Taxonomy Browser and Search

The Taxonomy Browser (accessible via the Browse page) allows users to explore and search the dataset using a hierarchical taxonomy structure.

Overview

The browser presents taxonomy data in a tree structure, starting from the highest rank:

Viruses (taxonomy ID: 10239)

Users can navigate through different taxonomy levels and directly perform searches on taxa of interest.

Interface Layout

Main Sections

Left Panel: Taxonomy Tree (hierarchical navigation)
Right Panel: Featured virus shortcuts (quick access searches)

Navigating the Taxonomy Tree

Each taxonomic entry (rank or taxa name) is displayed in a hierarchical list.

Expand / Collapse Nodes

Click the Plus (+) icon to expand a node and view its child taxa
Click the Minus (–) icon to collapse the node
Nodes without children do not display expand/collapse controls

This allows step-by-step exploration of taxonomy levels.

Expanded Taxonomy Tree Example

Searching from the Tree

Each taxa entry includes a Search icon (magnifying glass).

How it works:

Click the Search icon next to a taxa name
The Results page opens
The system automatically performs a search using the selected taxa

Searches are executed using the platform’s Advanced Search.

Limitations

Only taxa within supported ranks (15 ranks defined in the metadata schema) can be searched
Taxa labeled as:
- No Rank
- Clade
  are not currently searchable

Taxa Shortcuts (Featured Viruses)

The right panel displays commonly studied viruses for quick access.

External Links

Some taxa include an External link icon (ViralZone).

Clicking this icon opens an external resource page for that taxa
These links provide additional biological and structural information

Taxa Shortcuts Panel

Features

Each shortcut includes:

A structural image
The virus name
Optional external link icon

How to use:

Click on a virus image
A search is automatically performed
Results are displayed in the Results Table

Notes and Limitations

Not all taxonomy nodes will return results
Data availability depends on the dataset coverage
Some features (e.g., external links) may not be available for all taxa

Quick Start Guide

Open the Browse page
Expand taxonomy nodes using the + icon
Navigate to a taxa of interest
Click the Search icon
View results in the Results Table

Alternatively:

Use the Taxa Shortcuts on the right for quick searches

Documentation