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3 Microtaxonomy - An Introduction

Microtaxonomy involves classification at the species level. There are four main phases of taxonomy: alpha, beta, gamma, and omega taxonomy. Alpha taxonomy involves the initial description and designation of species based on morphological characters. Beta taxonomy involves arranging species into a hierarchical system of higher taxa. Gamma taxonomy examines intraspecific populations and phylogenetic trends. Omega taxonomy aims to provide a perfect system incorporating all available data from the previous phases.

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516 views11 pages

3 Microtaxonomy - An Introduction

Microtaxonomy involves classification at the species level. There are four main phases of taxonomy: alpha, beta, gamma, and omega taxonomy. Alpha taxonomy involves the initial description and designation of species based on morphological characters. Beta taxonomy involves arranging species into a hierarchical system of higher taxa. Gamma taxonomy examines intraspecific populations and phylogenetic trends. Omega taxonomy aims to provide a perfect system incorporating all available data from the previous phases.

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Harija
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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.

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