Stefan Schulz1, Udo Hahn. 1. Department of Medical Informatics, Freiburg University Hospital, Stefan-Meier-Strasse 26, 79104 Freiburg, Germany. stschulz@uni-freiburg.de
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Support for the symbolic representation of the physical structure of living organisms by an ontologically solid and logically sound foundation as a basis for formal reasoning. METHODS: A set of canonical relations and attributes necessary for empirically adequate descriptions of biological entities is proposed. RESULTS: It is shown how a broad range of biological organisms and their parts can be represented by cascading theories which are ordered by the dimensions of granularity, development, species, and canonicity. CONCLUSION: The proposed representation of biological objects is non-redundant and compatible with inter- and intra-species similarities, developmental stages and pathological deviations.
OBJECTIVE: Support for the symbolic representation of the physical structure of living organisms by an ontologically solid and logically sound foundation as a basis for formal reasoning. METHODS: A set of canonical relations and attributes necessary for empirically adequate descriptions of biological entities is proposed. RESULTS: It is shown how a broad range of biological organisms and their parts can be represented by cascading theories which are ordered by the dimensions of granularity, development, species, and canonicity. CONCLUSION: The proposed representation of biological objects is non-redundant and compatible with inter- and intra-species similarities, developmental stages and pathological deviations.