what are the various taxomical aids used for understanding the principles of taxonomy

Taxonomical aids are the collections of samples or preserved organisms which help in extensive research for the identification of various taxonomical hierarchy. Classifying organisms into various categories, needs a lot of field and laboratory study. This is so important because taxonomic categorisation helps in identifying many organisms necessary in various fields like agriculture, industries, bio – resources, etc.


Herbarium

It is a store that houses a collection of preserved plant species. Plant specimens are preserved in forms of herbarium sheets which are prepared by drying, pressing and preserving the samples on sheets. These sheets are then arranged in their order of classification in the taxonomical hierarchy. These herbarium sheets carry all the information about the respective specimen.

Botanical garden

These are gardens in which specific plants are grown and are labelled according to their taxonomy. Thus, the labels carry their scientific names and family. The main purpose of botanical gardens is to identify the plant species under consideration.

Museum

Biological museums are found in schools and colleges; like the biology laboratory that we find in our schools. In these museums, plant and animal species are preserved in jars and containers with the help of appropriate preservatives. They may also be dried and preserved. Birds and larger animals are usually stuffed before preserving and insects are killed and pinned in boxes. We sometimes find skeletons of various animals in there too.

Zoological park

These are places where animals and birds are kept in protected boundaries. An attempt is made to provide them with a habitat closest to their natural habitats. Thus, we get a chance to learn about their natural habits and behaviour. Zoological parks are open for human visits.

Key

This is a taxonomical aid where plants and animals are recognised based on contrasting characteristics known as keys. Two contrasting keys are generally kept as a pair, thus leading to acceptance of once and rejection of another.

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