1: Introduction to Taxonomy & Systematics

What is Taxonomy?

The practice of describing, identifying, naming & classifying organisms.

What are Systematics?

The practice of consructing hypothesized trees of descent among taxa

What is a Cladogram?

A diagram used to represent hypothetical relationship among groups.

What is a Clade?

A group of organisms that include all descendants of a common ancestor.

What is meant by Monophyly?

Monophylyl includes the most recent common ancestor and all descendants of that ancestor.

What is meant by Paraphyly?

Paraphyly includes the most recent common ancestor but does not contain descendants

What is meant by Polyphyly?

Polyphyly does not include the most recent common ancestor of all its members

What are the four principles for named ranks in classification system?

1. Groupings should be monophyletic

2. Named groups should be easily recognizable

3. Groups that are well established should be preserved; names changes should be avoided

4. Size of groups should be manageable (varies)

Why are the principles important for the classification system?

Groups should help identify, recall and allow conversation about taxa.

Classification hierarchy:

Domain

Kingdom

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

When were the rules of Botanical Nomenclature started?

May 1st, 1753

What is Binomial nomenclature? What does it consist of?

Formal name/latin name. Consist of genus and species.

What are the 5 basic rules to binomial nomenclature?

1. Genus name may stand alone

2. Specific epithet is like an adjective

3. Scientific name are always italicized or underlined.

4. If referring to an unidentified specie of a known genus, use Genus sp

5. If referring to multiple members of a known Genus, use Genus spp.

Additional rules to binomial nomenclature (4)

1. Every taxon has only one legitimate name

2. Names also specify the authority who gave the name

3. When naming discrepancies occur, allows researcher to be specific whom they are following

4. Authority follows species name, not italicized, often abbreviated.

Ex. Sabal palmetto (Walt.) Lodd.

Principle of priority (3)

1. Upon naming a new species, the namer must designate a type specimen and publish the name and description in an accessible format in Latin or English

2. When a taxon is given multiple names, the first one takes precedence

3. A name can change if the classification changes, but original authority still stands

How did Linnaeu name so many species?

Because he was the one that published names into a book

There are 8 traditional family names that have been conserved. What are they?

• Compositae Asteracear

• Cruciferae Brassicaceae

• Graminae Poaceae

• Guttiferae Clusiaceae

• Labiatae Lamiaceae

• Leguminosae Fabaceae

• Palmae Arecaceae

• Umbillifarae Apiaceae

What’s are character?

One particular attribute

Whats a character state?

One of multiple forms of a particular character