Toddler Taxonomist

Hi, Im Clay. I made Toddler Taxonomist to entertain my 2.5 year old daughter, Blythe, who loves animals. She even helped, as a brutally honest playtester. :)

We have many different names for the same animal: insect, ant, fire ant, or Solenopsis geminata, for instance. Toddler Taxonomist provides a safe environment to explore a wide variety of animals and learn the different names we use to refer to them.

It starts off easy, with 2 photos on the screen, asking questions such as "Where is the horse?" If you answer several questions correctly, it adds more photos to the screen.

Eventually, the difficulty bumps up and the questions are more specific, such as, "Where is the Miniature Shetland Pony?" Finally, animals are presented using their binomial or trinomial scientific names.

The most difficult level presents a challenge even for adults. Can you tell the difference between Dicerorhinus sumatrensis and Ceratotherium simum? Well, you can learn alongside your child or as you play by yourself.

The difficulty level adjusts based on whether the person playing answers questions correctly. Miss too many and it gently bumps back down to an easier level. You can choose the starting difficulty level from the main menu.

If you tap a wrong answer, you are presented with an informational screen about the animal you tapped, including a larger photo, a description, taxonomic information, and specific and scientific names.

Almost all text in Toddler Taxonomist uses voice over -- you need only tap the text to hear it spoken. This enables younger children to use the app when there isnt a parent to supervise closely.

Ill leave you with this story... Blythe was playing with Toddler Taxonomist as I sat next to her. I wasnt paying attention. (Oops!) She said, "Papa, what is that called?" I glanced over and said, "Its an anteater." She replied to me, "Its a Northern Tamandua!" Frankly, I was a little shocked because she only had been playing with the the app for 10 minutes or so.

Thanks! I hope you enjoy it!

Toddler Taxonomist is suitable for children ages 1-100. The sweet spot probably is 2-6 years old, though older children and adults may enjoy the higher difficulty levels.

Toddler Taxonomist features music by N. Cameron Britt.

It was made using cocos2d.

Note: All text and narration is in American English. If you recognize an improperly pronounced scientific name, please let me know and Ill rerecord it! I also accept requests for additional animals; contact me at the support URL.

Toddler Taxonomist supports all models of the iPad, including the original.

* I would appreciate any reviews or ratings, to help other people discover the app. :)