The identification keys can give faster results by using some of the advanced features of the Lucid software. Clicking the Best function will move you to the feature in the Features Available window pane that best discriminates between the seahorse species in the Entities Remaining window pane. The Next Best function will take you to the second-best feature after you have made a choice under the Best feature. The Previous Best function will take you backward one feature so that you can make changes if needed.

The location of the Best function on the menu above the identification window panes.

The Next Best function becomes active after you have made a choice using the Best function.

The Previous Best function will allow you to go back and change measurements if you make an error.

The list of measurements included in the identification keys are very big. Some of these measurements are needed to tell only very similar species apart. After you have entered a few measurements, you can use the Prune function to try to remove extra measurements from the Features Available window pane. Removing measurments from the window pane means that you may measure less and enter fewer numbers in the key.

 

The Prune function will remove extra measurements after you have entered some data into the identification key.

The Shortcut function will pull together the features that discriminate best among the seahorse species and put them into a separate, pop-out window. You can enter values for these measurements quickly and determine the species of your seahorse.

The Shortcuts function will select a smaller group of measurements from the Features Available window pane. These measurements will quickly determine which seahorse species you are trying to identify.

The Shortcuts function will put the best measurements in one pop-out box. You can enter values or make choices here quickly.