Unknown Language Quiz

Taxonomy and Classification of Living Organisms

• Living organisms can be categorized into different groups based on their similarities and differences
• Taxonomic classification is a system of organizing and naming organisms based on their physical characteristics
• Organisms are identified and assigned a scientific name consisting of two words as per the binomial system of nomenclature
• Each organism occupies a position or place in the taxonomic hierarchy, which includes various taxonomic categories or taxa
• The major taxonomic categories, in descending order, are: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species
• Taxonomists have developed various aids to facilitate identification, naming, and classification of organisms
• These studies are carried out on actual specimens collected from the field and preserved as references in herbariums, museums, and botanical/zoological gardens
• Specialized techniques are required for collection and preservation of specimens in herbariums and museums
• Live specimens of plants and animals are also found in botanical gardens and zoological parks for taxonomic studies

Taxonomic Hierarchy

• Organisms are grouped into taxa (singular: taxon) based on similarities and distinct differences
• Taxa at higher levels (e.g. orders, families) have fewer shared characteristics compared to taxa at lower levels (e.g. genera, species)
• For example, the plant family Solanaceae includes three different genera: Solanum, Petunia, and Nicotiana
• Similarly, the animal order Carnivora includes families like Felidae (cats) and Canidae (dogs) which share some features but also have distinct differences

Purpose of Taxonomy

• Taxonomy facilitates identification, naming, and classification of the vast diversity of living organisms
• It is useful in agriculture, forestry, industry, and for understanding our biological resources and their diversity
• The basic principles of taxonomy like identification, nomenclature, and classification of organisms are universally evolved under international codes