Machine learning for species classification of the invasive Centaurea Jacea hybrid complex
Conference Year
2023
Abstract
Effectively managing biodiversity requires accurate taxonomic classification, which is challenging when species look similarly. Centaurea jacea and C. nigra are invasive weeds that hybridize extensively, leading to phenotypic variability that blurs easy classification. Using measurements and imagery from individual flowering heads and associated genetic ancestry estimates, I assessed the utility of machine learning models (decision trees, support vector machines, random forests, and neural networks) for species classification. Models were most accurate at separating C. nigra from C. jacea and hybrids. These models are not currently reliable for classifying Centaurea, but if refined, could become a helpful tool for their management.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Stephen Keller
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Second Student College
Patrick Leahy Honors College
Program/Major
Biological Science
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
Machine learning for species classification of the invasive Centaurea Jacea hybrid complex
Effectively managing biodiversity requires accurate taxonomic classification, which is challenging when species look similarly. Centaurea jacea and C. nigra are invasive weeds that hybridize extensively, leading to phenotypic variability that blurs easy classification. Using measurements and imagery from individual flowering heads and associated genetic ancestry estimates, I assessed the utility of machine learning models (decision trees, support vector machines, random forests, and neural networks) for species classification. Models were most accurate at separating C. nigra from C. jacea and hybrids. These models are not currently reliable for classifying Centaurea, but if refined, could become a helpful tool for their management.