what is taxonomy

Taxonomy is the practice and science of categorization or classification. It involves systematically classifying elements in a defined hierarchical form. Taxonomy is used to organize and index knowledge, such as in the form of a library classification system or a search engine taxonomy, so that users can more easily find the information they are searching for. Taxonomy can refer to a categorization of things or concepts, as well as to the principles underlying such a categorization. In biology, taxonomy is the scientific study of naming, defining, and classifying groups of biological organisms based on shared characteristics). Taxonomists identify, describe, and arrange species into classifications, including those that are new to science, using morphological, behavioral, genetic, and biochemical observations. Taxonomy provides the basis for a relatively uniform and internationally understood nomenclature, thereby simplifying cross-referencing and retrieval of information.