Plant taxonomy

Abstract

The very foundation of biological sciences is based on the primary knowledge regarding diversity of life forms, their characterization and classification in the process of resolving the evolutionary lineage. With the postulation of the 'origin of species' by Charles Darwin, the conceptual foundations of classification changed course with 'Darwinism' as a directive principle. In line with the fast pace of progress in biological sciences, particularly genetics and molecular biology, 'Neo-Darwinism' took shape, and today we know what genes, gene sequences in chromosomes, and genetic combinations mean in the origin of species, and the advantages of the new knowledge in genetic manipulations in producing biota with desirable traits. However, the 'species concept' as the core foundation for classification, remains unaffected. Nevertheless, microtaxa and even populations associated by ecological and geographical locations, have gained a new meaning and identity, with the result that biodiversity defined to cover species, genes and ecosystems, has become the foundation for 'new taxonomy'. In this process, the genuineness and authenticity of taxa at micro-levels have become vital in product development and bio-improvement. It is in this context that working taxonomy (applied taxonomy) has gained the focus of attention of those concerned in quality-control operations and resources management.