A few, among many possible search tips, examples and hints:

• Multi-factor searches can be used in many ways and combinations of search terms and criteria. Thus, you may specify a 'subject' and specify a word to search for in a caption and specify a picture type etc.
• The relational database capabilities of the PDB include 31 specifiable search function options - individual search routines, functions and conditions that may be specified and used in billions of possible factorial search combinations. Most of the billions of possible search combinations are too complex to make practical sense, but there are several hundred combinations that are very powerful and highly illustrative of the nature, flexibility and power of the relational database model that is at the foundation of the EcoPort system and service.
• Tiling search windows, e.g. by conducting parallel searches in two or more separate browser widows enables powerful visual comparisons. For example, an album of flower pictures that contain the term 'aril' in the caption could be compared to an album of pictures that are grouped because they contain the term 'spadix' in their captions. Since the terms 'aril' and 'spadix' refer to 'character states' in polyclave and dichotomous classification keys, such 'tiling comparisons' can provide useful, visual scaffolding tools in species classification studies.
• Your imagination is probably an important limitation on the ways that you could learn to use and manipulate the comprehensive EcoPort pictures sub-database (PDB).
• Do not hesitate to contact us using the e-mail option at the bottom of all CA web pages if you need advice about how to harness our PDB.