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After updating our equipment and informing our initial observations, we returned to the distant planet Nearer to begin the classification process. Focusing on plant-life, we devised a hierarchical system of categorization so as to enable a dialogue and further study about the life on Nearer. The following is a brief summary of our system.

Beginning under the grand umbrella of plant life, we began our divisions based on plants with stalks and plants without stalks.

Plants with stalks were father divided between wooded and non wooded plants. Since most wooded plants exceeded the height of 1 meter, we mainly focused on non-wooded plants. The basic distinction between non wooded plants with stalks is whether or not these plants have leaves, or are a single blade. The next categories were based upon the thickness of either the leaves or the blades, whichever category the plants are in. Since this is somewhat subjective, plants with leaves broader than half a centimeter are not considered to have thin blades or leaves. To further distinguish between leafed plants, we added categories for small hairs on the plant body, and finally the general direction of primary growth, either upwards (away from the ground) or outwards (spreading away from a central point).

The division of the non-stalk plants (moss) began with the separation of the fibrous and leafy varieties.  To begin with the fibrous variety, we further divided this section by the thickness of the moss.  From this division, there emerged different two groups.  The fibrous moss found to be less than 1.49 cm (the first group) were classified as the species "brittle moss," and those that are over 1.5 cm (the second group) were divided into two different species the "pillow moss" and the "rug moss." Leafy moss was similarly divided. All plants under 1 cm were deemed "cactus moss" and all plants over 1 cm were deemed "ivy moss." These distinctions were made based on height while the names focused on the particular look of the plant and its potential earthly correlate.

-Dr. David A Richardson, PhD

-Julia M Stuart, = )

-JJ

-Lili Elsesser

-Herman Marcia