The way I learned it:
TAXONOMY is primarily concerned with classification
(nomenclature, of course, being the rules of
classification).
SYSTEMATICS, is much broader, including studies of
all types of 'relationships.' In this sense, sytematics
includes taxonomy, morphology, anatomy, phylogenetics, some
genetics, cytology, floristics, biogeography, and other
fields.
The general feeling is sometimes given that the
term "taxonomy" is dry, while "systematics" is dynamic and
sexy.
The way I consider it now: Taxonomy and systematics are mostly
identical, and we choose whichever we prefer, depending on
current trends and personal choice. If systematics truly is
dynamic and 'sexy', I certainly wouldn't call myself a
taxonomist, although my students might.
Furthermore, arguing about what to classify
ourselves and our fields really is a moot point. We are
scientists who are interested in classification and
evolution of plants, regardless of what we call ourselves.
I suppose from my comments that some of y'all might
classify me as a lumper.
Doug Jensen
>>>>>>>>>Douglas P. Jensen
Department of Biology
MSC 7801
James Madison University
Harrisonburg VA 22807
phone: (540)568-3343
jensendp at jmu.edu
