New
Systematics or Moders Taxonomy
The term systematic was coined by Julian
Huxley. New systematics is systematic study which takes into consideration all
types of characters including those from classifical morphology, anatomy,
cytology phychemistry, ecology, genetics, development, behavior, etc. of the
whole population instead of a few typological specimens. In contrast classical systematics is based on the
study of mainly morpholocal traits of one or a few speciments with supporting
evidences from other fields. New systamatics is also called Population syatematics and biosystematics. It strives to bring out evolutionary
relationships amongst organisms.
1.
New systematic is based on the study of all
types of variations in the species.
2.
Along with morphological characters, other
investigaons are also carried out to know the variety of traits.
3.
Delimitation of species is carried out on the
basis of all types of biological traits. It is also called biological
delimitation.
4.
Traits indicating primitiveness and advancement
are found out.
5.
Inter-relationships are brought out.
6.
Species are considered dynamic.
Differences
New systematic or
modern taxonomy differs from classical taxonomy in Species longer occupies the
central position in the work on systematic. Instead emphasis has shifted over
subspecies and populations. Morpological definition of species has given way to
biological definition which besides
morphology takes into consideration cytology, physiology, biochemistry, ecology,
genetics, etc. The workers less interested in the question specimens.
Experimental variability is introduced to measure various parameters.
Statistical data is compiled to know the state of primitiveness, advancement
and interrelationship. Species are not fixed or static but highly dynamic. Discarding
of typological concept in favour of large scale study.
1. Study or Organisms. There are over one
million types of animals and half a million types of plants existing on earth.
All of them cannot be studied individually. Systematics provides us with a
means to study a few organisms of a group and get a fair idea about the
essential features of the organisms belonging to that group. For example, among
bryophytes, the study of only three plants helps as to understand the main
features of the group having about 24000 species. Only a few plants and animals
occur in a given locality. The outside organisms cannot be studied without a
proper systematics. Systematics is also a tool to identify Fossils and Newly
discovered organisms,
2. Evolution. Systematics allows us to
know about organic diversity, relationship and evolutionary tendencies amongst
organisms.
3. Ecology. An Ecological survey of an
area is possible only after identification of flora and fauna of that area.
Herbaria floras and manuals based on systemtics are useful for this study.
Further, an ecological balance is maintained in nature by a
web of relationship and food chains among different organisms. Destruction of
some or introduction of new organisms disturbd this web and brings about an
ecological chaos. Thus rabbits and Opuntia introduced in Australia caused a
havoc to agriculture and forestry of that country. Similarly, in India the weed
Eupatorium odoratum replaced the teak forests
of India while Lantana camara occupied larger forest areas in U.P. and South
India. The recent introduction of a weed is Parthenium hysterophorus. A correct
identification can prevent the entry of harmful plants and animals in a county.
4. Indicator Organisms. They are plants
and animals which live in a specific type of soil or environment. Thus the type
and intensity of water pollution can be notes by identifying the organisms in
that water. Likewise some organisms give us information about the minerals
found in area. Ground water is indicated by some plants. Even the availability
of coal and petroleum can be detected by the identification of fossils.
5. Other Disciplines. The knowledge of
systemic is essential for proper study of every other branch of
biology-physiology, anatomy, morphology, pathology, genetics, cytology,
population biology, etc.
6. Applied Biology. Systematics is
connected to all sections of applied biology. Improvement of through breeding
requires the knowledge of all types of varieties, subspecies, and related
species. Only after a thorough study of genetic pool in the different categories, world a breeder decide upon the
crossing pattern. In forestry we not only require the knowledge of all types of
plants growing in different strata but also about the animals. Some of the
animals are useful while others are harmful. Insects and some other animals are
also the pests of crop plants. Therefore, they most be identified properly.
Besides identification, the habits and development of pests should also be studied to know
control measure by insecticides and introduction of the natural predators Many
insects spread diseases in man either
directly or through contamination. The identification of the organisms
spreading disease, study of their feeding habits, breeding, causative agents,
etc. are possible through systematic only. Systematics is also required in the
in the obtaining and processing of aquatic
foods and conservation
