taxonomy_lookup

Query paleontological taxonomic classifications from the Paleobiology Database and auxiliary sources.

1|Updated Mar 8, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/syxscott/PaleoClaw --skill taxonomy-lookup
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: taxonomy_lookup
Source: https://github.com/syxscott/PaleoClaw/tree/main/skills/taxonomy_lookup
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/syxscott/PaleoClaw --skill taxonomy-lookup

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires curl, jq, and includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill automates the lookup of taxonomic classifications for paleontological organisms, helping to verify taxonomic validity and understand hierarchical relationships.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Taxonomic Classification: Retrieves the full classification hierarchy (kingdom to species) for a given taxon.
  • Taxonomic Validity Check: Verifies if a given name is a recognized taxon.
  • Use Case: When encountering an unfamiliar fossil name, use this Skill to quickly determine its place within the Linnaean system and confirm its scientific validity.

Quick Start

Use the taxonomy_lookup skill to find the classification of Tyrannosaurus.

Frequently Asked Questions about taxonomy_lookup

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I look up paleontological taxonomic classifications from the PBDB?

To look up paleontological taxonomic classifications, query the Paleobiology Database (PBDB) and auxiliary sources like NCBI and Wikidata to retrieve the full hierarchy from kingdom to species. This verifies taxonomic validity and identifies related fossil taxa.

How do I verify the taxonomic validity of a fossil organism name?

Verifying the taxonomic validity of a fossil organism involves querying PBDB, NCBI, and Wikidata to check if the name is recognized. This process confirms its scientific validity and resolves its correct placement within the Linnaean system.

Do I need curl and jq to retrieve taxonomic hierarchies from PBDB?

Yes, you need curl and jq to retrieve taxonomic hierarchies from PBDB. Curl handles data retrieval from the database and auxiliary sources, while jq parses the JSON responses to extract hierarchical relationships for fossil organisms.

What is the best way to identify related taxa for fossil organisms?

The best way to identify related taxa for fossil organisms is querying the Paleobiology Database and auxiliary sources like NCBI and Wikidata. This cross-references hierarchical data to map relationships and verify the classification of paleontological taxa.

Can I retrieve the full kingdom to species classification hierarchy for a paleontological taxon?

Yes, you can retrieve the full kingdom to species classification hierarchy for a paleontological taxon. Querying PBDB and auxiliary sources returns the complete Linnaean classification, solving the problem of understanding hierarchical relationships for fossil organisms.