Definition of Systematics

[Amy Rossman]

Communicating about the importance of systematics to non-specialists is difficult.  Does 
anyone have any thoughts on a good definition that is understood by the lay public?  

Here are a few to comment on:

Systematics is the study of biological diversity.  It is the science 
that characterizes, classifies and names organisms based on their 
relatedness.

Systematics is the science that identifies and groups organisms by their 
similarities.

Systematics is the science that unifies biology through an understanding 
of the origins, relationships and distribution of animal and plant 
diversity.

Systematics is the science of discovering, organizing and interpreting 
biological diversity.

Amy

Amy Y. Rossman, Research Leader
Systematic Botany & Mycology Laboratory
Rm. 304, B011A
10300 Baltimore Ave.
Beltsville, MD 20705
tel. 301-504-5364
fax 301-504-5810
http://nt.ars-grin.gov 


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