Q. Anatomy in relation to taxonomy?

The use of anatomical* characters in taxonomy began with the development of the microscope which provided the biologist a new tool to observe the internal structure of organs and tissues. it was realised that anatomicai characters are just as valuable as morphological ones. All parts of a plant provide numerou5 features which have been used for taxonomic purposes. Some anatomical features are very diagnostic and are commonly used in routine identification. We also know that this subject is of great importance to scientists who are called upon to identify small samples scraps of plant material for particular purposes such as pharrnacogonosist in the determination of the source of a drug, or by a forensic expert who may be able to provide clues to a crime investigation, besides others. These and other similar observations have firmly established the role of anatomy in plant identification and classification.

The leaf is perhaps the most varied organ of the angiosperms and provides many anatomical characters of potential taxonomic significance. Investigation of the anatomy of leaves from plants following these pathways has brought out several significant features associated with the two types. The most distinct character observed in the leaves, is the presence of prominent chlorenchymatous sheath surrounding the vascular bundles in the leaves of plants showing the C4 pathway and them absence in the leaves of plants showing the C, pathway. Thus, the leaf anatomy also provides information about the photosynthetic efficiency of a plant.