Gardeners and forest workers identify species using indigenous knowledge passed down as community resource persons. They rely heavily on easily visible characteristics such as shape, size, and body organisation of the plants or animals. They also identify species based on practical uses, such as distinguishing edible from poisonous mushrooms, and their medicinal uses.

In contrast, traditional scientific methods of identification are more systematic. Scientists first look at broad and easily visible features, and then examine more detailed features. They group organisms based on multiple characteristics to understand relationships and study life systematically.

Scientists use specific criteria for identification. These include external features, mode of nutrition (autotrophic or heterotrophic), internal structures (like skeletal patterns and organs), and cell structure (prokaryotic or eukaryotic, unicellular or multicellular).

Additionally, scientists consider the ecological role (producer, consumer, decomposer), methods of reproduction (asexual and/or sexual), and genetic similarity studied using DNA. While local experts use practical traits, both approaches can work together, as seen in Hortus Malabaricus, compiled with the help of Itty Achudan, showing how traditional knowledge and science can collaborate effectively.