From our article you will learn what systematics is studying. This ancient biological science studies absolutely all living organisms. How is this possible? Let's get it together.
Development of science
The first information about this teaching has been known since the days of ancient Greek scientists - Aristotle and Theophrastus. It was they who made the first attempts to unite living organisms according to certain signs. These were two groups of plants: herbs and trees, as well as animals with "hot" and "cold" blood.
What systematics studies and how important it is, it became especially clear in the era of great discoveries. Information about living organisms has become much more, the number of known species has increased significantly. It became clear that the signs underlying the previous classification are not enough.
It was only in the 19th century that the Swedish natural scientist Karl Linnaeus managed to formulate scientifically what systematics are studying (it is he who is depicted in the photo). He introduced taxa into science, which are relevant in the modern period. They had a strictly hierarchical character and corresponded to certain signs. For example, the class of plants was determined strictly by the number of pistils and stamens in the flower.
Main taxa
The smallest unit of classification is traditionally view. All of them have binary, or double names. For example, silver poplar or yarrow. The kingdom is considered the highest taxon. At this stage in the development of science, there are five of them: Plants, Animals, Mushrooms, Bacteria and Viruses. Organisms belonging to them are grouped on the basis of origin, phylogenesis and structure.
Each kingdom has its own classification. For example, consider what animal taxonomy studies. The subject of her research is the signs, on the basis of which these organisms can be combined into taxa of various orders and to find out the position in the system of the organic world of individual individuals.
So, we answered the question of what systematics is studying. Its subject is the classification of living organisms. This science makes it possible to navigate in the diversity of all living things, makes their study easier and more understandable.