CHAPTER 3 – TAXONOMY AND BIOLOGICAL CONTROL

This chapter focuses on the importance of various aspects of taxonomy—the branch of biology that involves naming, identifying, and classifying of organisms—relative to biological control. From the perspective of applied biological control, the scientific name of an organism is of utmost importance. It provides a key to the published literature concerning zoological taxon. In biological control, the need for identification and the importance of accurate identification are significant. Two species that are very similar morphologically need not necessarily be similar biologically. Subtle differences in morphology or biology of closely related species can be profound. The correct identification of entomophagous organisms that are found in association with target pest species that may be considered for utilization in biological control programs is also very significant. An element of reciprocity exists between the biological control worker and the taxonomist, which must be fully developed to maximize the usefulness of taxonomy as an adjunct to biological control. Biological control workers can offer taxonomists important data that is necessary to complete taxonomic projects. The different types of information that are important include zoogeographical, biological, behavioral, ecological, and hybridizational data.