Taxonomy and Systematics

Taxonomy and Systematics

The word taxonomy is derived from Greek words “taxis” (arrangement) and “nomos” (rules or laws). Davis and Heywood (1963) defined taxonomy as “the science dealing with the study of classification including the bases, principles, rules and procedures”.

Though there were earlier usages of the term ‘systematics’, only during the latter half of 20th century ‘Systematics’ was recognized as a formal field of study. Simpson (1961) defined systematics as “Scientific study of the kinds and diversity of organisms and all relationships among them”. Though there are two terms are used in an interchangeable way, they differ from each other.