Concept of Plant Classification

   

Hierarchical Concept of Plant Classification

Taxonomy may be defined as the study and description of the variation of organisms.The investigation of the causes and consequences of this variation, and the manipulation of the data obtained to produce a system of classification.

.Classification is the process of ordering plants into groups that are arranged hierarchically (in biological sense). This system of arrangement is derived from accumulation of information about the individual plants, with ultimate objective of expressing their relationship.

Alternatively it can viewed as assignment of like objects into recognizable units. For example consider how a green grocer arranges different vegetables in his|her food stall or how a baker displays different types of baked products in a supermarket;Classification (as a process) is the production of a logical system of categories, each containing any number of organisms, which allows easier reference to its components (kinds of organisms). Classification (as an object) is that system itself, of which there are many sorts.

 Plant taxonomy or biosystematics is refereed to as the scientific  study of the diversity and differentiation of plants and the various  relationships that exist between them. It can be regarded as part of systematic which deals  with the study of classification, including its bases, principles, procedures and rules. It also encompasses description, identification and naming of plants and their classification into different groups according to their resemblances and differences

Taxon(Plural  Taxa)

A taxonomic of any rank is correctly refereed to as taxon. It could be species , genus, family, order etc.A taxon is any taxonomic grouping, such as phylum, a family or a species. It is useful general term, and can be used to indicate the rank of a group as well as the organisms contained within that group.

Taxa are delimited by various means, but the fact that they can be delimited at all (at any level) illustrates  an essential feature of most. taxonomic variation that it is discontinous , and that taxa  are circumscribed by their discontinuities from related taxa.

Identification or determination can be viewed as determination of a taxon as being the same or identical or different to another. This can be arrived at by matching with dried herbarium specimens of known identity or by keying using appropriate floras or manuals. Identification is based on comparison of certain features of the specimen mostly derived from the root, stem, leaf, flower, fruit, habitat, locality to a previously described plant.

A description of a taxon is a statement of its characteristics, which thus constitute the definition of the taxon.Characters contributing to a taxonomic description are known as taxonomic or systematic characters.

v  A diagnosis is a shortened description covering only those characters (diagnostic characters) which are necessary to distinguish a taxon from other related taxa

•  Nomenclature is the process of giving names to taxa within a certain classificatory system; It could be natural , artificial or phylogenetic system of classification.

•   Species Is the basic unit of classification and comprise of group of organisms that are genetically very similar and can interbreed freely to produce fertile or viable offsprings.

•   Variation between individuals can be due to inherited (genetic) characters or environmental factors. Characters chosen  for taxonomic purpose must be as free from environmental influence as possible. Flowers are the main source of taxonomic characters.

•   Natural systems of classification utilizes all kinds\types of information available. Utilizes both morpholocagical and sexual characters

•   Artificial sytesm of classification utilizes one or few characters. Utilization based e.g medicinal herbs, spices, based on habits

•  Phylogenetic system based on the theory of descent and evolution in that the existing forms of life are products of evolutionary processes.