Taxonomical Aids

Taxonomical aids are the collections of samples or preserved organisms which help in extensive research for the identification of various taxonomic hierarchy. Classifying organisms into various categories needs a lot of field and laboratory study. This is an essential process, because taxonomic categorization helps in identifying many organisms necessary in various fields like agriculture, industries, bio resources, etc.

The taxonomical Aids are the main source which helps us in studying the relative level of a group of organisms, their taxonomic hierarchy and the taxonomic rank.

Taxonomical Aids are required for:

1. Taxonomic studies of various species of plants, animals, and other organisms, which require correct classifications and identification.
2. Identification of organisms requires laboratory and field studies.
3. Museum.
4. Herbarium.
5. Zoological Parks.
6. Botanical Gardens.

Let us study some taxonomical aids which provide specimens for such intensive studies.

Types of Taxonomical Aids

Herbarium

It is a store that houses a collection of preserved plant species. Plant specimens are preserved in forms of herbarium sheets which are prepared by drying, pressing and preserving the samples on sheets. These sheets are then arranged in their order of classification in the taxonomic hierarchy. These herbarium sheets carry all the information about the respective specimen.

Botanical garden

These are gardens in which specific plants are grown and are labelled according to their taxonomy. Thus, the labels carry their scientific names and family. The main purpose of botanical gardens is to identify the plant species under consideration.

Museum

Biological museums are found in schools and colleges; like the biology laboratory that we find in our schools. In these museums, plants and animal species are preserved in jars and containers with the help of appropriate preservatives. They may also be dried and preserved. Birds and larger animals are usually stuffed before preserving and insects are killed and pinned in the boxes. We sometimes find skeletons of various animals too.

Zoological park

These are places where animals and birds are kept in protected boundaries. An attempt is made to provide them with a habitat closest to their natural habitats. Thus, we get a chance to learn about their natural habits and behaviour. Zoological parks are open for human visits.

Key

This is a taxonomical aid where plants and animals are recognized based on contrasting characteristics known as keys. Two contrasting keys are generally kept as a pair, thus leading to acceptance of one and rejection of another.

Stay tuned with BYJU’S to learn more about Taxonomy, Taxonomic Hierarchy, Taxonomical Aids and other related topics at BYJU’S Biology.

Also Check: Red Data Book