Biology XI : 1. Living World(3 Taxonomical Aids)

Taxonomical Aids Taxonomical Studies Study of various species of plants and animals and is useful in agriculture, forestry, industry, etc. Useful in knowing about our bio-resources and their diversity Require correct classification and identification of organisms Identification requires intensive laboratory and field studies. Prime requisite - collection of plant and animal specimens Used for classification Information gathered is stored along with specimens. Biologists have established certain procedures and techniques (called taxonomical aids) to store and preserve information as well as specimens. Taxonomical Aids Herbarium Storehouse of plant specimens Specimens dried, pressed, and preserved on sheets These sheets are arranged according to the accepted system of classification. Herbarium sheet contains information about date and place of collection, collector’s name, local and botanical names. Also provides quick referral systems in taxonomical studies Botanical Gardens Specialised gardens for collecting living plants Grown for identification purposes Each plant labelled, indicating scientific name and family it belongs toExample − Botanical garden at Kew (England), Indian Botanical garden at Howrah (India), National Botanical Research Institute at Lucknow (India) Museums Collection of preserved plant and animal specimens Useful for study and reference Specimens are preserved in containers or jars in preservative solutions. Specimens can also be preserved dry. Insects are preserved in insect boxes after collecting, killing, and pinning.Large animals − stuffed and preserved Also have collection of skeletons of animals Zoological parks Protected environments for wild animals Provide condition similar to natural habitat Enable us to learn about their food habits and behaviour Key Keys are analytical in nature; hence used in identification of plants and animals based on contrasting characters in a pair called couplet. Out of two proposed characters, only one which is relevant is accepted while the other is rejected. Each statement in a key is called a lead. Unique for each category such as family, genus, order, etc. Other Taxonomical Aids Flora, manuals, monographs, and catalogues are other taxonomical aids. Help in correct identification Contain actual account of habitat and distribution Provide index to plant species found in a particular area Monographs contain information on any one taxon.