ITIS is a publicly accessible database of valid scientific names. The accepted scientific name is the common denominator of biology. ITIS is a reference. The accepted scientific name allows for the common exchange of information about biological organisms. ITIS is a partnership established in 1995 of organizations and individuals from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and around the world. The ability to refer to standardized taxonomic nomenclature is a prerequisite for biological data sharing and comparison among different agencies and organizations. Standardized names of organisms allow users to look at synonyms or alternative names that have been used to describe the same species in different geographic regions or at different times. Similarly, taxonomic data and information are necessary to support all types of biological inventory, monitoring, and research. ITIS contains scientific and common names for terrestrial, marine, and freshwater taxa from all biological groups. The goal of ITIS is to create an easily accessible database with reliable information on species names and their hierarchical classification. The database is reviewed by experts to ensure high quality with valid classifications, revisions, and additions of newly described species.