Systematics of animals. What it is

Our planet is rich in living organisms. Therefore, the problem of their accounting has long arose. For this there is a systematics. It is a science that studies and classifies the entire animal and plant world. The systematics of animals is based on the compilation of a system describing all the representatives of this kingdom, including extinct ones. This system is constantly updated.

New data, which are used in the classification, allow the creation of new classes of animals. Insects alone number about a million species. The grouping of animals makes it possible to trace their historical development, that is, phylogeny.

The taxonomy of animals shows the evolution of the animal world. On the basis of her data, we can say that the simpler forms of animals are replaced by more complex ones that adapt to new environmental conditions.

The process of evolution can not be restored. Therefore, the taxonomy of animals makes it possible to partially trace the development of the animal world.

Any group of animals is divided into smaller subgroups. Systematics is concerned with the distinction of animals, their distribution into groups in the right order. This process involves three stages.

The first stage is to describe the group and distribute it by birth. Especially this level is important for those groups that are little-studied or very numerous. This includes many groups of insects.

The second stage is to find links between individual groups, which can be attributed to high ranks. At the same time, they study morphological, embryological similarities, which indicate the relationship between them. This stage makes it possible to trace how the animals changed in the course of evolution.

The third stage involves the study of the relationships between individual species. Here there is a comparison at the population level. Usually it is carried out in well-studied groups. At the same time they find out why this or that species is so diverse.

The taxonomy of animals gives a complete picture of the rich fauna of the planet. Without this science, the whole course of evolution could not be traced with precision. There would not be a valid database, but only chaotic information.

The object of taxonomy is a taxon. Taxa are groups of populations that occupy a certain place in the classification system.

Each taxon has two categories of features. The first category is called typological. It is based on only morphological features. That is, each species has its own structure or a certain type. This is what determines its place in the classification system. This concept is successfully used to study and systematize paleontological finds.

The second category is biological. For living organisms, it is more suitable. Here the preference is given to the criterion of crossing. A separate species is isolated reproductively from other species.

The diversity of living organisms makes it difficult to properly classify them. It is not always possible to establish with accuracy whether the selected animals are a separate species or are simply genetically modified individuals characteristic of a given territory. In addition, some species of animals can still change under the influence of the external environment.

But, nevertheless, the importance of animal taxonomy is enormous. It gives each species its name in Latin, which eliminates confusion in the case of the use of vulgar names.

Today the systematics is experiencing a period of new development. We use mathematical methods, computer programs, DNA analysis and many other scientific developments that allow us to get a better idea of the rich animal world of the planet.