Taxonomy

Taxonomy

Taxonomy is the branch of biology that deals with the study of identification, classification, description and nomenclature of living organisms. The word taxonomy is derived from two Greek words (Taxis means arrangement and Nomos means laws). The word 'taxonomy' was first coined by Augustin-Pyramus de Candolle.

Classification

Plants are arranged into different groups and categories on the basis of similarities and differences. It is called classification. There are four types of classification.

1. Artificial system of classification

2. Natural system of classification

3. Phylogenetic system of classification

4. Modern system of classification

1. Artificial system of classification

This is the earliest system of classification in plants. Plants are classified on the basis of one or few morphological characters. The most famous artificial system of classification is Linnaeus classification which was proposed by Carolus Linnaeus in his book Species plantarum.

2. Natural system of classification

In this system, plants are classified on the basis of several characters. Bentham and Hooker’s classification is an example of natural system of classification. This system of classification is based on morphological and reproductive characters of the seeded plants. Bentham and Hooker published their natural system of classification in their book named General Plantarum in three volumes. This classification is widely used in many herbaria and botanical gardens all over the world.

Herbarium is the collection of pressed, dried plants pasted o a sheet and arranged according to any one of the accepted systems of classification.