Individuals within the various species of whales and dolphins can be distinguished by nicks or other markings on their fins and tails, or by pigmentation differences revealed by sharp photographs.

BBC: Saving the seas for marine mammals

In pre-Inca days, the valley was inhabited by two linguistically different groups, the Cabanas and the Collaguas, and their descendants can still be distinguished by their traditional hats: flat straw hats embroidered with a lace band for the Collaguas in the east and rounded felt hats intricately embroidered with cotton for the Cabanas in the west.

BBC: Exploring Peru��s epic Colca Canyon

On the other hand a practical reactor can be distinguished by the following characteristics: (1) It is being built now. (2) It is behind schedule. (3) It requires an immense amount of development on apparently trivial items. (4) It is very expensive. (5) It takes a long time to build because of its engineering development problems. (6) It is large. (7) It is heavy. (8) It is complicated.

ECONOMIST: The prospects

But just as it was easier to suspect foreigners (rather than Libyans) of doing the Colonel's bidding throughout the course of battles for cities like Benghazi and Misrata, so it is now easier to round up those who can be easily distinguished by the colour of their skin.

BBC: Libya conflict: Black African migrants caught in backlash

That means information acquired by an accountant under a Kovel agreement should be distinguished from information collected by the accountant as an auditor or in some other capacity.

FORBES: Neat Trick? Attorney-Client Privilege From An Accountant

Shoji may be distinguished not just by the ethereal quality of her music (facilitated by a Stradivarius Recamier produced in 1729, on loan to her from a Japanese company that supports its most accomplished artists), but also by her willingness to challenge difficult pieces and ensembles.

FORBES: The 100 Most Influential People for Japan (2)

After 13 months in power, the former EU commissioner and distinguished economist argues that it would be irresponsible to abandon belt-tightening measures introduced by his technocrat government.

BBC: Vatican paper backs Mario Monti's Italy leadership bid