Question

How are taxonomy and evolution related?

Answer 1

Hint: The word taxonomy is derived from the Greek “taxis” which means arrangement and “nomia” which means method. Taxonomy is a method of naming, describing, and classifying organisms and plants in a specific manner.
Evolution is a process where characteristic changes occur in a species over several generations by the means of natural selection. It is a theory which basically states that all species are related and gradually change over time.

Complete answer:
Classical taxonomy which is proposed by Carl Linnaeus is a taxonomical classification based upon morphological and external features of the group of organisms. There is no correlation between organisms by the means of evolutionary characteristics and their origin. This hierarchical system is divided into groups like Kingdom, genus, and species.

But the process of taxonomy is changed in modern times and it has become more detailed and more specific. It includes more taxonomic groups to better classify organisms. The modern taxonomy is not only based upon physical characteristics but also includes evolutionary relationships. The modern system includes taxon groups are Domain, Kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species. The domain is the most general division and species is the most specific division based upon characteristics.

Note: The cladistics is the most modern form of taxonomy and closely related to Darwin’s theory of evolution. The domain is the newest classification that is added to the taxonomy. It is added as a higher classification than Kingdoms. The Domain reflects the origin of the organism and gives us an idea and co-relation between modern and ancient organisms based upon evolutionary characteristics.