SUMMARY
The living world has a wide range of species. Numerous species of plants and animals are still unknown despite the identification and description of millions of them. We look for the distinguishing traits of living things in order to enable the study of types and diversity of organisms easier because of the wide variety of creatures in terms of size, colour, habitat, physiological, and morphological qualities. For the identification, nomenclature, and classification of species, biologists have developed certain rules and principles. Taxonomy is the field of study that deals with these elements. The taxonomic studies of different species of plants and animals are helpful for understanding our bio-resources and their diversity in agriculture, forestry, industry, and in general. the fundamentals of taxonomy, such as identification. The basics of taxonomy like identification. naming and classification of organisms are universally evolved under international codes. Based on the resemblances and distinct differences. each organism is identified and assigned a correct scientific/biological name comprising two words as per the binomial system of nomenclature. An organism represents/occupies a place or position in the system of classification. There are many categories/ranks and are generally referred to as taxonomic categories or taxa. All the categories constitute a taxonomic hierarchy.
Taxonomists have developed a variety of taxonomic aids to facilitate Identification, naming and classification of organisms. These studies are carried out from the actual specimens which are collected from the field and preserved as referrals in the form of herbaria, museums and in botanical gardens and zoological parks. It requires special techniques for collection and preservation of specimens In herbaria and museums. Live specimens, on the other hand, of plants and animals, are found in botanical gardens or in zoological parks Taxonomists also prepare and disseminate information through manuals and monographs for further taxonomic studies. Taxonomic keys are tools that help in identification based on characteristics.
