Finding Order in Diversity 18.1

Taxon • Group or level of organization into which

organisms are classified.

Binomial Nomenclature

• Classification system in which each species is assigned a two-part scientific name.

Genus • Group of closely related species, and the first

part of the scientific name in binomial nomenclature.

Taxonomy• Discipline of classifying organisms and

assigning each organism a universally accepted name.

Family • Group of genera that share many

characteristics.

Order

• Group of similar families.

Class

• Group of similar orders.

Phylum

• Group of closely related classes.

Kingdom

• Large taxonomic group, consisting of closely related phyla.

Key Concept

• How are living things organized for study?–To study the diversity of life, biologists

use a classification system to name organisms and group them in a logical manner.

Key Concept

• What is Binomial Nomenclature?–Each species is assigned a two-part

scientific name.

Key Concept

• What is Linnaeus’ system of classification?–Linnaeus’ hierarchical system of

classification includes seven levels. They are from smallest to largest species, genus, family, order, class, phylum, and kingdom.