Three systems of Botanical Classification, are now in favor. The Phyletic system attempts to reconstruct the evolutionary family tree of species through fossil records and functional similarities. Statistical methods are then applied to deduce the best way of grouping species based on these features. The system used for this site follows the Phyletic approach. We limit ourselves to the species an amateur naturalist would most likely concentrate on.
Taxonomy highlights our biological history.
The establishment of these Phyla help to expose the familial relationships among all living beings. Although these grouping often encompass gross structural similarities, the naturalist needs to know which structural aspects to focus on. See the introduction to the Plant Kingdom for examples. In short, Taxonomy teaches us history, it helps us identify species, and it shows how livings things are related to each other in ways we might not have otherwise considered. Most importantly, by focusing our attention towards the details, we gain a much better appreciation for the intricacy, uniqueness, and beauty of all of our Earthly cohabitants.