What is the Difference Between Typology and Taxonomy

The main difference between typology and taxonomy is that typology is the conceptually developed configurations, whereas taxonomy is empirically developed configurations.

In brief, typology and taxonomy are two types of classification structures that classify things according to their characteristics. They have many benefits in the policy of classification.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Typology
     – Definition, Features, Importance
2. What is Taxonomy
     – Definition, Features, Importance
3. Similarities Between Typology and Taxonomy
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Typology and Taxonomy
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Taxonomy, Typology

What is Typology

Typology is a type of systemic classification of things according to their common characteristics. This classification involves counting, observation, findings facts with the help of eyes and other senses, and logic. Moreover, typology plays a role in classification in several fields, including psychology, archeology, linguistics, anthropology, statistics, etc. For example, in psychology, there is a type of psychological classification of personality types. Generally, it describes the personality of different types of individuals. And, this classification is done through different types of personality traits.

Figure 1: Mcquail’s typology of media effects

Furthermore, typology classifies things according to the physical characteristics in archeology. It organizes portable artifacts into types. Larger structures, including field monuments, buildings, fortifications, or roads, can be classified according to their characteristics. The main importance of typological classification in archaeology is the ability to manage large amounts of data.

What is Taxonomy

Taxonomy is the act of describing, naming, and classifying organisms in biology. It uses morphological, behavioral, genetic, as well as biochemical observations to identify organisms. Also, in taxonomy, different plants, animals, and microorganisms are grouped into different species. Around 1.78 million species of plants, animals, and microorganisms have been named by taxonomists over the past 250 years. However, 5 to 30 million species have not yet been identified.

Figure 1: Taxonomy of Red Fox

Furthermore, a species is a potentially interbreeding group of organisms that produces fertile offspring. It is considered the fundamental level of the biological classification of organisms. That is, starting from the species, organisms are classified into large groups of organisms, which are called the taxonomic levels. Species, genera, families, orders, classes, phylum, kingdoms, and domains are in ascending order of the taxonomic levels. Moreover, taxonomists assign unique names for each type of species. The naming of the species is based on binomial nomenclature, where the first part of the name consists of the name of the genus, and the second part of the name consists of the name of the species.

Similarities Between Typology and Taxonomy

• Typology and taxonomy are two types of fields that classify things according to their characteristics.
• These fields are important for classifying organisms.

Difference Between Typology and Taxonomy

Definition

Typology refers to classification according to general type, especially in archaeology, psychology, or the social sciences, while taxonomy refers to the branch of science concerned with classification, especially of organisms; systematics.

Type of Classification

Typology classifies archaeology, anthropology, psychology, linguistics, etc., while taxonomy classifies organisms according to their characteristics.

Importance

Typology conceptually classifies configurations, while taxonomy empirically classifies configurations.

Conclusion

In brief, typology and taxonomy are two types of classification methods that classify things according to their characteristics. Generally, typology mainly involves classification in archeology, physiology, linguistics, and anthropology. It also classifies configurations conceptually. In comparison, the taxonomy classifies organisms according to their characteristics. However, it classifies configurations empirically. Therefore, the main difference between typology and taxonomy is their type of classification.

Reference:

1. “Typology.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Retrieved April 30, 2023
2. “Taxonomy.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved April 30, 2023

Image Courtesy:

1. “Mcquail’s typology of media effects” By Benettaliu – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Taxonomic Rank Graph” By Annina Breen – Own Work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia