TAXONOMY
It is the science of identification, classification and
nomenclature. Based on their special characteristics, all
living organisms can be classified into different
categories. The scientific term for these categories is
taxa. This process of classification is called taxonomy.
Carolus Linnaeus is known as father of taxonomy.
The basis of modern taxonomic studies are external and
internal structures (comparative morphology), along
with the structure of cells (cytology), development
process (embryology) and ecological information of
organisms (ecology). It provides information according
to similarities, dissimilarities and evolutionary
relationships of various organisms.
The concept of classical or old taxonomy exists, since the
time of Aristotle and Theophrastus till the time of
Linnaeus. On the other hand, the concept of modern
taxonomy was given by Julian Huxley (1940).
The basic prcxesses for taxonomic studies are
(i) Organisms are described on the basis of
morphology and other characteristics.
(ii) The description of characteristics helps in the
placement of the organisms in various taxa.
(iii) A new taxon can be framed if the organism is
different from the existing taxa.
(iv) The correct naming of an organism can be done
after placing it in appropriate taxon. A new
organism can be given a new name after following
the standardised rules.