Question

Numerical taxonomy principal aim and objectives biology discussion

Answer 1

Recent trend in taxonomy is to recognise character combination for taxonomical grouping. Here mathematical techniques are applied to assess similarity and dispa­rity through diagrams and using mathematical coefficients. This is called “numerical” taxonomy.

To make use of the results of chemical analysis or tests of plant-parts and products in study of taxonomy is called Chemotaxonomy. This involves a study of the starch grains and rap-hides, study of plant-products, e.g. alkaloids, resins, etc. and serolo­gical tests.

Chemical characters, however, should not be regarded as more important than other characters. They are often affected by environmental factors such as temperature, mineral deficiencies, etc.

It is possible that chemical and morphological features may have followed different evolutionary pathways. Comparative chemistry and serology are aids to establishing consanguinity, not phylogeny proper, which involves the tracing of phyletic lines back into the past.

“Many different types of information can be and should be woven into classificatory scheme and there is no obvious advantage in attaching overriding importance to any one type.”