and they may differ from each other.
Comments	This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`POLYGON ((10 20, 11 20, 11 21, 10 21, 10 20))` (the one-degree bounding box with opposite corners at longitude=10, latitude=20 and longitude=11, latitude=21)

footprintSRS
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/footprintSRS
Definition	The ellipsoid, geodetic datum, or spatial reference system (SRS) upon which the geometry given in dwc:footprintWKT is based.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use the EPSG code of the SRS, if known. Otherwise use a controlled vocabulary for the name or code of the geodetic datum, if known. Otherwise use a controlled vocabulary for the name or code of the ellipsoid, if known. If none of these is known, use the value `not recorded`. It is also permitted to provide the SRS in Well-Known-Text, especially if no EPSG code provides the necessary values for the attributes of the SRS. Do not use this term to describe the SRS of the dwc:decimalLatitude and dwc:decimalLongitude, nor of any verbatim coordinates - use the dwc:geodeticDatum and dwc:verbatimSRS instead. This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`EPSG:4326` `GEOGCS["GCS_WGS_1984", DATUM["D_WGS_1984", SPHEROID["WGS_1984",6378137,298.257223563]], PRIMEM["Greenwich",0], UNIT["Degree",0.0174532925199433]]` (WKT for the standard WGS84 Spatial Reference System EPSG:4326) `not recorded`

footprintSpatialFit
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/footprintSpatialFit
Definition	The ratio of the area of the dwc:footprintWKT to the area of the true (original, or most specific) spatial representation of the dcterms:Location. Legal values are 0, greater than or equal to 1, or undefined. A value of 1 is an exact match or 100% overlap. A value of 0 should be used if the given dwc:footprintWKT does not completely contain the original representation. The dwc:footprintSpatialFit is undefined (and should be left empty) if the original representation is any geometry without area (e.g., a point or polyline) and without uncertainty and the given georeference is not that same geometry (without uncertainty). If both the original and the given georeference are the same point, the dwc:footprintSpatialFit is 1.
Comments	Detailed explanations with graphical examples can be found in the Georeferencing Best Practices, Chapman and Wieczorek, 2020 (https://doi.org/10.15468/doc-gg7h-s853).
Examples

georeferencedBy
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/georeferencedBy
Definition	A list (concatenated and separated) of names of people, groups, or organizations who determined the georeference (spatial representation) for the dcterms:Location.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to separate the values in a list with space vertical bar space ( `\|` ). This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`Brad Millen (ROM)` `Kristina Yamamoto \| Janet Fang`

georeferencedDate
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/georeferencedDate
Definition	The date on which the dcterms:Location was georeferenced.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a date that conforms to ISO 8601-1:2019.
Examples	`1963-03-08T14:07-06:00` (8 Mar 1963 at or after 2:07pm and before 2:08pm in the time zone six hours earlier than UTC) `2009-02-20T08:40Z` (20 February 2009 at or after 8:40am and before 8:41 UTC) `2018-08-29T15:19` (29 August 2018 at or after 3:19pm and before 3:20pm local time) `1809-02-12` (within the day 12 February 1809) `1906-06` (in the month of June 1906) `1971` (in the year 1971) `2007-03-01T13:00:00Z/2008-05-11T15:30:00Z` (some time within the interval beginning 1 March 2007 at 1pm UTC and before 11 May 2008 at 3:30pm UTC) `1900/1909` (some time within the interval between the beginning of the year 1900 and before the year 1909) `2007-11-13/15` (some time in the interval between the beginning of 13 November 2007 and before 15 November 2007)

georeferenceProtocol
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/georeferenceProtocol
Definition	A description or reference to the methods used to determine the spatial footprint, coordinates, and uncertainties.
Comments	This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`Georeferencing Quick Reference Guide (Zermoglio et al. 2020, https://doi.org/10.35035/e09p-h128)`

georeferenceSources
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/georeferenceSources
Definition	A list (concatenated and separated) of maps, gazetteers, or other resources used to georeference the dcterms:Location, described specifically enough to allow anyone in the future to use the same resources.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to separate the values in a list with space vertical bar space ( `\|` ). This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples

georeferenceRemarks
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/georeferenceRemarks
Definition	Comments or notes about the spatial description determination, explaining assumptions made in addition or opposition to the those formalized in the method referred to in dwc:georeferenceProtocol.
Comments
Examples	`Assumed distance by road (Hwy. 101)`

GeologicalContext

earliestEonOrLowestEonothem
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/earliestEonOrLowestEonothem
Definition	The full name of the earliest possible geochronologic eon or lowest chrono-stratigraphic eonothem or the informal name ("Precambrian") attributable to the stratigraphic horizon from which the dwc:MaterialEntity was collected.
Comments
Examples

latestEonOrHighestEonothem
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/latestEonOrHighestEonothem
Definition	The full name of the latest possible geochronologic eon or highest chrono-stratigraphic eonothem or the informal name ("Precambrian") attributable to the stratigraphic horizon from which the dwc:MaterialEntity was collected.
Comments
Examples

earliestEraOrLowestErathem
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/earliestEraOrLowestErathem
Definition	The full name of the earliest possible geochronologic era or lowest chronostratigraphic erathem attributable to the stratigraphic horizon from which the dwc:MaterialEntity was collected.
Comments
Examples

latestEraOrHighestErathem
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/latestEraOrHighestErathem
Definition	The full name of the latest possible geochronologic era or highest chronostratigraphic erathem attributable to the stratigraphic horizon from which the dwc:MaterialEntity was collected.
Comments
Examples

earliestPeriodOrLowestSystem
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/earliestPeriodOrLowestSystem
Definition	The full name of the earliest possible geochronologic period or lowest chronostratigraphic system attributable to the stratigraphic horizon from which the dwc:MaterialEntity was collected.
Comments
Examples	`Neogene` `Tertiary` `Quaternary`

latestPeriodOrHighestSystem
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/latestPeriodOrHighestSystem
Definition	The full name of the latest possible geochronologic period or highest chronostratigraphic system attributable to the stratigraphic horizon from which the dwc:MaterialEntity was collected.
Comments
Examples	`Neogene` `Tertiary` `Quaternary`

earliestEpochOrLowestSeries
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/earliestEpochOrLowestSeries
Definition	The full name of the earliest possible geochronologic epoch or lowest chronostratigraphic series attributable to the stratigraphic horizon from which the dwc:MaterialEntity was collected.
Comments
Examples	`Holocene` `Pleistocene` `Ibexian Series`

latestEpochOrHighestSeries
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/latestEpochOrHighestSeries
Definition	The full name of the latest possible geochronologic epoch or highest chronostratigraphic series attributable to the stratigraphic horizon from which the dwc:MaterialEntity was collected.
Comments
Examples	`Holocene` `Pleistocene` `Ibexian Series`

earliestAgeOrLowestStage
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/earliestAgeOrLowestStage
Definition	The full name of the earliest possible geochronologic age or lowest chronostratigraphic stage attributable to the stratigraphic horizon from which the dwc:MaterialEntity was collected.
Comments
Examples	`Atlantic` `Boreal` `Skullrockian`

latestAgeOrHighestStage
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/latestAgeOrHighestStage
Definition	The full name of the latest possible geochronologic age or highest chronostratigraphic stage attributable to the stratigraphic horizon from which the dwc:MaterialEntity was collected.
Comments
Examples	`Atlantic` `Boreal` `Skullrockian`

lowestBiostratigraphicZone
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/lowestBiostratigraphicZone
Definition	The full name of the lowest possible geological biostratigraphic zone of the stratigraphic horizon from which the dwc:MaterialEntity was collected.
Comments
Examples	`Maastrichtian`

group
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/group
Definition	The full name of the lithostratigraphic group from which the dwc:MaterialEntity was collected.
Comments
Examples

formation
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/formation
Definition	The full name of the lithostratigraphic formation from which the dwc:MaterialEntity was collected.
Comments
Examples	`Notch Peak Formation` `House Limestone` `Fillmore Formation`

member
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/member
Definition	The full name of the lithostratigraphic member from which the dwc:MaterialEntity was collected.
Comments
Examples	`Lava Dam Member` `Hellnmaria Member`

bed
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/bed
Definition	The full name of the lithostratigraphic bed from which the dwc:MaterialEntity was collected.
Comments
Examples	`Harlem coal`

Identification

identificationID
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/identificationID
Definition	An identifier for the dwc:Identification (the body of information associated with the assignment of a scientific name). May be a global unique identifier or an identifier specific to the data set.
Comments
Examples	`9992`

verbatimIdentification
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/verbatimIdentification
Definition	A string representing the taxonomic identification as it appeared in the original record.
Comments	This term is meant to allow the capture of an unaltered original identification/determination, including identification qualifiers, hybrid formulas, uncertainties, etc. This term is meant to be used in addition to dwc:scientificName (and dwc:identificationQualifier etc.), not instead of it.
Examples	`Peromyscus sp.` `Ministrymon sp. nov. 1` `Anser anser × Branta canadensis` `Pachyporidae?` `Potentilla × pantotricha Soják` `Aconitum pilipes × A. variegatum` `Lepomis auritus x cyanellus`

identificationQualifier
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/identificationQualifier
Definition	A brief phrase or a standard term ("cf.", "aff.") to express the determiner's doubts about the dwc:Identification.
Comments	This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`aff. agrifolia var. oxyadenia` (for `Quercus aff. agrifolia var. oxyadenia` with accompanying values `Quercus` in genus, `agrifolia` in specificEpithet, `oxyadenia` in infraspecificEpithet, and `var.` in taxonRank) `cf. var. oxyadenia` (for `Quercus agrifolia cf. var. oxyadenia` with accompanying values `Quercus` in genus, `agrifolia` in specificEpithet, `oxyadenia` in infraspecificEpithet, and `var.` in taxonRank)

typeStatus
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/typeStatus
Definition	A list (concatenated and separated) of nomenclatural types (type status, typified scientific name, publication) applied to the subject.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to separate the values in a list with space vertical bar space ( `\|` ). This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`holotype of Ctenomys sociabilis. Pearson O. P., and M. I. Christie. 1985. Historia Natural, 5(37):388` `holotype of Pinus abies \| holotype of Picea abies`

typifiedName
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/typifiedName
Definition	A scientific name that is based on a type specimen.
Comments	Recommended best practice is also to indicate the dwc:typeStatus of the specimen.
Examples	`Polysiphonia amphibolis Womersley`

identifiedBy
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/identifiedBy
Definition	A list (concatenated and separated) of names of people, groups, or organizations who assigned the dwc:Taxon to the subject.
Comments	When used in the context of an Event (such as in the Humboldt Extension), the subject consists of all of the dwc:Organisms related to the Event. Recommended best practice is to separate the values in a list with space vertical bar space ( \| ). This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`James L. Patton`\| `Theodore Pappenfuss \| Robert Macey`

dateIdentified
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/dateIdentified
Definition	The date on which the subject was determined as representing the dwc:Taxon.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a date that conforms to ISO 8601-1:2019.
Examples	`1963-03-08T14:07-06:00` (8 Mar 1963 at or after 2:07pm and before 2:08pm in the time zone six hours earlier than UTC) `2009-02-20T08:40Z` (20 February 2009 at or after 8:40am and before 8:41 UTC) `2018-08-29T15:19` (29 August 2018 at or after 3:19pm and before 3:20pm local time) `1809-02-12` (within the day 12 February 1809) `1906-06` (in the month of June 1906) `1971` (in the year 1971) `2007-03-01T13:00:00Z/2008-05-11T15:30:00Z` (some time within the interval beginning 1 March 2007 at 1pm UTC and before 11 May 2008 at 3:30pm UTC) `1900/1909` (some time within the interval between the beginning of the year 1900 and before the year 1909) `2007-11-13/15` (some time in the interval between the beginning of 13 November 2007 and before 15 November 2007)

identificationReferences
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/identificationReferences
Definition	A list (concatenated and separated) of references (publication, global unique identifier, URI) used in the dwc:Identification.
Comments	When used in the context of an Event (such as in the Humboldt Extension), the subject consists of all of the dwc:Organisms related to the Event. Recommended best practice is to separate the values in a list with space vertical bar space ( \| ).
Examples	`Aves del Noroeste Patagonico. Christie et al. 2004.` `Stebbins, R. Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. 3rd Edition. 2003. \| Irschick, D.J. and Shaffer, H.B. (1997). The polytypic species revisited: Morphological differentiation among tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) (Amphibia: Caudata). Herpetologica, 53(1), 30-49.`

identificationVerificationStatus
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/identificationVerificationStatus
Definition	A categorical indicator of the extent to which the taxonomic identification has been verified to be correct.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary such as that used in HISPID and ABCD. This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`0` ("unverified" in HISPID/ABCD).

identificationRemarks
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/identificationRemarks
Definition	Comments or notes about the dwc:Identification.
Comments
Examples	`Distinguished between Anthus correndera and Anthus hellmayri based on the comparative lengths of the uñas.`

Taxon

acceptedNameUsageID
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/acceptedNameUsageID
Definition	An identifier for the name usage (documented meaning of the name according to a source) of the currently valid (zoological) or accepted (botanical) taxon.
Comments	This term should be used for synonyms or misapplied names to refer to the dwc:taxonID of a dwc:Taxon record that represents the accepted (botanical) or valid (zoological) name. For Darwin Core Archives the related record should be present locally in the same archive.
Examples	`tsn:41107` (ITIS) `urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:320035-2` (IPNI) `2704179` (GBIF) `6W3C4` (COL)

parentNameUsageID
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/parentNameUsageID
Definition	An identifier for the name usage (documented meaning of the name according to a source) of the direct, most proximate higher-rank parent taxon (in a classification) of the most specific element of the dwc:scientificName.
Comments	This term should be used for accepted names to refer to the dwc:taxonID of a dwc:Taxon record that represents the next higher taxon rank in the same taxonomic classification. For Darwin Core Archives the related record should be present locally in the same archive.
Examples	`tsn:41074` (ITIS) `urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30001404-2` (IPNI) `2704173` (GBIF) `6T8N` (COL)

originalNameUsageID
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/originalNameUsageID
Definition	An identifier for the name usage (documented meaning of the name according to a source) in which the terminal element of the dwc:scientificName was originally established under the rules of the associated dwc:nomenclaturalCode.
Comments	This term should be used to refer to the dwc:taxonID of a dwc:Taxon record that represents the usage of the terminal element of the dwc:scientificName as originally established under the rules of the associated dwc:nomenclaturalCode. For example, for names governed by the ICNafp, this term would establish the relationship between a record representing a subsequent combination and the record for its corresponding basionym. Unlike basionyms, however, this term can apply to scientific names at all ranks. For Darwin Core Archives the related record should be present locally in the same archive.
Examples	`tsn:41107` (ITIS) `urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:320035-2` (IPNI) `2704179` (GBIF) `6W3C4` (COL)

namePublishedInID
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/namePublishedInID
Definition	An identifier for the publication in which the dwc:scientificName was originally established under the rules of the associated dwc:nomenclaturalCode.
Comments	A citation of the first publication of the name in its given combination, not the basionym / original name. Recombinations are often not published in zoology, in which case dwc:namePublishedInID should be empty.
Examples

taxonConceptID
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/taxonConceptID
Definition	An identifier for the taxonomic concept to which the record refers - not for the nomenclatural details of a dwc:Taxon.
Comments
Examples	`8fa58e08-08de-4ac1-b69c-1235340b7001`

scientificName
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/scientificName
Definition	The full scientific name, with authorship and date information if known. When forming part of a dwc:Identification, this should be the name in lowest level taxonomic rank that can be determined. This term should not contain identification qualifications, which should instead be supplied in the dwc:identificationQualifier term.
Comments	This term should not contain identification qualifications, which should instead be supplied in the IdentificationQualifier term. When applied to an Organism or Occurrence, this term should be used to represent the scientific name that was applied to the associated Organism in accordance with the Taxon to which it was or is currently identified. Names should be compliant to the most recent nomenclatural code. For example, names of hybrids for algae, fungi and plants should follow the rules of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Schenzhen Code Articles H.1, H.2 and H.3). Thus, use the multiplication sign `×` (Unicode `U+00D7`, HTML `×`) to identify a hybrid, not `x` or `X`, if possible.
Examples	`Coleoptera` (order) `Vespertilionidae` (family) `Manis` (genus) `Ctenomys sociabilis` (genus + specificEpithet) `Ambystoma tigrinum diaboli` (genus + specificEpithet + infraspecificEpithet) `Roptrocerus typographi (Györfi, 1952)` (genus + specificEpithet + scientificNameAuthorship) `Quercus agrifolia var. oxyadenia (Torr.) J.T. Howell` (genus + specificEpithet + taxonRank + infraspecificEpithet + scientificNameAuthorship) `×Agropogon littoralis (Sm.) C. E. Hubb.` `Mentha ×smithiana R. A. Graham` `Agrostis stolonifera L. × Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf.`

acceptedNameUsage
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/acceptedNameUsage
Definition	The full name, with authorship and date information if known, of the currently valid (zoological) or accepted (botanical) dwc:Taxon.
Comments	The full scientific name, with authorship and date information if known, of the accepted (botanical) or valid (zoological) name in cases where the provided dwc:scientificName is considered by the reference indicated in the dwc:nameAccordingTo property, or of the content provider, to be a synonym or misapplied name. When applied to a dwc:Organism or dwc:Occurrence, this term should be used in cases where a content provider regards the provided dwc:scientificName to be inconsistent with the taxonomic perspective of the content provider. For example, there are many discrepancies within specimen collections and observation datasets between the recorded name (e.g., the most recent identification from an expert who examined a specimen, or a field identification for an observed dwc:Organism), and the name asserted by the content provider to be taxonomically accepted.
Examples	`Tamias minimus` (valid name for `Eutamias minimus`)

parentNameUsage
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/parentNameUsage
Definition	The full name, with authorship and date information if known, of the direct, most proximate higher-rank parent dwc:Taxon (in a classification) of the most specific element of the dwc:scientificName.
Comments
Examples	`Rubiaceae` `Gruiformes` `Testudinae`

originalNameUsage
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/originalNameUsage
Definition	The taxon name, with authorship and date information if known, as it originally appeared when first established under the rules of the associated dwc:nomenclaturalCode. The basionym (botany) or basonym (bacteriology) of the dwc:scientificName or the senior/earlier homonym for replaced names.
Comments	The full scientific name, with authorship and date information if known, of the name usage in which the terminal element of the dwc:scientificName was originally established under the rules of the associated dwc:nomenclaturalCode. For example, for names governed by the ICNafp, this term would indicate the basionym of a record representing a subsequent combination. Unlike basionyms, however, this term can apply to scientific names at all ranks.
Examples	`Pinus abies` `Gasterosteus saltatrix Linnaeus 1768`

nameAccordingTo
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/nameAccordingTo
Definition	The reference to the source in which the specific taxon concept circumscription is defined or implied - traditionally signified by the Latin "sensu" or "sec." (from secundum, meaning "according to"). For taxa that result from identifications, a reference to the keys, monographs, experts and other sources should be given.
Comments	This term provides context to the dwc:scientificName. Together with the dwc:scientificName, separated by `sensu` or `sec.`, it forms the taxon concept label, which may be seen as having the same relationship to dwc:taxonConceptID as, for example, dwc:acceptedNameUsage has to dwc:acceptedNameUsageID. When not provided, in Taxon Core data sets the dwc:nameAccordingTo can be taken to be the data set. In this case the data set mostly provides sufficient context to infer the delimitation of the taxon and its relationship with other taxa. In Occurrence Core data sets, when not provided, dwc:nameAccordingTo can be an underlying taxonomy of the data set, e.g. Plants of the World Online (http://powo.science.kew.org/) for vascular plant records in iNaturalist (in which case it should be provided), or, which is the case for most dwc:PreservedSpecimen data sets, the dwc:Identification, in which case there is no further context.
Examples	`Franz NM, Cardona-Duque J (2013) Description of two new species and phylogenetic reassessment of Perelleschus Wibmer & O’Brien, 1986 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), with a complete taxonomic concept history of Perelleschus sec. Franz & Cardona-Duque, 2013. Syst Biodivers. 11: 209–236.` (as the full citation of the Franz & Cardona-Duque (2013) in Perelleschus splendida sec. Franz & Cardona-Duque (2013))

namePublishedIn
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/namePublishedIn
Definition	A reference for the publication in which the dwc:scientificName was originally established under the rules of the associated dwc:nomenclaturalCode.
Comments	A citation of the first publication of the name in its given combination, not the basionym / original name. Recombinations are often not published in zoology, in which case dwc:namePublishedIn should be empty.
Examples	`Pearson O. P., and M. I. Christie. 1985. Historia Natural, 5(37):388` `Forel, Auguste, Diagnosies provisoires de quelques espèces nouvelles de fourmis de Madagascar, récoltées par M. Grandidier., Annales de la Societe Entomologique de Belgique, Comptes-rendus des Seances 30, 1886`

higherClassification
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/higherClassification
Definition	A list (concatenated and separated) of taxa names terminating at the rank immediately superior to the referenced dwc:Taxon.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to separate the values in a list with space vertical bar space ( `\|` ), with terms in order from the highest taxonomic rank to the lowest.
Examples	`Plantae \| Tracheophyta \| Magnoliopsida \| Ranunculales \| Ranunculaceae \| Ranunculus` `Animalia` `Animalia \| Chordata \| Vertebrata \| Mammalia \| Theria \| Eutheria \| Rodentia \| Hystricognatha \| Hystricognathi \| Ctenomyidae \| Ctenomyini \| Ctenomys`

kingdom
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/kingdom
Definition	The full scientific name of the kingdom in which the dwc:Taxon is classified.
Comments
Examples	`Animalia` `Archaea` `Bacteria` `Chromista` `Fungi` `Plantae` `Protozoa` `Viruses`

phylum
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/phylum
Definition	The full scientific name of the phylum or division in which the dwc:Taxon is classified.
Comments
Examples	`Chordata` (phylum) `Bryophyta` (division)

superfamily
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/superfamily
Definition	The full scientific name of the superfamily in which the dwc:Taxon is classified.
Comments	A taxonomic category subordinate to an order and superior to a family. According to ICZN article 29.2, the suffix `-oidea` is used for a superfamily name.
Examples	`Achatinoidea` `Cerithioidea` `Helicoidea` `Hypsibioidea` `Valvatoidea` `Zonitoidea`

subfamily
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/subfamily
Definition	The full scientific name of the subfamily in which the dwc:Taxon is classified.
Comments
Examples	`Periptyctinae` `Orchidoideae` `Sphindociinae`

genericName
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/genericName
Definition	The genus part of the dwc:scientificName without authorship.
Comments	For synonyms the accepted genus and the genus part of the name may be different. The term dwc:genericName should be used together with dwc:specificEpithet to form a binomial and with dwc:infraspecificEpithet to form a trinomial. The term dwc:genericName should only be used for combinations. Uninomials of generic rank do not have a dwc:genericName.
Examples	`Felis` (for scientificName `Felis concolor`, with accompanying values of `Puma concolor` in acceptedNameUsage and `Puma` in genus)

subgenus
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/subgenus
Definition	The full scientific name of the subgenus in which the dwc:Taxon is classified.
Comments	A value for this term should be a complete subgenus name as required by the appropriate nomenclatural code.
Examples	`Abacetus (Parastygis)` `Dicranum subgen. Orthodicranum`

infragenericEpithet
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/infragenericEpithet
Definition	The infrageneric part of a binomial name at ranks above species but below genus.
Comments	The term dwc:infragenericEpithet should be used in conjunction with dwc:genericName, dwc:specificEpithet, dwc:infraspecificEpithet, dwc:taxonRank and dwc:scientificNameAuthorship to represent the individual elements of the complete dwc:scientificName. It can be used to indicate the subgenus placement of a species, which in zoology is often given in parentheses. Can also be used to share infrageneric names such as botanical sections (e.g., `Vicia sect. Cracca`).
Examples	`Abacetillus` (for scientificName `Abacetus (Abacetillus) ambiguus`) `Cracca` (for scientificName `Vicia sect. Cracca`)

infraspecificEpithet
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/infraspecificEpithet
Definition	The name of the lowest or terminal infraspecific epithet of the dwc:scientificName, excluding any rank designation.
Comments	In botany, name strings in literature and identifications may have multiple infraspecific ranks. According to the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Schenzhen Code Articles 6.7 & Art. 24.1), valid names only have two epithets, with the lowest rank being the dwc:infraspecificEpithet. For example: the dwc:infraspecificEpithet in the string `Indigofera charlieriana subsp. sessilis var. scaberrima` is `scaberrima` and the dwc:scientificName is `Indigofera charlieriana var. scaberrima (Schinz) J.B.Gillett`. Use dwc:verbatimIdentification for the full name string used in a dwc:Identification.
Examples	`concolor` (for scientificName `Puma concolor concolor (Linnaeus, 1771)`) `oxyadenia` (for scientificName `Quercus agrifolia var. oxyadenia (Torr.) J.T. Howell`) `laxa` (for scientificName `Cheilanthes hirta f. laxa (Kunze) W.Jacobsen & N.Jacobsen`) `scaberrima` (for scientificName `Indigofera charlieriana var. scaberrima (Schinz) J.B.Gillett`)

cultivarEpithet
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/cultivarEpithet
Definition	Part of the name of a cultivar, cultivar group or grex that follows the dwc:scientificName.
Comments	According to the Rules of the Cultivated Plant Code, a cultivar name consists of a botanical name followed by a cultivar epithet. The value given as the dwc:cultivarEpithet should exclude any quotes. The term dwc:taxonRank should be used to indicate which type of cultivated plant name (e.g. cultivar, cultivar group, grex) is concerned. This epithet, including any enclosing apostrophes or suffix, should be provided in dwc:scientificName as well.
Examples	`King Edward` (for scientificName `Solanum tuberosum 'King Edward'` and taxonRank `cultivar`) `Mishmiense` (for scientificName `Rhododendron boothii Mishmiense Group` and taxonRank `cultivar group`) `Atlantis` (for scientificName `Paphiopedilum Atlantis grex` and taxonRank `grex`)

taxonRank
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/taxonRank
Definition	The taxonomic rank of the most specific name in the dwc:scientificName.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. The taxon ranks of algae, fungi and plants are defined in the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Schenzhen Code Articles H3.2, H4.4 and H.3.1).
Examples	`subspecies` `varietas` `forma` `species` `genus` `nothogenus` `nothospecies` `nothosubspecies`

verbatimTaxonRank
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/verbatimTaxonRank
Definition	The taxonomic rank of the most specific name in the dwc:scientificName as it appears in the original record.
Comments
Examples	`Agamospecies` `sub-lesus` `prole` `apomict` `nothogrex` `sp.` `subsp.` `var.`

scientificNameAuthorship
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/scientificNameAuthorship
Definition	The authorship information for the dwc:scientificName formatted according to the conventions of the applicable dwc:nomenclaturalCode.
Comments
Examples	`(Torr.) J.T. Howell` `(Martinovský) Tzvelev` `(Györfi, 1952)`

nomenclaturalCode
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/nomenclaturalCode
Definition	The nomenclatural code (or codes in the case of an ambiregnal name) under which the dwc:scientificName is constructed.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary.
Examples

taxonomicStatus
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/taxonomicStatus
Definition	The status of the use of the dwc:scientificName as a label for a taxon. Requires taxonomic opinion to define the scope of a dwc:Taxon. Rules of priority then are used to define the taxonomic status of the nomenclature contained in that scope, combined with the experts opinion. It must be linked to a specific taxonomic reference that defines the concept.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary.
Examples	`invalid` `misapplied` `homotypic synonym` `accepted`

nomenclaturalStatus
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/nomenclaturalStatus
Definition	The status related to the original publication of the name and its conformance to the relevant rules of nomenclature. It is based essentially on an algorithm according to the business rules of the code. It requires no taxonomic opinion.
Comments
Examples	`nom. ambig.` `nom. illeg.` `nom. subnud.`

MeasurementOrFact

MeasurementOrFact Class
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/MeasurementOrFact
Definition	A measurement of or fact about an rdfs:Resource (http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#Resource).
Comments	Resources can be thought of as identifiable records or instances of classes and may include, but need not be limited to instances of dwc:Occurrence, dwc:Organism, dwc:MaterialEntity, dwc:Event, dcterms:Location, dwc:GeologicalContext, dwc:Identification, or dwc:Taxon.
Examples	`the weight of a dwc:Organism in grams` `the number of placental scars` `surface water temperature in Celsius`

measurementID
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/measurementID
Definition	An identifier for the dwc:MeasurementOrFact (information pertaining to measurements, facts, characteristics, or assertions). May be a global unique identifier or an identifier specific to the data set.
Comments
Examples	`9c752d22-b09a-11e8-96f8-529269fb1459`

parentMeasurementID
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/parentMeasurementID
Definition	An identifier for a broader dwc:MeasurementOrFact that groups this and potentially other dwc:MeasurementOrFacts.
Comments	May be a globally unique identifier or an identifier specific to the data set.
Examples	`9c752d22-b09a-11e8-96f8-529269fb1459` `E1_E1_O1_M1`

measurementType
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/measurementType
Definition	The nature of the measurement, fact, characteristic, or assertion.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`tail length` `temperature` `trap line length` `survey area` `trap type`

verbatimMeasurementType
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/verbatimMeasurementType
Definition	A string representing the type of measurement or fact as it appeared in the original record.
Comments	This term is meant to allow the capture of an unaltered original name for a measurement or fact type. This term is meant to be used in addition to dwc:measurementType, not instead of it.
Examples	`water_temp` `Fish biomass` `sampling net mesh size`

measurementValue
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/measurementValue
Definition	The value of the measurement, fact, characteristic, or assertion.
Comments	This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples

measurementUnit
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/measurementUnit
Definition	The units associated with the dwc:measurementValue.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use the International System of Units (SI). This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples

measurementDeterminedBy
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/measurementDeterminedBy
Definition	A list (concatenated and separated) of names of people, groups, or organizations who determined the value of the dwc:MeasurementOrFact.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to separate the values in a list with space vertical bar space ( `\|` ). This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`Rob Guralnick` `Peter Desmet \| Stijn Van Hoey`

measurementDeterminedDate
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/measurementDeterminedDate
Definition	The date on which the dwc:MeasurementOrFact was made.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a date that conforms to ISO 8601-1:2019.
Examples	`1963-03-08T14:07-06:00` (8 Mar 1963 at or after 2:07pm and before 2:08pm in the time zone six hours earlier than UTC) `2009-02-20T08:40Z` (20 February 2009 at or after 8:40am and before 8:41 UTC) `2018-08-29T15:19` (29 August 2018 at or after 3:19pm and before 3:20pm local time) `1809-02-12` (within the day 12 February 1809) `1906-06` (in the month of June 1906) `1971` (in the year 1971) `2007-03-01T13:00:00Z/2008-05-11T15:30:00Z` (some time within the interval beginning 1 March 2007 at 1pm UTC and before 11 May 2008 at 3:30pm UTC) `1900/1909` (some time within the interval between the beginning of the year 1900 and before the year 1909) `2007-11-13/15` (some time in the interval between the beginning of 13 November 2007 and before 15 November 2007)

measurementMethod
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/measurementMethod
Definition	A description of or reference to (publication, URI) the method or protocol used to determine the measurement, fact, characteristic, or assertion.
Comments	This term has an equivalent in the dwciri: namespace that allows only an IRI as a value, whereas this term allows for any string literal value.
Examples	`minimum convex polygon around burrow entrances` (for a home range area) `barometric altimeter` (for an elevation)

ResourceRelationship

ResourceRelationship Class
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/ResourceRelationship
Definition	A relationship of one rdfs:Resource (http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#Resource) to another.
Comments	Resources can be thought of as identifiable records or instances of classes and may include, but need not be limited to instances of dwc:Occurrence, dwc:Organism, dwc:MaterialEntity, dwc:Event, dcterms:Location, dwc:GeologicalContext, dwc:Identification, or dwc:Taxon.
Examples	`an instance of a dwc:Organism is the mother of another instance of a dwc:Organism` `a uniquely identified dwc:Occurrence represents the same dwc:Occurrence as another uniquely identified dwc:Occurrence` `a dwc:MaterialEntity is a subsample of another dwc:MaterialEntity`

resourceRelationshipID
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/resourceRelationshipID
Definition	An identifier for an instance of relationship between one resource (the subject) and another (dwc:relatedResource, the object).
Comments
Examples	`04b16710-b09c-11e8-96f8-529269fb1459`

resourceID
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/resourceID
Definition	An identifier for the resource that is the subject of the relationship.
Comments
Examples	`f809b9e0-b09b-11e8-96f8-529269fb1459`

relatedResourceID
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/relatedResourceID
Definition	An identifier for a related resource (the object, rather than the subject of the relationship).
Comments
Examples	`dc609808-b09b-11e8-96f8-529269fb1459`

relationshipOfResource
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/relationshipOfResource
Definition	The relationship of the subject (identified by dwc:resourceID) to the object (identified by dwc:relatedResourceID).
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary.
Examples	`same as` `duplicate of` `mother of` `offspring of` `sibling of` `parasite of` `host of` `valid synonym of` `located within` `pollinator of members of taxon` `pollinated specific plant` `pollinated by members of taxon` `on slab with`

relationshipEstablishedDate
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/relationshipEstablishedDate
Definition	The date-time on which the relationship between the two resources was established.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a date that conforms to ISO 8601-1:2019.
Examples	`1963-03-08T14:07-06:00` (8 Mar 1963 at or after 2:07pm and before 2:08pm in the time zone six hours earlier than UTC) `2009-02-20T08:40Z` (20 February 2009 at or after 8:40am and before 8:41 UTC) `2018-08-29T15:19` (29 August 2018 at or after 3:19pm and before 3:20pm local time) `1809-02-12` (within the day 12 February 1809) `1906-06` (in the month of June 1906) `1971` (in the year 1971) `2007-03-01T13:00:00Z/2008-05-11T15:30:00Z` (some time within the interval beginning 1 March 2007 at 1pm UTC and before 11 May 2008 at 3:30pm UTC) `1900/1909` (some time within the interval between the beginning of the year 1900 and before the year 1909) `2007-11-13/15` (some time in the interval between the beginning of 13 November 2007 and before 15 November 2007)

relationshipRemarks
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/relationshipRemarks
Definition	Comments or notes about the relationship between the two resources.
Comments
Examples	`mother and offspring collected from the same nest` `pollinator captured in the act`

UseWithIRI

For more information on UseWithIRI, see Section 2.5 of the RDF Guide.

behavior
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/behavior
Definition	A description of the behavior shown by the subject at the time the dwc:Occurrence was recorded.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

caste
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/caste
Definition	Categorisation of individuals for eusocial species (including some mammals and arthropods).
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary that aligns best with the dwc:Taxon. Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

dataGeneralizations
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/dataGeneralizations
Definition	Actions taken to make the shared data less specific or complete than in its original form. Suggests that alternative data of higher quality may be available on request.
Comments	Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

disposition
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/disposition
Definition	The current state of a specimen with respect to the collection identified in dwc:collectionCode or dwc:collectionID.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

earliestGeochronologicalEra
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/earliestGeochronologicalEra
Definition	Use to link a dwc:GeologicalContext instance to chronostratigraphic time periods at the lowest possible level in a standardized hierarchy. Use this property to point to the earliest possible geological time period from which the dwc:MaterialEntity was collected.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use an IRI from a controlled vocabulary. A "convenience property" that replaces Darwin Core literal-value terms related to geological context. See Section 2.7.6 of the Darwin Core RDF Guide for details.
Examples

eventType
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/eventType
Definition	The nature of the dwc:Event.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. Regardless of the dwc:eventType, the interval of the dwc:Event can be captured in dwc:eventDate. Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

fieldNotes
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/fieldNotes
Definition	One of a) an indicator of the existence of, b) a reference to (publication, URI), or c) the text of notes taken in the field about the dwc:Event.
Comments	The subject is a dwc:Event instance and the object is a (possibly IRI-identified) resource that is the field notes.
Examples

fieldNumber
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/fieldNumber
Definition	An identifier given to the event in the field. Often serves as a link between field notes and the dwc:Event.
Comments	The subject is a (possibly IRI-identified) resource that is the field notes and the object is a dwc:Event instance.
Examples

footprintSRS
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/footprintSRS
Definition	The ellipsoid, geodetic datum, or spatial reference system (SRS) upon which the geometry given in dwc:footprintWKT is based.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use an IRI for the EPSG code of the SRS, if known. Otherwise use a controlled vocabulary IRI for the name or code of the geodetic datum, if known. Otherwise use a controlled vocabulary IRI for the name or code of the ellipsoid, if known. Otherwise use an IRI for the value corresponding to `not recorded`.
Examples

footprintWKT
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/footprintWKT
Definition	A Well-Known Text (WKT) representation of the shape (footprint, geometry) that defines the dcterms:Location. A dcterms:Location may have both a point-radius representation (see dwc:decimalLatitude) and a footprint representation, and they may differ from each other.
Comments	Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

fundingAttribution
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/fundingAttribution
Definition	An organization or agency that provided funding for a project.
Comments	Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

fromLithostratigraphicUnit
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/fromLithostratigraphicUnit
Definition	Use to link a dwc:GeologicalContext instance to an IRI-identified lithostratigraphic unit at the lowest possible level in a hierarchy.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use an IRI from a controlled vocabulary. A "convenience property" that replaces Darwin Core literal-value terms related to geological context. See Section 2.7.7 of the Darwin Core RDF Guide for details.
Examples

geodeticDatum
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/geodeticDatum
Definition	The ellipsoid, geodetic datum, or spatial reference system (SRS) upon which the geographic coordinates given in dwc:decimalLatitude and dwc:decimalLongitude are based.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use an IRI for the EPSG code of the SRS, if known. Otherwise use a controlled vocabulary for the name or code of the geodetic datum, if known. Otherwise use a controlled vocabulary for the name or code of the ellipsoid, if known. If none of these is known, use an IRI corresponding to the value `not recorded`.
Examples

georeferencedBy
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/georeferencedBy
Definition	A person, group, or organization who determined the georeference (spatial representation) for the dcterms:Location.
Comments	Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

georeferenceProtocol
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/georeferenceProtocol
Definition	A description or reference to the methods used to determine the spatial footprint, coordinates, and uncertainties.
Comments	Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

georeferenceSources
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/georeferenceSources
Definition	A map, gazetteer, or other resource used to georeference the dcterms:Location.
Comments	Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

georeferenceVerificationStatus
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/georeferenceVerificationStatus
Definition	A categorical description of the extent to which the georeference has been verified to represent the best possible spatial description for the dcterms:Location of the dwc:Occurrence.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

habitat
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/habitat
Definition	A category or description of the habitat in which the dwc:Event occurred.
Comments	Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

identificationQualifier
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/identificationQualifier
Definition	A controlled value to express the determiner's doubts about the dwc:Identification.
Comments	Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

identificationVerificationStatus
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/identificationVerificationStatus
Definition	A categorical indicator of the extent to which the taxonomic identification has been verified to be correct.
Comments	Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects. Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary such as that used in HISPID and ABCD.
Examples

identifiedBy
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/identifiedBy
Definition	A person, group, or organization who assigned the dwc:Taxon to the subject.
Comments	When used in the context of an Event (such as in the Humboldt Extension), the subject consists of all of the dwc:Organisms related to the Event. Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

inCollection
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/inCollection
Definition	Use to link any subject resource that is part of a collection to the collection containing the resource.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use an IRI from a controlled registry. A "convenience property" that replaces literal-value terms related to collections and institutions. See Section 2.7.3 of the Darwin Core RDF Guide for details.
Examples

inDataset
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/inDataset
Definition	Use to link a subject dataset record to the dataset which contains it.
Comments	A string literal name of the dataset can be provided using the term dwc:datasetName. See the Darwin Core RDF Guide for details.
Examples

inDescribedPlace
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/inDescribedPlace
Definition	Use to link a dcterms:Location instance subject to the lowest level standardized hierarchically-described resource.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use an IRI from a controlled registry. A "convenience property" that replaces Darwin Core literal-value terms related to locations. See Section 2.7.5 of the Darwin Core RDF Guide for details.
Examples	`http://vocab.getty.edu/tgn/1019987`

informationWithheld
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/informationWithheld
Definition	Additional information that exists, but that has not been shared in the given record.
Comments	Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

latestGeochronologicalEra
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/latestGeochronologicalEra
Definition	Use to link a dwc:GeologicalContext instance to chronostratigraphic time periods at the lowest possible level in a standardized hierarchy. Use this property to point to the latest possible geological time period from which the dwc:MaterialEntity was collected.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use an IRI from a controlled vocabulary. A "convenience property" that replaces Darwin Core literal-value terms related to geological context. See Section 2.7.6 of the Darwin Core RDF Guide for details.
Examples

lifeStage
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/lifeStage
Definition	The age class or life stage of the dwc:Organism(s) at the time the dwc:Occurrence was recorded.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

locationAccordingTo
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/locationAccordingTo
Definition	Information about the source of this dcterms:Location information. Could be a publication (gazetteer), institution, or team of individuals.
Comments	Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

measurementDeterminedBy
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/measurementDeterminedBy
Definition	A person, group, or organization who determined the value of the dwc:MeasurementOrFact.
Comments	Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

measurementMethod
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/measurementMethod
Definition	The method or protocol used to determine the measurement, fact, characteristic, or assertion.
Comments	Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

measurementType
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/measurementType
Definition	The nature of the measurement, fact, characteristic, or assertion.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

occurrenceStatus
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/occurrenceStatus
Definition	A statement about the presence or absence of a dwc:Taxon at a dcterms:Location.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

organismQuantityType
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/organismQuantityType
Definition	The type of quantification system used for the quantity of organisms.
Comments	A dwc:organismQuantityType must have a corresponding dwc:organismQuantity.
Examples

preparations
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/preparations
Definition	A preparation or preservation method for a specimen.
Comments	Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

recordedBy
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/recordedBy
Definition	A person, group, or organization responsible for recording the original dwc:Occurrence.
Comments	Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

recordNumber
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/recordNumber
Definition	An identifier given to the dwc:Occurrence at the time it was recorded. Often serves as a link between field notes and a dwc:Occurrence record, such as a specimen collector's number.
Comments	The subject is a dwc:Occurrence and the object is a (possibly IRI-identified) resource that is the field notes.
Examples

reproductiveCondition
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/reproductiveCondition
Definition	The reproductive condition of the biological individual(s) represented in the dwc:Occurrence.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

sampleSizeUnit
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/sampleSizeUnit
Definition	The unit of measurement of the size (time duration, length, area, or volume) of a sample in a sampling dwc:Event.
Comments	A dwciri:sampleSizeUnit must have a corresponding dwc:sampleSizeValue. Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary such as the Ontology of Units of Measure http://www.wurvoc.org/vocabularies/om-1.8/ of SI units, derived units, or other non-SI units accepted for use within the SI.
Examples

samplingProtocol
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/samplingProtocol
Definition	The methods or protocols used during a dwc:Event, denoted by an IRI.
Comments	Recommended best practice is describe a dwc:Event with no more than one sampling protocol. In the case of a summary dwc:Event in which a specific protocol can not be attributed to specific dwc:Occurrences, the recommended best practice is to repeat the property for each IRI that denotes a different sampling protocol that applies to the dwc:Occurrence.
Examples	`https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1466-8238.2009.00467.x`

sex
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/sex
Definition	The sex of the biological individual(s) represented in the dwc:Occurrence.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

toDigitalSpecimen
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/toDigitalSpecimen
Definition	Use to link a dwc:Identification instance subject to a taxonomic entity such as a taxon, taxon concept, or taxon name use.
Comments	Use to link a dwc:MaterialEntity instance subject to a Digital Specimem entity.
Examples

toTaxon
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/toTaxon
Definition	Use to link a dwc:Identification instance subject to a taxonomic entity such as a taxon, taxon concept, or taxon name use.
Comments	A "convenience property" that replaces Darwin Core literal-value terms related to taxonomic entities. See Section 2.7.4 of the Darwin Core RDF Guide for details.
Examples

typeStatus
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/typeStatus
Definition	A nomenclatural type (type status, typified scientific name, publication) applied to the subject.
Comments	Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

verbatimCoordinateSystem
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/verbatimCoordinateSystem
Definition	The spatial coordinate system for the dwc:verbatimLatitude and dwc:verbatimLongitude or the dwc:verbatimCoordinates of the dcterms:Location.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

verbatimSRS
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/verbatimSRS
Definition	The ellipsoid, geodetic datum, or spatial reference system (SRS) upon which coordinates given in dwc:verbatimLatitude and dwc:verbatimLongitude, or dwc:verbatimCoordinates are based.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use an IRI for the EPSG code of the SRS, if known. Otherwise use a controlled vocabulary IRI for the name or code of the geodetic datum, if known. Otherwise use a controlled vocabulary IRI for the name or code of the ellipsoid, if known. Otherwise use an IRI for the value corresponding to `not recorded`.
Examples

verticalDatum
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/verticalDatum
Definition	The vertical datum used as the reference upon which the values in the elevation terms are based.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

vitality
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/iri/vitality
Definition	An indication of whether a dwc:Organism was alive or dead at the time of collection or observation.
Comments	Recommended best practice is to use a controlled vocabulary. Intended to be used with records having a dwc:basisOfRecord of `PreservedSpecimen`, `MaterialEntity`, `MaterialSample`, or `HumanObservation`. Terms in the dwciri: namespace are intended to be used in RDF with non-literal objects.
Examples

LivingSpecimen

PreservedSpecimen

FossilSpecimen

FossilSpecimen Class
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/FossilSpecimen
Definition	A preserved specimen that is a fossil.
Comments
Examples	`a body fossil` `a coprolite` `a gastrolith` `an ichnofossil` `a piece of a petrified tree`

MaterialCitation

MaterialCitation Class
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/MaterialCitation
Definition	A reference to or citation of one, a part of, or multiple specimens in scholarly publications.
Comments	This class constitutes a new value for the controlled vocabulary in the recommendations for basisOfRecord. When importing Darwin Core Archives of literature-based datasets to GBIF, the basisOfRecord should be changed from "Occurrence", "PreservedSpecimen" or "Literature" to "MaterialCitation".
Examples	`a citation of a physical specimen from a scientific collection in a taxonomic treatment in a scientific publication` `a citation of a group of physical specimens, such as paratypes in a taxonomic treatment in a scientific publication`

HumanObservation

HumanObservation Class
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/HumanObservation
Definition	An output of a human observation process.
Comments
Examples	`evidence of a dwc:Occurrence taken from field notes or literature` `a record of a dwc:Occurrence without physical evidence or evidence captured with a machine`

MachineObservation

MachineObservation Class
Identifier	http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/MachineObservation
Definition	An output of a machine observation process.
Comments
Examples	`a photograph` `a video` `an audio recording` `a remote sensing image` `a dwc:Occurrence record based on telemetry`

Cite Darwin Core

To cite Darwin Core in general, use the peer-reviewed article on Darwin Core:

Wieczorek J, Bloom D, Guralnick R, Blum S, Döring M, et al. (2012) Darwin Core: An Evolving Community-Developed Biodiversity Data Standard. PLoS ONE 7(1): e29715. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0029715

To cite the standard document upon which this page is built, use the following:

Darwin Core Maintenance Group. 2021. List of Darwin Core terms. Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG). http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/doc/list/

To cite this document specifically, use the following:

Darwin Core Maintenance Group. 2021. Darwin Core Quick Reference Guide. Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG). https://dwc.tdwg.org/terms/

Darwin Core Quick Reference Guide - Darwin Core