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Taxonomy

Taxonomy is the science of classifying living organisms, though it may also refer to classifications of other things or the principles underlying classification. Taxonomy uses similarities and differences between different species that are evident in anatomy, brain and neural structure, biochemistry, and genetic material in order to classify creatures. The oldest form of classification is through the physical similarities of creatures, also called zoological taxonomy.

In biology, taxonomy has gone through numerous changes recently. Because of the advent of genetics as a tool for the classification of living things, taxonomy became based heavily on biochemistry and the genetic code rather than on gross anatomy, as was the norm during Darwin's time. This has led to numerous reorganizations of the taxonomy of life, including the introduction of other phyla and superphyla prior to these. At the root of the entire taxonomic tree today is a trunk simply labeled "Life."

Taxonomy is hierarchical in structure, but its hierarchy refers only to relationships rather than power or superiority.

The concept of a taxonomy is also used in mathematical functions and is the basis of object-oriented programming (inheritence, etc.). Taxonomies are employed in the structural organization of related information and for structuring directories and files on personal computer systems and web servers.

Web Resources On Taxonomy

Internet Resources for Biological Taxonomy & Classification
Global Taxonomy Initiative

Book Resources On Taxonomy

Typologies and Taxonomies : An Introduction to Classification Techniques by Kenneth D. Bailey
Sorting Things Out: Classification and Its Consequences by Bowker & Star

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