The Living World — BIOLOGY STD 11 Science — Question

It is the science of identification, classification and nomenclature. Based on their special characteristics, all living organisms can be classified into different categories. The scientific term for these categories is taxa. This process of classification is called taxonomy. Carolus Linnaeus is known as father of taxonomy. The basis of modern taxonomic studies are external and internal structures (comparative morphology), along with the structure of cells (cytology), development process (embryology) and ecological information of organisms (ecology). It provides information according to similarities, dissimilarities and evolutionary relationships of various organisms.The concept of classical or old taxonomy exists, since the time of Aristotle and Theophrastus till the time of Linnaeus. On the other hand, the concept of modern taxonomy was given by Julian Hukley (1940).

The basic processes for taxonomic studies are local:

1. Organisms are described on the basis of morphology and other characteristics.
2. The description of characteristics helps in the placement of the organisms in various taxa.
3. A new taxon can be framed if the organism is different from the existing taxa.
4. The correct naming of an organism can be done after placing it in appropriate taxon. A new organism can be given a new name after following the standardised rules.