Systematics- is the study of the historical relationships of groups of

biological organisms- the recognition and understanding of

biodiversity. Tracing phylogeny is one goal of systematics hence, it

is considered the study of biological diversity in an evolutionary

context.

WHAT IS SYSTEMATICS? DEFINITION

G. G. Simpson in 1961 – defined it as the scientific study of the

kinds and diversity of organisms and of any and all relationships

among them. (The science of diversity of organisms)

Phenetic- similarity

Phylogenetic- kinship by descent from common ancestors

Trophic- food relationship

Geographic- spatial

-The term systematics stems from the latinized Greek word

systema as applied to the systems of classification developed by

early naturalists.

WHAT IS SYSTEMATICS? SCOPE

1. Deals with populations, species and higher taxa

2. Using the comparative methodology, determines what:

a. The unique properties of each species and higher

taxa are

b. Properties certain taxa have in common

c. The biological causes of the differences or shared

characters are

3. Concerned with variation within taxa

4. Classifies taxa making organic diversity accessible to

other disciplines

SYSTEMATICS ENCOMPASSED THE FF.

FIELDS/STUDIES

1. Biodiversity

2. Taxonomy

3. Classification

4. Nomenclature

5. Biogeography

6. Evolutionary Biology

7. Phylogenetics

WHAT IS SYSTEMATICS? CONTRIBUTIONS

1. Applied Biology

a. Epidemiology of malaria in Europe

Supposed vector, Anopheles maculipennis Meigen – found

throughout Europe

But malaria restricted to local districts

Careful taxonomic studies:

- Maculipennis = several sibling species: different

habitats/breeding habits; only some species are vectors of

malaria

- Control directed to specific areas

WHAT IS SYSTEMATICS? CONTRIBUTIONS

2. Other Fields

a. Agriculture

b. Public health

c. Ecology

d. Conservation

e. Genetics

f. Behavioral Biology

Correct identification and classification of species in:

1. Discovery and extinction of species.

2. Sources of important products:

a. Herbal medicines

b. Forests products

Estimated number of species:

EXTANT = 10M – 100M; EXTINCT = 0.5B

c. Fossil fuels

d. Other plant and animal products

We have to know what we are referring to

b. Determination

Knowing the name of the group (taxon) to which an unknown belongs

The use of Taxonomic Keys

a. Identification

Taxonomic characters

c. Nomenclature

Naming an organism (bionomial name; scientific name)

Descriptive terminology

PROCESSES INCLUDED IN SYSTEMATICS

1. Identifying the basic systematic unit (species);

2. Discovering the patterns of relationships of species

at successively higher levels;

3. Building classifications based on these patterns &

naming appropriate taxa;

4. The application of this pattern knowledge to

studying changes in organismal features through time.

Moreover, it also includes the building & maintenance

of biodiversity collections, upon which all the products

of systematic studies are based.

THE CONTRIBUTION OF SYSTEMATICS TO

BIOLOGY

No other branch of biology has made a greater contribution

to our understanding of evolution.

No thorough ecological survey can be conducted without the

most painstaking identification of all species that are of

ecological importance.

Molecular biologists are virtually interested in a sound

classification. The evolution of molecules, an increasingly

important area of research, can be understood only against

the background of a sound classification.

Made contributions on applied sciences-medicine, public

health, agriculture, conservation, management of natural

resources.