MICROTAXONOMY

Classification at the SPECIES level

 Exploratory
and
Alpha Taxonomy Consolidation

Fundamental phase

concepts of
taxonomy Biosystematic
and
Omega Taxonomy Encyclopaedic
phases
Alpha Taxonomy (Descriptive Taxonomy)

concerned with started with work

basis of
the description of Tournefort, de
morphological
and designation of Jussieu and
characters
species Linnaeus.
Beta Taxonomy (Macrotaxonomy)

arrangement of species into hierarchical system of higher

categories or taxa

developed in 20th century.

Gamma Taxonomy

• Aspect of taxonomy concerned with intraspecific population and with

phylogenetic trends
• Attempt is made to account for the origin and development of species.
• Taxonomists relate to paleobotany which includes all taxa of extinct
plant groups.
Omega Taxonomy

It is an ultimate perfect system, based Consolidation of Alpha-Omega Taxonomy

upon all available characters provides best picture on classification
alphataxonomy forms the basis
final accumulation of all data is incorporated into
omega taxonomy.
 There are three main aims of
taxonomy:
Aims of - Identification
Taxonomy - Nomenclature
- Classification.
 (a) Empirical Approach:
• It is based on practical
aspects, observation of
characters etc.
two main
(b) Interpretive Approach:
approaches • The classification is based on
interpretation and evolution
of a taxon, e.g., phylogenetic
system.
 Modern taxonomy aims to:

01 02 03 04 05
provide a provide provide an detect evolution at provide an integrating
and unifying role in
convenient method classification which inventory of taxa work, discovering the training of biology
of identification is based on natural by means of flora. its process of students regarding the
and affinities of interpreting into relationships between
communication. organisms as far as results. many biological fields
and data gathering
possible. science.