chapter 7 classification – putting things into orderly groups based on similar characteristics
TRANSCRIPT
Chapter 7
Classification – putting things into orderly groups based on
similar characteristics
Why Classify ?????
• Makes it easier for biologists to answer
» How many species are there?
» What are the defining characteristics of each species?
» What are the relationships between these species?
Before 1600’s…..
• Scientists divided organisms into 2 groups:
• Plants
• Animals
1700’s….
• Carolus Linnaeus – founded modern TAXONOMY
• Taxonomy – the science of describing, classifying, and naming living things
Classification Today…..
• 8 level system based on shared characteristics
• D,K,P,C,O,F,G,S
Branching Diagrams…..
Levels of Classification…..
• Kingdom (s)
• Phylum – Phyla
• Class(es)
• Order (s)
• Family – Families
• Genus – Genera
• Species
Two-Part Names…..
• Linnaeus gave each species a 2 part name
• Part One – Genus Name
• Part Two – Species Name
• Both are Italicized (or underlined)
• Part One is Capitalized
• Part Two is NOT capitalized
Binomial Nomenclature…..
• Human – Homo sapiens
• Asian Elephant – Elephas maximus
• Skunk - Mephitis mephitis
• Gray Wolf - Canis lupus
• Dog - Canis familiaris
• Cat – Felis catus
Dichotomous Keys…..
• Special identification aid that uses sequential pairs of descriptive statements