Diversity of Living Organisms is Fascinating

Diversity of Living Organisms is Fascinating

The branch of science which deals with the classification, nomenclature and identification of all living organisms is called Taxonomy. (Greek taxis means arrangements and nomos means law or to distribute). Because of large number and great diversity of organisms, biologists use the characteristics of different organisms to identify and group them. To understand life, it is essential to understand taxonomy. The method of grouping related organisms is the basis of classification (Figure 8.1). The objectives of taxonomy are:

·        To establish the criteria for identifying organisms

·        To arrange related organisms into groups

·        To provide evolutionary information of the organism

The system of naming living organism is called Nomenclature.