Numerical taxonomy | Definition | Description | Advantages | Principles | Applications

The analysis of various types of taxonomic data by the mathematical or computerized method is called numerical taxonomy or taximeters.

Adanson a French botanist, was the first to put forward a plan for assigning numerical values to the similarity between organisms. He tried to use as many characters as possible for the classification, and such classifications are recognized as Adasonian principles have developed several methods in taxonomy during recent years, and these methods are all included under numerical taxonomy.

Principles of numerical taxonomy :

Numerical taxonomy is based on certain principles which are also called Neo Adansonian Principle -

(1) The greater the content of information in the taxa of a classification system, the better a given classification will be.

(2) Every character has equal weight in creating new taxa.

(3) The science of taxonomy is viewed and practiced as an empirical science.

(4) The phenetic similarity is the base of classification.

Advantages of Numerical Taxonomy:

Sneath and Sokal have mentioned the following advantages of Numerical Taxonomy:-

(1) In comparison with the conventional taxonomy, the data in Numerical Taxonomy are collected from a variety of sources, such as morphology, physiology, chemistry.

(2) Through Numerical Taxonomy much taxonomic work can be done by less highly skilled workers.

(3) Because the numerical method are more sensitive in delimiting taxa they provide better keys and classification systems in comparison to the conventional taxonomic method .

(4) The quality of conventional taxonomy is improved by Numerical Taxonomy as a more and better-described character is used in the latter .

Applications of Numerical Taxonomy:

(1)Numerical methods are used considerably to study similarities and dissimilarities in bacteria and other microorganisms.

(2) Several angiospermic taxa are reclassified using numerical methods.