Systematics vs. Taxonomy

[Richard Jensen]

Taxonomy, as originally defined, included naming and classification.  It seems
to me that the methods employed to construct the classification are immaterial -
constructing classifications is a taxonomic goal.

Richard Zander wrote:

> At one time, "systematics" and "taxonomy" meant much the same thing. I
> wonder how many Taxacomers have noted a recent difference in use of these
> words, where systematics is now defined as phylogenetic analysis and its use
> in classification, while taxonomy sums up plant exploration, identification,
> curation, nomenclature, biogeography, chromosome numbers, and token analysis
> with PAUP.
>
> ______________________
> Richard H. Zander
> Bryology Group
> Missouri Botanical Garden
> PO Box 299
> St. Louis, MO 63166-0299
> richard.zander at mobot.org <mailto:richard.zander at mobot.org>
> Voice: 314-577-5180
> Websites:
> http://ridgwaydb.mobot.org/bfna/bfnamenu.htm
> http://ridgwaydb.mobot.org/resbot/index.htm

--
Richard J. Jensen              | tel: 574-284-4674
Department of Biology      | fax: 574-284-4716
Saint Mary's College         | e-mail: rjensen at saintmarys.edu
Notre Dame, IN 46556    | http://www.saintmarys.edu/~rjensen