chemotaxonomy

Chemotaxonomy is a method used by scientists to classify and identify plants and other organisms based on the unique chemicals they produce. These chemical compounds, like natural fingerprints, can reveal evolutionary relationships and differences between species. By analyzing these substances, researchers can better understand how organisms are related, how they have evolved, and their potential uses in medicine, agriculture, and industry. Essentially, chemotaxonomy helps organize living things by their chemical makeup, providing insights into their biology and history without solely relying on physical features.