(a species of owlet moth (Noctuid)) Some caterpillars, after they emerge from their egg, can increase their weight by 25,000 times.

Skip to page content

Primary navigation

Taxonomy and systematics

The science of taxonomy and systematics involves classifying organisms according to natural and evolutionary relationships. The system in wide use dates back to the eighteenth century, when Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus devised a way of naming, ranking, and classifying organisms. But with all our scientific progress, is this still relevant today? And what other ways are there of examining wildlife? Explore the Museum’s extensive resources to discover the answers.

  • Nephilengys malabarensis: Tropical orb-weaving spider from Sri Lanka.
    What is taxonomy?

    Taxonomy is the science of identifying and naming species and organising them into systems of classification.

  • Adam naming the creatures.
    What's in a name? A history of taxonomy

    Taxonomy is arguably the world's oldest profession, but how much has the science changed from the days when Linnaeus classified the Earth's plants and animals?

  • BumblebeeID - one of the identification guides currently available.
    Identification keys

    Identify flora and fauna in your local area with these step-by-step indentification guides.

  • Tools and Methods
    Tools and Methods

    There are many different ways to examine the natural world, from satellites to microscopes. Find out what techniques we use.

  • Nature Navigator
    Nature Navigator

    Search for wild plants and animals, discover related species and see how scientists classify them in this guide to British wildlife.

Print version
Cartoon image of a stegasaurus disappearing through closing door

The first collected specimen of Theobroma cacao, the plant from which chocolate is made, is kept in the Museum.