The Enduring Roots: Why Classical Plant Taxonomy Matters in AI-Driven Forestry Research

The Enduring Roots

Abstract

Despite all the progress in the use of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, remote sensing, and genomics in modern biological research, classical plant taxonomy is one of the key aspects of forestry investigation. Taxonomy still requires accurate identification, classification, and interpretation of plants based on morphological, anatomical, herbarium, and field observations. Modern AI-based forestry applications such as such as drone-based species recognition, automated forest monitoring, predictive ecological modelling, and biodiversity informatics require validated taxonomic datasets generated by skilled taxonomists. This feature article discusses the continuing importance of classical plant taxonomy in contemporary forestry research, particularly in areas such as biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, ecosystem restoration, wood and timber authentication, and forest resource management. The article further highlights how integrative taxonomy—combining morphology, molecular biology, ecology, and artificial intelligence—represents the future direction of forestry science. Recent studies have demonstrated that while AI significantly enhances the speed and scale of ecological analyses, it cannot replace the biological insight, species concepts, and interpretative capacity provided by classical taxonomy. Instead, AI and taxonomy should be viewed as complementary disciplines that together strengthen modern forestry research and sustainable forest management.