Following are three examples of attempting to identify a dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) from a database of 1,069 species, using sets of three characteristics chosen by different students. Following the examples generated by the three students is an example of using the “analysis” function alone to accomplish the identification. The most efficient method of identification is to first select a few obvious characteristics (as the students have done) and then use the “analysis” function to complete the process.  As soon as the database is reduced to a relatively small number of remaining species, the images of these species can be scrolled or displayed simultaneously for comparison.

* Not technically correct but often interpreted in this manner so the data reflects both possible interpretations.
** The message "Family Identified: Asteraceae" appears on the screen at this point.
Note: Although many very technical characteristics are available in the program, those chosen by the analysis function are very similar to those chosen by the students. This is due to two factors: (1) the characteristics chosen by the analysis function are weighted for ease of use, and (2) this function does not mandate a selection, but instead, presents a list of the remaining characteristics in order of effectiveness.