Tools for study of taxonomy

The taxonomy is the basic to all other biological sciences. In this chapter, we are going to discuss some tools for study of taxonomy. These tools are known as taxonomical aids as it helps us to identify and classify organisms. Taxonomy provides an inventory of flora and fauna, schemes to identification, names and a system of classification of plants and animals. 

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To identify a taxon as being similar to another known entity, we need methods to identify. Procedures and stored information that is useful in identification and classification of organisms are called taxonomic aids. The tools used in the identification of plants and animals are Herbarium, Museum, Botanical gardens and Zoological parks (Zoos).

Herbarium

A Herbarium is a collection of proposed and dried plants arranged to the valid system of classification and available for reference. All research and educational institutions related to plant species have their own specimen collected locally and also millions of gradually accumulated specimens which document the flora of one or more continents. In the sixteenth century herbaria started in Italy as collections of dried plant sewn on paper. The current practice of mounting specimens on single sheets of paper and storing them in stacks was popularised by Linnaeus. Herbaria are the permanent repositories of plant specimens. This gives information about plant and vegetation.

Important Herbaria

Equipment

When you go for a field trip, we must decide the tools and equipment required. A collecting pick is needed for digging up roots and rhizomes. A strong knife for cutting branches. A pair of pruning shears for cutting woody and hand material. A pair of forceps for opening the flower bud A vasculum is for accommodating collected specimens. A plant press together with blotters for pressing and keeping the collected specimens, a field book for noting down the details of the collected specimen and polythene bags for keeping plant specimen. A long rope for collecting aquatic organisms from bonds and lakes, bottles for collecting fruits and fungi. The suitable period of collection of plants is from February to September.

Herbarium sheet is of different types. They are as follows

Holotype: It is based on the first description of the plant in the herbarium sheet.

Lectotype: Second herbarium sheet in the case of the holotype is lost. It is prepared from the original plant.

Neotype: In the case of original plant and holotype plant is lost, then many herbarium sheets prepared from some other plant of same.

Syntype: In the case of original plant and holotype plant is lost, then many herbarium sheets prepared from many plants of same species is called syntype.

Isotype: Second herbarium sheet prepared from the original plant in the presence of holotype is called isotype.

Paratype: Paratype herbarium is the additional herbarium sheet used in the first description of plant. This is prepared from some other plant of same species having some variations.

Method of specimen collection and mounting :

The area which is rich in plant species must be selected for the botanical excursion. The selected place must be visited in different seasons. In the case of the herbaceous plant, the entire plant with intact part should be collected.

For others shoots having flowers, leaves and fruits are selected and cut with the help of pruning knife. Sickle with long handle can be used to cut twigs which are at the height. To collect tuber, bulb, corm, rhizome, root system can be dug out using diggers. The collected plant samples can be dug out using diggers. The collected plant samples can be placed in polythene bags.

Botanical Gardens

This is a dedicated garden to the collection, cultivation, and display of a variety of plants labeled with their botanical names. Theophrastus (370-285 B.C) developed the first real mechanical garden. Nowadays botanical gardens including outdoor plants, greenhouse, library and research laboratory herbarium.

The function of Museums:

In addition of collection adding every new object is called acquisition. Field collection is one of the most useful objects. This is achieved through several ways. The scope of the museum is that the scientific and technician going outside to gather data on specimens. This is known as Acquisition of materials. Each acquisition is listed carefully by specialist staff. Once the objects are received, the date, the source, the method of acquisition and other available information are entered into the recording of materials. The primary purpose of the museum is to preserve collected objects. A person who is in charge of the museum is known as curator. The function of the museum is to do to prolong the lifetime of the objects.

Preservation of specimen in a museum consists of two steps

1. i) The objects must be put into a situation that checks deterioration
2. ii) All specimens in museum must be protected.

The important benefit of the museum is giving more knowledge on specimens. Books, research papers, and scholarly journals were published by museums. This is very useful for research aspects.

Museum staff prepares acquisitions for exhibitions. The collected specimens selected many ways. The choice of approach and techniques are depending on the exhibit purpose. Courses related to the museum are conducted by many universities. Therefore museum is also helping in spreading of education.

Zoological Parks:

A zoo is a place where a variety of animals are maintained within enclosures to display to the public. This is used for research aspects and also to breed. Zoological parks were established to maintain a high standard of care is observed and the animals live in natural conditions. The animal provides better recreation to the public and children.

The use of zoological parks in wildlife  

The first regular zoo movement in India was set up in the year 1885 in Chennai. In the Zoological Park, various animals enjoy protection, fresh air, recreation place, fine sunshine etc. Most importantly the zoo has become repositories of threatened wildlife and a storehouse of the knowledge of animal behavior and their breeding habits. In the park, the animals are ensuring the availability of food, water, shelter, medical care, and protection. The important aspect of the zoological park is spreading knowledge on the wildlife wealth of the country.

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