The main stages of formation and development of phylogenetic taxonomy

This article analyzes the development of phylogenetics as a field of biological systematics, which is engaged in identification and clarification of evolutionary relationships between species, both now living and extinct. The purpose of the article is to identify and characterize the main stages of formation and development of phylogenetic taxonomy. The article presents a brief description of the periods of phylogenetics formation from the era of the ancient world to the contemporary period, from elementary description of species to studying nucleotide sequences of macromolecular structures. The authors trace the influence of the evolution theory on the development of phylogeny, as well as its relationship with paleontological, comparative anatomy and comparative embryological studies. The review of key scientists' works which contributed to the development of this field of study is presented. Moreover, the causes of increasing and decreasing interest in the problems of phylogenetics are suggested. The authors overview the basic principles of modern phylogeny, characterize its "ideological core", identify the places of molecular genetics and quantitative methods in phylogenetic studies.