Plant Taxonomy

Taxonomy is the science of identifying and naming plant and animal species, and organising them into systems of classification. Taxonomy deals with identification, nomenclature and classification of objects of biological origin. Though Taxonomy is an age old profession, Carolus Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist is regarded as Father of Modern Taxonomy. Plant taxonomy is a branch of botany that is concerned with the identification, nomenclature and classification of plants. Plant taxonomy is the science that finds, describes, classifies, identifies, and names plants. Plant taxonomy is sometimes referred to as Systematic botany. Those who specialize in this field are called as Plant Taxonomists. Plant Taxonomists study about plant species. Plant taxonomists are botanists who work to identify, describe, classify and name plant species. Plant taxonomists identify new plant species previously unknown to the field. They also produce new source of plant genes. Plant taxonomists collect and study groups of plants, focusing on the ways species arise, relationships among them, and selective forces that have molded their characteristics. They are the scientists who classify the plant species and collect information about the species prior to its extinction. Plant Taxonomist plays a pivotal role in preserving the plant resources available in the nature. Two goals of plant taxonomy are the identification and classification of plants. Plant identification is the determination of the identity of an unknown plant by comparison with previously collected specimens or with the aid of books or identification manuals. Plant classification is the placing of known plants into groups or categories to show some relationship. Plant taxonomy is considered as 'Mother of Plant sciences' as it is the basis for all the applied disciplines of plant sciences such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Pharmacognosy, Biotechnology and so on. It focuses on how plants diversify and relate to each other over time. This is both a creative and scientific process that uses scientific classification to divide plants into taxonomic ranks. Eligibility To become a plant taxonomist one must have at least a Masters degree in Botany with specialization in taxonomy. Plant taxonomy is offered as one among the different subjects in the B. Sc and M. Sc botany courses and after completion of these courses, they should get specialized in plant taxonomy either in M.Phil. ( Master of Philosophy) or in Ph.D ( Doctor of Philosophy) degree in Botany. Personal attributes Plant Taxonomist should have a deep passion in Life Sciences. They must have natural curiosity about plants. Research and Problem solving skills are essential for them to perform their task efficiently. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are also necessary for them to interact with their colleagues. An eye for detail and familiarity with plant varieties is essential to be in this field. They should also be ready to work in the outdoor environment. Eligibility To become a plant taxonomist one must have at least a Masters degree in Botany with specialization in taxonomy. Plant taxonomy is offered as one among the different subjects in the B. Sc and M. Sc botany courses and after completion of these courses, they should get specialized in plant taxonomy either in M.Phil. ( Master of Philosophy) or in Ph.D ( Doctor of Philosophy) degree in Botany. Personal attributes Plant Taxonomist should have a deep passion in Life Sciences. They must have natural curiosity about plants. Research and Problem solving skills are essential for them to perform their task efficiently. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are also necessary for them to interact with their colleagues. An eye for detail and familiarity with plant varieties is essential to be in this field. They should also be ready to work in the outdoor environment.