Taxonomy vs Classification vs Systematics
Scope and practice: Though Taxonomy, classification and systematics are closely related and often overlap in practice, yet, they have distinct meanings in biological sciences! “Taxonomy” identifies the organism and “names” it according to the “Binomial Nomenclature”, and “describes” its characteristics. In the next step, it takes the help of “systematics” to know the evolutionary relationship of that organism and finally “Classify” it into a particular “taxon” or group. Hence, Taxonomy is a broad concept which includes “systematics” and “Classification”. One could not be there without another!
Example: Human being identified and named “Homo sapiens”, described the characteristics such as the presence of mammary glands, and giving birth to completely developed young ones (viviparous), then it takes the help of “systematics” to know the relationship of man with the cow, pig, cat, dog, goat, monkey, chimpanzee etc. and “classified” with similar characteristics and grouped into the same taxon, the “mammal” but not in reptiles which has “no shared common characteristics”. Yet, in other taxonomic classifications, the fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals are grouped in the same “taxon” called the “vertebrate” while they all share the common character of the presence of the “vertebral column”.
Definitions:
1. Taxonomy: The classification of organisms into different groups or taxons is called taxonomy under certain laws. Identifying the organisms, assigning names, and describing the characters of those organisms using shared characteristics.
@ Components:
Identification: Determining what an organism is based on observable traits.
Nomenclature: Giving standardized names to organisms following rules (such as binomial nomenclature).
Description: Documenting characteristics that define a species group or taxon.
Significance: It provides the basic units (species, genera, etc.) and names that scientists use for further study and classification.
2. Classification
Definition: Classification organises organisms into hierarchical groups based on relationships or similarities. It is used not only to arrange organisms in taxonomy but also in general. According to the morphology, anatomy, place of living, eating habits etc. characters are taken into consideration to classify the organisms into different groups. For example, animals have been divided into two categories according to the mode of the circulatory system the open and closed type. According to the maintenance of body temperature, the animals have been divided into two types, cold and warm-blooded animals. According to the place or habitat of living, the plants have been divided into aquatic and terrestrial flora, and so on.
3. Systematics
Definition: Systematics is the broader scientific field that studies the diversity of organisms and their “evolutionary relationships”.
This can focus on simply naming and grouping to understand evolutionary lineages, relationships, and history.
@ Components:
Phylogenetics: Using genetic, morphological, and biochemical data to construct evolutionary trees.
Evolutionary Relationships: Analyzing how species are related by descent from common ancestors.
Significance: Systematics offers insights into evolutionary processes, produces phylogenetic trees, and informs classification schemes that reflect evolutionary history.