Taxonomical Aids

Earth has a wide variety of living organisms that differ in size, shape, nutrition, reproduction, and habitat. To study and classify these organisms systematically, scientists use biological classification. Since organisms are known by different names in different regions, a universal scientific naming system called nomenclature is used to avoid confusion.

For plants, scientific names are governed by the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN), while for animals, they are governed by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN).

Key

• A key is a tool used for identifying organisms based on differences in characteristics.
• It is based on contrasting pairs of characters (couplets).
• Each choice leads to identification.
• Each statement is called a lead.
• Used for quick and accurate identification.
• Separate keys are used for different taxonomic categories.

Herbarium

• A herbarium is a collection of dried and preserved plant specimens.
• Plants are collected, dried, pressed, and mounted on sheets.
• Each sheet contains details such as scientific name and family, common/local name, place and date of collection, and name of collector.
• Specimens are arranged systematically.
• It used for reference in research and identification.

Botanical Garden

• Botanical gardens are places where living plants are grown and maintained.
• It used for education, research, and conservation.
• Plants are labelled with scientific names and family.
• Provide ex-situ conservation (outside natural habitat).
• Examples include Indian Botanical Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, and National Botanical Research Institute.

Museum 

• Museums store preserved plant and animal specimens.
• The smaller specimens are preserved in jars, containers, or as dry samples
• Larger animals may be preserved through taxidermy (stuffing).
• In museums skeletons are also displayed.
• It is useful for study and education.

Zoological Park

• Zoological parks are places where living animals are kept in protected environments.
• Allow study of animal behaviour, feeding, and breeding.
• Provide education and awareness.
• Help in conservation of endangered species.
• Also provide ex-situ conservation.