Taxonomy refers to the study of the classification of species, assigning "scientific" ("latin") names to them and making sure specimens are correctly identified. Taxonomists are people who specialise in this discipline, and each taxonomist specialises in a particular group of animals or plants.

Taxonomy is the foundation of all biology, as without an accurate name for a species, it is impossible to do good science. For example, future scientists can ensure that they are studying the same species that you did and can compare your results and theirs. Another important principle is lodging voucher specimens in a museum, so that people can ensure in the future that you did indeed correctly identify the species you said you were working on.

Systematics refers to the study of the relationships between species - how closely are two species related to each other? How do those two species relate to others? Systematists (scientists who study systematics) generally use cladistic methods of analysis to uncover phylogenetic trees. This results in classifying organisms according to how they are related to each other through evolution.

Team members:

Toufiek Samaai - Sponges

Shirley Parker-Nance - Ascidians

Phil Heemstra - Fish