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The document discusses the importance of herbaria in scientific study, emphasizing the KNUST herbarium's family filing system for organizing plant specimens. It highlights the need for improvements in specimen labeling and record-keeping to enhance the herbarium's scientific value. The conclusion suggests that while the current system is effective, adopting additional filing methods and digitizing records could further optimize research efficiency.

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28 views2 pages

Wa0006.

The document discusses the importance of herbaria in scientific study, emphasizing the KNUST herbarium's family filing system for organizing plant specimens. It highlights the need for improvements in specimen labeling and record-keeping to enhance the herbarium's scientific value. The conclusion suggests that while the current system is effective, adopting additional filing methods and digitizing records could further optimize research efficiency.

Uploaded by

ekpehope19
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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HERBARIUM ASSIGNMENT

Name:

Index Number:

Programme:

Group:

Date:

Herbarium and Filing System


A herbarium is a collection of preserved plant specimens and associated data used for
scientific study. The specimens may be whole plants or plant parts, which are usually dried
and pressed for long-term storage. Herbaria play an essential role in plant taxonomy,
biodiversity conservation, and ecological studies. They provide a reference for plant
identification, serve as repositories for botanical research, and help track changes in plant
populations over time.

The filing system used in the KNUST herbarium is the family filing system. This system
arranges plant specimens according to their respective plant families, making it easier for
taxonomists and researchers to locate specimens based on their taxonomic classification.
Organizing specimens by family allows for a systematic approach to plant storage, ensuring
that related species are kept together, which facilitates comparative research and enhances
accessibility.

To assess the conformity of specimen labels with standard herbarium practices, our group
examined ten specimens. Proper herbarium labels should include the scientific name of the
specimen, the collector's name, the author’s name, the identifier's name, the date of
collection, a brief description of the habitat, and the climatic conditions. After evaluation, we
noted that while most labels followed standard practices, some lacked crucial details such
as habitat description and climatic conditions. These omissions can affect the scientific
value of the specimens, as they limit the usefulness of the data for taxonomic and ecological
research.

Based on our observations, improvements are necessary to enhance the quality of the
KNUST herbarium. First, all labels should contain complete information, including habitat
details and climatic conditions, to provide a comprehensive record. Second, standardizing
label formats would enhance consistency and readability, ensuring that all specimens have
uniform and easily interpretable information. Additionally, implementing digital records
alongside physical labels would allow for easier data retrieval and long-term storage.
Periodic reviews and updates of specimen records should also be conducted to maintain
accuracy and relevance.
Different herbaria around the world employ various filing systems depending on their
research focus and organizational needs. The family filing system, as used by KNUST and
the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, organizes specimens taxonomically. The alphabetical filing
system, employed by the Missouri Botanical Garden Herbarium, arranges specimens by
genus or species name for quick retrieval. The geographical filing system, used at the New
York Botanical Garden Herbarium, groups specimens based on their geographic origin.
Some herbaria adopt a chronological filing system, organizing specimens by their collection
date, which is beneficial for tracking plant population changes over time. Others, like the
Harvard University Herbaria, partially incorporate the phylogenetic filing system, arranging
specimens based on evolutionary relationships. Each system has distinct advantages, and
the choice of method depends on the herbarium’s purpose and scope.

In conclusion, the family filing system used in the KNUST herbarium provides a structured
and efficient method for storing plant specimens. However, improvements such as ensuring
complete and standardized labeling, digitizing records, and conducting regular reviews can
enhance its effectiveness. Additionally, exploring complementary filing methods may
optimize research efficiency. A well-maintained herbarium plays a crucial role in taxonomic
research, conservation efforts, and scientific education, making it an invaluable resource for
the biological sciences.

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