Terminology

Terminology

1.       Sytematics. Systematic is a term often a used interchangeably with taxonomy. According to Simpson, systematics is the science that deals with diversity of organisms and all their comparative and evolutionary relationships based on study of comparative anatomy, development, comparative biochemistry, comparative physiology and comparative ecology by grouping of organisms at every level of classification right from species to the kingdom.

2.       Taxonomy. It is the branch of study that with principles and procedures of identification, nomenclature and classification of organisms.

3.       Classification. Classification is the arrangement of organisms into convenient categories or groups on the basis of their similarities and differences in certain observable but fundamental characters. Then a hierarchy of categories is raised keeping in mind the affinities or relationships of various groups. Therefore, categories or taxonomic categories represent distinct biological entities and not merely morphological aggregates. The various categories are kingdom, phylum, class, order family genus and species.

4.       Nomenclature. It is the science of providing distinct and proper names to organisms so that can be easily recognized and differentiated from others. Through nomenclature each organism is given a two word name, generic and specific. e.g., Mangifera indica.

5.       Identification. Identification is the finding of correct name and place of an organism in a system of classification. Identification is done with the help of keys. This is carried out by determining similarity with already known organisms. Suppose there are 3 types of animals belonging to different species- x,y,z. An animals t is founds in a locality being surveyed. It is founds to resemble the species y. The finding that animals t belongs to species y is its Identification.

6.       Key. It is a list of alternate characters arranged in such a manner that by selection and elimination one can easily identify an organism as to its name and position.

Nomenclature.

  Two types of names have been gives to organisms, common and scientific.

Vernacular or Common Names

They are names given to the organisms in a particular language and region of the world.

There are several types of names like English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Etc. The names have been in use since times immemorial. New names are added whenever outside organisms are introduced into the area. The vernacular or common names are based on some peculiarity of the organisms, e,g., Kandiali.

     The vernacular names have their uses Theyy are based on some minor or major characteristics of plant e. g,. Kandiali, Dodhak They are brief. The residents of an area becomes familiar with them since their childhood. The vernacular names are easier to pronounce and remember by the residents of an area. Even then the vernacular names cannot be used by biologists due to the following reasons.