Morphology is the study of the form and structure of organisms, including their physical characteristics such as shape, size and arrangement of parts. Morphology is key to taxonomy, the science of classifying organisms, as scientists use morphology to identify and study species, as well as to explore evolutionary processes.
Identifying species is challenging – even with large animals and plants, says Utah State University ecologist Norah Saarman.
“Trying to visually identify different species in small organisms such as mosquitoes is extremely difficult, as the species are very similar and their body parts are so tiny,” Saarman said. “Even with magnification and training, efforts to accurately identify a specific species are often inconclusive.”
Yet accurate identification is crucial in attempts to…