How Is Taxonomy Different from Systematics?

Table of Contents

  • What is Taxonomy?
  • What is Systematics?
  • Taxonomy vs Systematics
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • What Is Taxonomy?

    Taxonomy is a study of organisms for their identification, description, naming and classification. This field classifies organisms into categories and groups based on their characteristics. It is therefore a methodology that helps in organising plants and animals in hierarchies of higher ranking and subordinate groups.

    In biology, the taxonomic classification given by Carl Linnaeus in 1750 is globally accepted. Often taxonomy and systematics are used interchangeably, which is entirely wrong. While taxonomy deals with the classification and identification of organisms, systematics studies the diversity and evolutionary relationships of organisms.

    What Is Systematics?

    Systematics is the study of diversity and kinds of organisms and the relationship between them through time. It takes into account both past and present of the organism and deals with their evolutionary studies.

    Refer: Taxonomy and Systematics, List of Systems, Importance

    Taxonomy vs Systematics

    Taxonomy

    Systematics

    Definition

    Taxonomy is the study of identification, description, naming and classification of organisms.

    Systematics is the study of diversity and evolutionary relationships of organisms through time.

    Function

    It helps in the naming and identification of an organism.

    It gives evolutionary relationships, classifications, cladistics and phylogeny of an organism.

    Evolutionary History

    Evolutionary history of the organism is not studied.

    Evolutionary history of the organism is studied.

    Environmental Conditions

    Environmental conditions do not directly affect taxonomic studies.

    Environmental conditions directly affect the study of systematics.

    Change with Time

    It can change with time.

    It does not change with time.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q1

    Why is taxonomy important to all living organisms?

    Taxonomy is important to all living organisms because it helps in easy identification of a species and thus facilitates easy communication of biological information.
    Q2

    What is the importance of systematics?

    Systematics deals with the study of evolutionary relationships of organisms. This is important as it provides a layout for all taxonomic functions.

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