What does taxonomy primarily focus on in biological studies?

Taxonomy is the branch of biology that deals with the classification and naming of living organisms. It provides a systematic way to identify and categorize the vast diversity of life forms, including their relationships to one another. While taxonomy encompasses both plants and animals, its primary focus is on creating a coherent framework for understanding the biological relationships among all living entities.

In taxonomy, organisms are grouped based on shared characteristics and evolutionary history. This involves not only animals but also plants, fungi, and microorganisms. However, the classification of animals often takes precedence in certain contexts due to their complex behaviors, ecological roles, and the extensive study that has been devoted to understanding animal life throughout history.

Other options, like preserving specimens and studying ecosystems, serve different purposes within biological sciences. Preserving specimens is more about maintaining physical samples for further study and education, without which taxonomy could not function but is not the main focus of the discipline itself. Studying ecosystems, while essential for understanding ecological interactions and the environment, is primarily concerned with the interactions and relationships among organisms within their habitats, rather than the classification of the organisms themselves. Thus, while they are related fields, the core of taxonomy remains in the classification of living organisms, particularly animals in many academic environments.