Glossary

systematics

Branch of biology concerned with classification and nomenclature of organisms, and the relationships between them; taxonomy.

Related terms

aff.
Abbreviation of the word 'affinis', meaning related but not identical to. Used in the fields of systematics and taxonomy when referring to undescribed specimens or populations that resemble, but are clearly different to, a described species.
cf.
Abbreviation of the word 'confer', meaning 'compare with'. Used in the fields of systematics and taxonomy to denote specimens or populations that resemble a described taxon but differ in some respects and thus may or may not represent a distinct species.
classification
In taxonomy, the arrangement of organisms into taxonomic groups according to their degree of evolutionary relatedness.
fork length
Length of a fish specimen measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the medial caudal fin rays, i.e., the deepest point of the 'fork' formed by the fin. Tends not to be used in systematics.
nomenclature
Branch of taxonomy concerned with the application of scientific names to taxa, based on a particular classification scheme and in accordance with agreed international rules and conventions.
taxoomy
Classification of organisms into groups in an ordered system based on natural relationships; the practice of arranging organisms in this fashion; carrying out classification.