Jornal de Biodiversidade e Espécies Ameaçadas

Taxonomy-The Crucial yet Misunderstood and Disregarded Tool for Studying Biodiversity

Abstract

Qudsia Tahseen

This article presents a detailed overview about one of the most important yet neglected fields of science, the Taxonomy, its relevance and the various impediments faced by it in recent times. Since the period 2011-2020 has been declared the Biodiversity decade, the Convention of Biodiversity has laid major emphasis on the inventory and conservation of biodiversity. However, it is a fact that the ignorance about our faunal and floral wealth can be detrimental for our own survival. With the decline in taxonomy and the disappearance of taxonomists worldwide, we are slowly heading towards a state of uncertainty and chaos as most of our studies require an accurate identification of test organism which is not a job that anyone or everyone can do. Therefore, this article highlights the stringent measures that are required to be taken by the taxonomists as well the various policy making agencies towards the revival and promotion of Taxonomy.