How do we “classify” living organisms

Classification: the systematic grouping of organisms based on common characteristics

Taxonomy: the science of identifying, classifying, and naming living things

A. Aristotle’s System Classified as either plants or animals Then further divided things on whether or

not they flew, swam, or walked on land

B. Linnaeus System of Binomial Nomenclature

Binomial nomenclature:◦ modern classification system which uses a 2-word

naming system Was based on physical and structural

similarities First word represents the genus of a species 2nd word represents the specific epithet Genus + specific epithet = species

name

B. Linnaeus System of Binomial Nomenclature

Example:◦ Homo sapiens

“Homo” = genus “sapiens” = specific epithet

◦ Genus will always start with a capital letter◦ S.E. will always be lowercase◦ Should always be written in italics

C. Scientific vs. Common Names Animals often have common names

◦ Common names can often be misleading Taxonomists use Latin because the

language is “universal” and doesn’t change

A. Taxonomy: A Framework Taxonomy shows evolutionary relationships

in the naming of organisms It also provides a framework in which to

study relationships among living and extinct species

B. Taxonomy: A Useful Tool Using structural and physical characteristics

to identify an organism Dichotomous keys: help you determine

the species name by looking at given characteristics

A. Taxonomic Rankings Taxon: a group of organisms (plural = taxa) There are only 8 taxa to remember

◦ “DKPCOFGS” Domain (most broad) Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species (most specific)

B. The Larger Taxa OCPKD Special note, plant taxonomists use the

taxa “Division” rather than “Phylum” So for plants, it would be

◦ DKDCOFGS

Domain

Kingdom

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Eukarya

Animalia

Chordata

Mammalia

Carnivora

Felidae

Lynx

Lynx rufus Lynx canadensis

Bobcat Lynx

HOMEWORK TONIGHT Pg. 9-17

◦ #26-53 Pg. 45-46

◦ #1-10 Pg. 99-100

◦ #1-14

ASSIGNMENT FOR TODAY In NC Coach Manual, complete the following

on a clean sheet of paper. Turn in before you leave.◦ Pg # 153

1-4◦ Pg. # 155-156

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