Taxonomy

Taxonomy is the science of naming, describing, and classifying organisms and arranging them into hierarchical groups. It provides a framework for recognizing biological diversity and for communicating about species and higher taxa. The word derives from Greek taxis, meaning arrangement, and nomos, law or ordering.

Historically, taxonomy began with the work of Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century, who introduced binomial nomenclature and a nested classification system. The basic ranks commonly used today are domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species, with species named by two-element Latin names. The concept of a type specimen also plays a central role in anchoring names.

Modern taxonomy combines morphology with phylogenetics, using both traditional taxonomy and systematics. Cladistics and molecular data (DNA sequences) increasingly inform taxonomic decisions. Techniques such as DNA barcoding assist in identifying species and detecting cryptic diversity. Taxonomic work often involves revising classifications as new data emerge and taxonomic opinions change.

Taxonomy differentiates from systematics; taxonomy emphasizes naming and categorizing, while systematics seeks evolutionary relationships among organisms. Taxonomic practice also involves typification and the designation of type specimens, synonymy resolution, and debates over species concepts, which can lead to revisions and changes in classification.

Taxonomy underpins biodiversity assessments, conservation planning, agriculture, medicine, and environmental monitoring. Digital databases such as ITIS and the Catalogue of Life compile taxonomic information to support research and policy.