PALAWAN STATE UNIVERSITY

College of Sciences

Bio 103/L
SYSTEMATICS

Systematics and
Taxonomy

 Scope and aims of Systematics

Module 2  Seven component fields that systematic

encompassed
 Contributions to other fields in Biology
 Roles of Systematics in Modern Biology
 Table of Contents

Title Page …………………………………………………………………. 1

Table of Contents …………………….………………………………... 2
Learning Outcomes …….………………………………………………
3
Module Overview ……………………………………………………… 4
Initial Activity ………………………………………………………………5
Discussion ………..………………………………………………….….. 6
Scope and aims of Systematics ………………………............................................ 6

Seven component fields that systematic encompassed Contributions ……………. 10

Contributions to other fields in Biology …………………..………..……………

12
Roles of Systematics in Modern Biology …………………..………..……………….. 16

Learning Check …………..……………………………………….…….. 11 2

Evaluation ……………………………………….………………………… 17
Rubrics ………………………………….………………………………… 19
References ………………….…………………………………………….
22
.

Page 2
 Learning Objectives

After going through in this module, you should be

able to:

 Identify the scope and aims, and components of

systematics and taxonomy

 Relate the importance of studying systematics

to other fields in biology

 Describe the roles played by Systematics in

modern biology.

Page 3
 Overview

Chapter 2- Systematics and Taxonomy

Our study has now progressed to the second chapter. I'm looking
forward to working with you again! Now we'll dig deeper into our
subject, and I hope you're ready because the first module prepared
you for this chapter. We will now identify the scopes, aims, and
components of systematics, as shown on the learning objectives. We
will identify the significance of systematics from the moment it was
formed till our lives today, especially as we go along.

I'd want to ask you a question. Why are you reading this module
today? Is it necessary to study systematics? Is it significant in your
life, whether you are aware of it or not? I hope that by the end of this
chapter, you will be able to answer those questions and be able to
describe the roles of systematics in our modern world as well as their
significance in various aspects of our lives.

Page 4
 Initial Activity

Definition of Terms

The terms listed below are the ones we'll focus on and utilize the most in
this module and subsequent lectures. Define the following terms to
become familiar with them.

Systematics

Taxonomy

Description

Identification

Nomenclature

Classification

Taxonomic Hierarchy 5

Dichotomous key

Phylogeny

Page 5
 Discussion
SCOPE AND AIMS OF SYSTEMATICS

Scopes of Systematics

1. Deals w/ populations, species, & higher taxa

• Supplies needed information about these levels
• Cultivates a way of thinking
• Cultivates a way of approaching
• Biological problems important for the balance & well-being of biology as a whole.

Domain
Doctor
Kingdom
King
Phylum
Philip
Class
Came
Order
Over
Family
For
Genus
Great 6

Species
Spaghetti

Figure 1: Chart of Taxonomic Hierarchy with it’s mnemonics on the right side

Carl Linnaeus is known as the "Father of Taxonomy." His naming, ranking, and classification
system for organisms is still widely used today (with many changes). Even those opposed to the
philosophical and theological origins of his work have been inspired by his classification theories,
which have influenced generations of biologists during and after his lifetime.

Page 6
 Discussion
SCOPE AND AIMS OF SYSTEMATICS

Scopes of Systematics

2. Using the comparative method, it determines:

• what are the unique properties of each species & higher taxon
• what properties do certain taxa have in common
• what are the biological causes of the differences or shared characters are

Figure 3: Differences and shared characteristics of butterflies

Source:https
://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/national-museum-of-natural-history/2021/07/20/sev
en-bizarre-moths-celebrate-national-moth-week/

Figure 4. Homologous Embryos of Vertebrates

Source: https://www.bursahaga.com
Page 7
 Discussion
SCOPE AND AIMS OF SYSTEMATICS

Scopes of Systematics

3. Concerned w/ variation within taxa

• classification makes organic diversity accessible to the other biological disciplines
• that is why systematics holds a unique & indispensable position among biological
sciences.

Figure 2: Tree of Life

Source: https://www.productevolution.org/2017/05/tree-of-life/

Page 8
 Discussion
SCOPE AND AIMS OF SYSTEMATICS

The aims of systematics are depicted in the diagram below.

To provide
scientific
names for
organisms

To study the
environmental To describe
adaptations of organisms
organisms

To investigate
the Aims of To preserve
evolutionary collections of
histories of Systematics organisms
organisms

9
To determine To provide and
the apply
distributions of classification
organisms systems

To help
identify
organisms

Figure 5: Shows the Aims of Systematics

Source: https://www.biologyonline.com/dictionary/systematics

Page 9
 Discussion
Seven Components fields that systematic encompassed

1. Biodiversity - number & kinds of organisms.

2. Taxonomy - art & science of describing organisms

3. Classification - methods of grouping organisms - could be artificial, natural, or

evolutionary based on homology.

4. Nomenclature - science of naming organisms.

5. Biogeography - studies the distribution of organisms - aims to reveal where

organisms live, at what abundance, and why they are (or are not) found in a certain
geographical area.

6. Evolutionary Systematics - seeks to classify organisms using a combination of 10

phylogenetic relationship and overall similarity - considers taxa rather than single
species, so that groups of species give rise to new groups.

7. Phylogenetics - study of evolutionary relatedness among groups of organisms

(e.g. species, populations), which is discovered through molecular sequencing data
and morphological data matrices.

Trillo, J. (2016, March 30). Lecture 2 intro to systematics. Slide Share.

https://www.slideshare.net/JessTrillo/lecture-2-intro-to-systematics

Page 10
 Learning Check
CONCEPT MAP

Create a concept map based on what you've learned from your reading and instructor's
discussion. Include the scope, aims, and components of systematics and taxonomy. You
can insert it in the box below.

11

Page 11
 Discussion
Contributions to other fields in Biology

There is immense contribution of sys­tematics to other branches of biology and to

humankind as a whole. The study of organic diversity, prior to the rise of genetics, was
entirely carried out by systematists. Virtually all major evolutionary problems were
brought to the forefront and solved by systematists and even today new evolutionary
problems are revealed by them. A similar dependence on systematics exists in other
areas of science.

Some of the noteworthy con­tributions are:

1. Patterned Diversity:
Organic diver­sity is not chaotic but patterned, revealing all sorts of regularities.

2. Applied Biology:
The contribution of systematics, both directly and indirectly, has been noticed in applied
sciences like medicine, public health, agriculture, conser­vation, management of natural
sources etc.

(a) Epidemiology:

12

Figure 6: Anopheles mosquito as a Malaria Vector

Source:https
://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/national-museum-of-natural-history/2021/07/20/sev
en-bizarre-moths-celebrate-national-moth-week/

Malaria epidemiology is one example of how taxonomy is important and useful,

especially when it comes to health risks. Careful taxonomic research revealed the
solution to the malaria problem. Experts were able to control and stop the spread of
malaria after discovering that the Anopheles mosquito is the disease's vector. Page 12
 Discussion
Contributions to other fields in Biology

(b) Biological Control:

Another exam­ple is the biological control of insect pests. For a brief period it appeared
that biological control had become obsolete owing to the success of chemicals
(pesticides etc.), Because of the adverse effect of these chemicals on human health
applied entomologists had to revert increasingly to biological control.

The work of the taxonomist or systematics is to find out the parasites that attack the
various pests (and at which stage of the pest) and thereby the application of these
parasites can bring about a successful control of these pests.

13

Figure 7: Stenocerus fulvitarsis use to control Fern Weevil

Source:https://www.researchgate.net/figure/6-Stenocerus-fulvitarsis-Germar-1824-
macho-1-dorsal-2-lateral-Stenocerus_fig1_262757385

The discovery of S. fulvitarsis, a braconid (parasitoid wasps) parasite on the larvae of

the weevil, was utilized to control the harmful Sadleria ferns weevils in Hawaii, thanks to
taxonomy (1920).

Page 13
 Discussion
Contributions to other fields in Biology

(c) Wildlife Management:

We are aware that deforestation and indiscriminate killing of animals have resulted in
dis-balance of nature. Many species of plants and ani­mals have become extinct and
many are on the road to extinction. Taxonomists have con­tributed to environmental
protection by identifying all such endangered plants and animals that are endangered
due to anthro­pogenic causes.

Figure 8: Lemur is a unique species

of mammal found only on the island
of Madagascar. Nearly 101 different
species of lemurs live there. But
studies have found that 90% of
lemurs are in the risk of extinction.
This condition was caused by the
destruction of habitat and
overhunting.

Source:
https://themysteriousworld.com/most-
beautiful-endangered-animals/

(d) Determination of sequential events:

Dating of rocks is generally done through radioactive decay, but sedentary rocks can be
dated through their enclosed flora and fauna. The taxonomist plays a vital role by identi­
fying such flora and fauna and formulating a clear picture of the geological events. Such
work has often been of great value, particu­larly in the success of oil industries in 14
America.

(e) Environmental problems:

Various environmental problems have been success­fully tackled by systematists.

Environmental problems such as pollution, leads to the per­sistence of certain non-
biodegradable pollu­tants in the environment. Tracing the move­ment of these pollutants
in the food chain requires the identification of the various species that constitute the
biotic community.

Present advances in systematics have revealed that various species of plants and
animals act as indicators of pollution. The identification of such species in a particular
location helps in the rapid and inexpensive monitoring of the pollutants that degrade the
concerned environment.
Page 14
 Discussion
(f) Soil fertility:

Many animals and microbes play important role in increasing soil fertility. It is essential to
locate such species and detect the role they play in soil fertility, so that such species can
be utilized in agricultural management practices.

Figure 9. A mycorrhiza is a mutual

symbiotic association between a fungus
and a plant. The term mycorrhiza refers to
the role of the fungus in the plant's
rhizosphere, its root system. Mycorrhizae
play important roles in plant nutrition, soil
biology, and soil chemistry.
Photo credit: UC ANR.
Source:https
://organicfarmermag.com/2021/08/mycorrhi
zal-fungi-for-plant-systems-the-how-and-th
e-why/

(g) Introduction of commercially important species:

Based on sound syste­matics various commercially important species have been

established in India and other countries. Correct identification of such species and the
role they play in the eco­system provides useful information for their introduction.

Apis mellifera (the Italian honey bee), Cyprinus carpio (common carp) etc. are some
exotic species that have been success­fully introduced in India. This has been made
possible only through correct identification by the systematists.
15
3. Theoretical Biology:
Population thinking has come into biology due to taxo­nomy and systematics. One of the
two roots of population genetics is systematics. The problem of multiplication of species
was solved by them.

It was systematics who con­tinued to uphold the importance of natural selection when
early Mendelian’s thought that mutation had eliminated the role of natural selection as an
evolutionary under­standing of mimicry, provided the first clear proof of the importance of
natural selection in evolution.

The development of ethology and the study of the phylogeny of behavior were
developed by the taxonomist and naturalists. Thus, systematics have contributed to a
healthy balance in biological science.

Page 15
 Discussion
Roles of Systematics in Modern Biology

1. Systematists identify and document Earth’s biodiversity, and organize

this information in a form that can be utilized by others.

2. Systematic patterns are hypotheses of the history of life and form the
basis for modern classifications.

3. Phylogenetic patterns that result from systematic studies, and

classifications derived from them, have predictive value.

4. Systematics provides a basis for biodiversity conservation priorities.

5. Systematics provides independent evidence for patterns of geological

change. 16

6. Systematists and systematic collections provide identification services

and documentation of identity.

Eschmeyer, W. (2011 September). What is systematics and why is it important?..

https://bayanbox.ir/view/395263130224454826/What-is-systematics-and-why-is-it-important.p
df

Page 16
 Evaluation

WRITTEN OUTPUT

 Read at least three journal articles that describe systematics and taxonomy's
contributions to other fields of biology and then write a Reaction Paper.

 Minimum of 500 words

 Font style: Arial; Font size: 12
 8 x 11 paper size
 1.5 Line Spacing

PERFORMANCE TASK

 You will be divided into groups and will make a documentary video.
 After that, you will relate the importance of systematics in medicine and
describe its roles in modern biology.
 Upload your documentary video on the g-classroom stream with your group
names.
 You can use the references indicated on the next page or any other sources.
 For those who will take asynchronous class, you will make a poster of this
performance task.

To address the roles of Systematics in Modern Biology through this activity,

your presentation should contain or answer the following:

1. Common ancestry of Bacteria. 17

2. How bacteria came to be as they are today?
3. Comparison of traits among the bacteria groups and determination of possible
new species.
4. Beneficial and Non-beneficial bacteria (give at least 5 example species for each
category)
5. Is there a microbial conservation?
6. Is it necessary to have a bacterium voucher specimen?
7. Is there a microbial culture collection/museum?

Page 17
 Evaluation

PERFORMANCE TASK

Here are some websites where you can utilize to perform this activity.

 Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences. (2020, March 27). A Systemic Approach.
LabXchange.
https://www.labxchange.org/library/items/lb:LabXchange:1c52f080-e4a7-38e1-b
bfc-328a27875ddb:html:1

 Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences. (2020, March 20). Prokaryotic Diversity.
Labxchange.
https://www.labxchange.org/library/pathway/lx-pathway:da802e57-48e5-324d-82
d9-689e813c0602/items/lx-pb:da802e57-48e5-324d-82d9-689e813c0602:html:a
365cdf1

 Bacterial Infections 101: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments. (2020, April 21).
OnHealth. https://www.onhealth.com/content/1/bacterial_infections

 B. (n.d.). Methods of Classifying and Identifying Microorganisms | Boundless

Microbiology. Lumen. Retrieved September 17, 2021, from
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-microbiology/chapter/methods-of-c
lassifying-and-identifying-microorganisms/

 A Guide to Bacteria Preservation. (n.d.). OPS Diagnostics LLC. Retrieved 18

September 17, 2021, from
https://opsdiagnostics.com/notes/ranpri/aguidetobacteriapreservation.htm

 Raven, P., Johnson, G., Mason, K., Losos, J., & Duncan, T. (2019). Biology (12th
ed.). McGraw-Hill Education. (Pages 545-564; Downloadale in g-classroom)

Page 18
 Rubrics
RUBRICS FOR CONCEPT MAP
Criterion 5 4 3 2 1
The
The diagram The Some The diagram diagram is
General looks diagram elements of the is not well not well
excellent in appeals to diagram looks prepared. prepared.
Impression
appearance. the senses. alright. The layout is The layout
disorderly. is
disorderly.

Graphics Graphics are Graphics Graphics Graphics

Graphics/Drawing harmonize sufficient to have a little bit has no has no
Impact s with the elicit a of impact to impact at impact at
content. favorable the viewer. all. all.
response .
About 90% About 10%
About 25 %
of the At least 75% of About 50% of of the
Content of the content
content in the content in the content in content in
in the
Accuracy the diagram the diagram is the diagram is the diagram
accurate. accurate. diagram is
is accurate. is
accurate. accurate.

All relevant
figures, Almost all of Many of the
No No
pictures, the figures, figures and
captions or captions
Captions and and tables pictures, and pictures are
labels are or labels
labels are tables are la-
found or are found
captioned captioned or beled/captione
labeled. lacking. or lacking.
or d. 19
labeled.

Almost no Have 1-2 Have 3-4 Have 5-6 Have 7-8

Grammar and spelling or spelling or spelling or spelling or spelling or
Spelling grammatical grammatical grammatical grammatical grammatical
errors. errors. errors. errors. errors.

TOTAL
Instructor’s Comments:

Page 19
 Rubrics
RUBRIC FOR REACTION PAPER
Traits 5 4 3 1-2 Points
There is one clear, There is one clear, There are The topics and
well- focused topic. well- focused topic. multiple topics. main ideas are
Main ideas are clear Main ideas are Main ideas are not clear.
Focus and are well clear but are not somewhat
and supported by well supported by clear.
Details detailed and detailed
accurate information.
information.
Thoughts and ideas Thoughts and ideas Most of the The essay
are creative. The are creative. thoughts and is plain and
voice is original, and ideas are without
the essence of the Most of the creative. Some creativity.
Creativity topic is unique. parts are parts are
original and familiar.
creatively
unique.
The whole essay is Most of the parts are Few parts are The whole
organized. States the organized. The not organized. essay is not
main topic and introduction states The introduction organized.
provides an overview the main topic and states the main There is no
of the paper. provides an topic. A clear
Organization Information is overview of the conclusion is introduction
relevant and paper. A conclusion included. , structure,
presented in a is included. or
logical order. The conclusion.
conclusion is strong.

All sentences are Most sentences are Most sentences Sentences

well constructed and well constructed are well sound
Sentence have varied and have varied constructed, but awkward, are
structure and structure and they have a distractingly 20
Structure,
Grammar, length. The author length. The author similar structure repetitive, or
Mechanics, & makes makes and/or length. are difficult to
Spelling The author understand.
The author

Total

Instructor’s Comment

Page 20
 Rubrics
RUBRIC FOR VIDEO PRESENTATION
Objectives Criteria Points
2 3 4 5
Organization Audience cannot Audience has Students Students presents
understand difficulty presents in in logical,
presentation following logical sequence interesting
because there is presentation which audience sequence which
no sequence of because student can follow. audience can
information. jumps around. follow.

Content Student does not Students is Student is at Students

Knowledge have grasp of uncomfortable ease with demonstrates full
information; with information content, but fails knowledge (more
student cannot and is able to to elaborate. than required) with
answer questions answer only explanations and
about subject. rudimentary elaboration.
questions.

Visuals Student used no Student Visuals related to Student used

visuals. occasional used text and visuals to reinforce
visuals that presentation. screen text and
rarely support presentation.
text and
presentation.

Delivery Students Student Student’s voice is Student used a

mumbles, incorrectly clear. Student clear voice and
incorrectly pronounces pronounces most correct, precise
pronounces terms. Audience words correctly. pronunciation of
terms, and members have terms.
speaks too difficulty hearing
quietly for presentation. 21
students in the
back of class to
hear.

Total
Instructor’s Comments

Page 21
 References

Raven, P., Johnson, G., Mason, K., Losos, J., & Duncan, T. (2019). Biology (12th ed.).
McGraw-Hill Education.

CDC - DPDx - Pneumocystis. (2017, December 30). Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/pneumocystis/index.html

(Biology Online. 2021, June 28). Phylogeny Definition and Examples - Biology Online
Dictionary. Biology Articles, Tutorials & Dictionary Online.
https://www.biologyonline.com/dictionary/phylogeny

Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences. (2020, March 20). Prokaryotic Diversity. Labxchange.
https://www.labxchange.org/library/pathway/lx-pathway:da802e57-48e5-324d-82d9-689e813
c0602/items/lx-pb:da802e57-48e5-324d-82d9-689e813c0602:html:a365cdf1

Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences. (2020b, March 27). A Systemic Approach.
LabXchange.
https://www.labxchange.org/library/items/lb:LabXchange:1c52f080-e4a7-38e1-bbfc-328a278
75ddb:html:1

Definition of Developmental Homologies. (2021, September 16). BURSAHAGA.COM.

https://www.bursahaga.com/

Magazine, S. (2021, July 19). Seven Bizarre Moths to Celebrate National Moth Week.
Smithsonian Voices | National Museum of Natural History Smithsonian Magazine.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/national-museum-of-natural-history/2021/07/20/seve
n-bizarre-moths-celebrate-national-moth-week/

Biology Online. (2021, February 26). Systematics Definition and Examples - Biology Online
Dictionary. Biology Articles, Tutorials & Dictionary Online.
https://www.biologyonline.com/dictionary/systematics 22

Trillo, J. (2016, March 30). Lecture 2 intro to systematics. Slide Share.

https://www.slideshare.net/JessTrillo/lecture-2-intro-to-systematics

J. (2020, October 9). Top 10 Most Beautiful Endangered Animals. The Mysterious World.
https://themysteriousworld.com/most-beautiful-endangered-animals/

G, M. (2016, October 20). Systematics: Meaning and Contribution | Zoology. Zoology Notes.
https://www.notesonzoology.com/taxonomy/systematics-meaning-and-contribution-zoology/4
138

Eschmeyer, W. (2011 September). What is systematics and why is it important?..

https://bayanbox.ir/view/395263130224454826/What-is-systematics-and-why-is-it-important.
pdf

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