SYSTEMATICS LEC GROUP 5

Plant Identification

process of determining the species of a plant, is a fundamental task in various fields such as botany, ecology, agriculture, and horticulture.

Morphological Characteristics

Historically, plant identification relied heavily __________ ___________, such as leaf shape, flower color, and fruit type.

Taxonomic Keys

Hierarchical classification systems, have been widely used to identify plants based on these morphological features hierarchical classification systems, have been widely used to identify plants based on these morphological features.

First Method

This step is the determination of the families to which the unknown plant belongs.

Second Method

This method utilizes the latest floras and check list of the particular region. These comprise usually an index to the plants known for the locality and generally provide other pertinent habit, distributional and frequency data.

Third Method

This method is the identification by means of monographs or revisionary works accounting for the particular family or genus

Key

a device for easily identifying an unknown plant by a sequence of choices between two or more statements. An artificial analytical device or arrangement where by a choice is provided between two contradictory characters resulting in the acceptance of one and the rejection of the other.

Punch card key and Dichotomous Key

What are the two types of keys

Punched card keys

These keys are used in n the school, colleges etc. by the students.

Dichotomous Keys

This key presents two contrasting choices or couplets at each step. The key is designed so that one part of the couplet will be accepted and the other rejected.

Primary key Characters

The first contrasting characters in each couplet are referred to as what? and these are usually the best contrasting characters.

secondary key characters.

These characters following the lead are called?

Indented key and Bracketed key

Two types of dichotomous Keys

Yoked Key

Other name for Indented Key

Parallel key

Other name for Bracketed Key

Indented Key

A dichotomous key in which the first part of a contrasting couplet is followed by all subsequent couplets; each subordinate couplet being indented one step further to the right for clarity of presentation. This key is one of the most widely used in manuals for the identification of vascular plants. And each of the couplets is indented a fixed distance from the left margin of the page.

Bracket Key

A dichotomous key in which contrasting parts of a couplet are numbered and presented together, without intervening couplets, although the brackets joining each couplet are now omitted.

DNA Barcoding, Spectroscopic Techniques, Image Analysis and Computer Vision

What are the modern methods of plant identification

DNA Barcoding

This modern plant identification technique involves sequencing a specific region of the plant's DNA, known as the barcode region. By comparing the DNA sequence to a reference database, researchers can accurately identify plant species.

Spectroscopic Techniques

This modern plant identification method analyzes the interaction of light with plant tissues to determine their chemical composition. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a commonly used technique that can rapidly identify plant species based on their spectral signatures.

Image Analysis and Computer Vision

This modern plant identification method analyzes digital images of plants, computer algorithms can identify species based on their visual features. This approach has the potential to automate plant identification processes and improve accuracy

Plant collecting and Documentation

serve as the foundation for a wide range of scientific endeavors. These collections provide a tangible record of plant diversity

Herbaria

In plant collection, where are the specimens often housed?

Taxonomy and Classification

Specimens serve as reference points for identifying and classifying plant species, ensuring consistent naming and understanding of relationships between different taxa.

Evolutionary History

By comparing specimens from different geographic locations and time periods, researchers can trace evolutionary lineages and understand how plants have adapted to diverse environments

Biogeography

Plant collections help map the distribution of species across the globe, revealing patterns of dispersal and the impact of geographic barriers on evolution.

Conservation

Understanding the diversity and distribution of plants is crucial for identifying threatened species and developing effective conservation strategies.

Ethnobotany

Plant collections provide valuable information for studying the traditional uses of plants by different cultures, contributing to the preservation of indigenous knowledge.

Fieldwork, Specimen Preparation, Labeling and Data collection

Plant collecting involves a series of steps, each crucial for ensuring the scientific value of the specimens: Enumerate

Fieldwork

This step in Plant collecting and Documentation is where Botanists carefully select representative individuals of a species, noting key characteristics like habitat, flowering stage, and associated plants. They collect a sufficient number of specimens to represent the population's variability

Specimen Preparation

This step in Plant collecting and Documentation is when Plants are typically pressed and dried to preserve their structure and prevent decay. This process involves carefully arranging the specimen on a sheet of paper, using a plant press to flatten and dry it.

Labeling Data Collection

This step in Plant collecting and Documentation is when Each specimen is accompanied by a detailed label containing essential information

Collector’s Name, Collection Date, Locality, Habitat, Associated Species, Notes

These 6 belongs under labeling and data collection, what are they?

Collector’s Name

The person who collected the specimen

Collection Date

The date the specimen was collected

Locality

The precise location where the specimen was found, including coordinates if possible

Habitat

A description of the environment where the specimen was growing

Associated Species

A list of other plants found growing near the specimen. Organized by taxonomic groups. These facilities ensures proper preservation and accessibility for research

Plant collecting and Documentation

This is essential for understanding and preserving plant diversity. These activities provide a foundation for taxonomic research, evolutionary studies, biogeographic analysis, and conservation efforts. Addressing challenges and embracing new technologies will ensure the continued value of plant collections for generations to come.

Herbarium

This is a collection of plant samples preserved for long-term study, usually in the form of dried and pressed plants mounted on paper.

Hortus siccus

Latin word for Herbarium

Herbarium specimens

The dried and mounted plant samples from a herbarium are referred to as?

Herbaria

Plural form of Herbarium. that also store and manage data sets, botanical illustrations, photographic slides, images, maps, and often have libraries of relevant literature needed for consultation by researchers working with the specimens. And are usually affiliated with universities, museums, or botanical gardens, but some may be private which was more common historically.

1540’s Luca Ghini

The oldest extant herbaria date from around what year? and who was mostly associated with this with his botanical teachings in northern Italy?

Gherardo Cibo, mid-16th century

One of the earliest known herbaria is from an Italian Herbalist known as? and from what century?

Andrea Cesalpino

Another prominent historical herbarium that curated a systematic collection in Florence that became a model for future botanical studies was created by?

Royal Botanic Gardens

In the UK, this Herbarium houses over 7 million specimens, carefully preserved using advance techniques, making it one of the largest and most prestigious herbaria in the world.

0 to -30 degrees celsius

Incoming plant materials for herbaria are frozen at what temperatures?

Reference for plant identification

How are Herbarium specimens used?

Monographs

Studies in which the differences between plant specifics are evaluated and described

Floras

Species growing in a region are reported and termed as?

Herbarium

This is also known as the cornerstone of nomenclature and taxonomy

Plant systematics

This is the core research emphasis for herbarium staff

Taxonomy, Nomenclature, Phylogeny, Classification

What are the four main areas in systematics

Taxonomy

the recognition and formal description of taxa (e.g. genera, species, varieties)

Nomenclature

the formal naming of taxa

Phylogeny

the analysis of taxon relationships

Classification

the formalized hierarchical arrangement of taxa into groups

Taxonomic reference, Historical Records, Education and Outreach

What are the functions and uses of herbaria?

Taxonomic Research

This is one of the functions and uses of herbaria:

This allows researchers to study plant species and their variations

Historical Records

This is one of the functions and uses of herbaria:

Specimens provide insights into historical plant distributions, helping track changes in biodiversity

Education and Outreach

This is one of the functions and uses of herbaria:

They support teaching and public engagement by showcasing botanical diversity.

Digitization, Geographic Information Systems, Global Databases

What are the 3 role of data information systems

Digitization

High-resolution imaging and metadata transcription enable remote access to specimens.

Geographic Information Systems

Herbarium data is used in spatial analysis to study species distributions and environmental changes

Global Databases

Platforms like GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) and iDigBio aggregate data from herbaria worldwide, making it accessible to a broader audience.

Herbaria and Data information systems

These are essential tools for preserving plant biodiversity and advancing scientific knowledge.

Phylum Arthropoda

A type of animal that has a hard exoskeleton with jointed appendages. And these species are also considered to be the most successful animals on Earth. And these species also live in a wide range of habitats and earth a great variety of food.

Phylum Arthropoda

These species belong to?
insects, spiders, scorpions, centipedes, millipedes, crabs, crayfish, shrimp, lobsters, and barnacles.

Water

Identify if Land or Water:

crabs, crayfish, shrimp, lobsters, and barnacles

Land

Identify if Land or Waterinsects, spiders, scorpions, centipedes, and millipedes

Arthro

Greek root word of Arthropoda which means joint

Pod

Greek root word of Arthropoda that means foot

Appendages

Unique jointed leg of Arthropoda is called?

Exoskeleton

Arthropods developed a hard, protective, outer shell called?

Chitin

What is the main component for Arthropod exoskeleton?

Segments

An Arthropods body is divided into what?

Arthropod

This term refers to any member of the biggest phylum in the animal kingdom.

84%

The group of arthropods consists of how many percent of known animal species?

Hexapoda, Crustacea, Myriapoda, Chelicerata

The four subphyla of Phylum Arthropoda

Hexapoda

This subphyla of Phylum Arthropoda consists of Insects and Springtalils

Crustacea

This subphyla of Phylum Arthropoda consists of Crustaceans

Myriapoda

This subphyla of Phylum Arthropoda consists of Millipedes and centipedes

Chelicerata

This subphyla of Phylum Arthropoda consists of arachnids

Uniramia or Atelocerata

According to some zoologist, arthropods with only one branch, like insects, centipedes, and millipedes, evolved from a distinct ancestor and belong to a different phylum called?

Trilobitomorpha

This is the extinct subphylum that is still a member of the Phylum Arthropoda

Trilobites

What were the predominant arthropods in the early Paleozoic oceans

541.0 to 251.9 million years

The paleozoic era ranged from?

Permian Period

What period did the Trilobites became instinct?

298.9 to 251.9 million years

The Permian Period ranged from

Myriapods

These subphylums are found living under logs, stones, and leaf molds

Hexapoda

These subphylums are found living at the water’s very borders

Crustaceans

These subphylums are found living in the sea

Marine

The majority of the Arthropods in the subphylum Crustacea are what?

Copepods

Numerous small crustacean species, especially _________ are crucial to the zooplankton

Zooplanktons

These are organisms that float or swim weakly, and are consumed by fish, whales, and other invertebrates.

Arachnida

This class includes spiders, scorpions, ticks, and mites, and is home to the majority of the members in the subphylum Chelicerata

Pycnogonida

This includes sea spiders, and the Merostomata, which also includes horseshoe crabs are two minor classes of chelicerates that are exclusively marine

Merostomes

Arachnids originated from the ancient group known as?

Water Scorpions

What is the oldest known fossil?