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taxonomy

1 of 1noun
/tækˈsɑnəmi/
Forms:taxonomies
1

the systematic classification of plants and animals, based on their shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships

2

the scientific discipline of classifying and naming organisms based on their evolutionary relationships and shared characteristics

  • Biologists use taxonomy to categorize a newly discovered species into its appropriate genus and species based on its morphological and genetic traits.
  • The study of phylogenetics helps clarify evolutionary relationships between species, contributing to the refinement of taxonomy.
  • Carl Linnaeus is often credited as the father of modern taxonomy for establishing the binomial nomenclature system still used today.
  • Taxonomy aids conservation efforts by identifying endangered species and prioritizing their protection.
  • Advances in molecular biology have revolutionized taxonomy by providing insights into genetic similarities and differences among organisms.
3

a classification of organisms into groups based on similarities of structure or origin etc