Biological Systematics

Biological systematics encompasses three distinct activities: taxonomy, classification (which may or may not be a reasonable reflection of phylogeny) and nomenclature (Fig. 1). Although systematists rigorously and distinctly practice these three components, they are often amalgamated under the term “taxonomy.” While the breadth of “taxonomy” is clearly understood among most practitioners, it can obscure the methodology and practices of modern systematics to others. On the other hand, not all systematists work across the full breadth of systematics. For example, they can be engaged in the study of molecular phylogenies without applying the results of their studies to the nomenclature of the group. Similarly, the resolution of nomenclatural issues can be carried out without a phylogenetic study of the species or the generation of a new classification, but usually not without extensive library resources.