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search_ontology_by_name

Find ontology terms by name to categorize biological data, using ontologies like GO or SO for genomic research.

Instructions

Search for ontology terms by name

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
nameYesTerm name to search
ontologyNoOntology to search (e.g., GO, SO)
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden but offers minimal behavioral insight. It doesn't disclose if this is a read-only operation, how results are returned (e.g., list format, pagination), or any constraints like rate limits or authentication needs, leaving significant gaps.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, efficient sentence with no wasted words, making it easy to parse. It's appropriately sized for a simple search tool, though this conciseness comes at the cost of detail in other dimensions.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the lack of annotations and output schema, the description is incomplete. It doesn't explain what the tool returns (e.g., list of terms, error handling) or behavioral aspects, which is insufficient for a search tool with multiple siblings and no structured context.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema already documents both parameters ('name' and 'ontology') adequately. The description adds no additional meaning beyond the schema, such as examples of term names or ontology usage, resulting in a baseline score of 3.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the action ('Search for') and resource ('ontology terms by name'), making the purpose understandable. However, it doesn't differentiate from sibling tools like 'search_taxonomy_by_name' or 'get_ontology_by_id', which would require more specificity to earn a 5.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives. With siblings like 'get_ontology_by_id' and 'search_taxonomy_by_name', the description lacks context for selection, such as whether this is for partial name matching or specific ontology types.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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