Classifying and Naming Living Things

Eric Stormer

Virginia Cooperative Extension

Terms to Know

• Breeds• Common Name• Cultivar• Fungi• Monera• Protista• Scientific Name• Species• Taxonomy• Variety

What is Taxonomy?

• Taxonomy is the science of naming living things.

• Taxonomy involves using Latin and sometimes Greek words in naming living organisms.

• Each known organism is given a two part Scientific Name.

• Common Names for organisms are used by non-scientists. These names can vary from one location to another.

What is the Classification System, and why is it important?

• The modern classification system involves categorizing all living organisms into seven different groups.

• The Kingdom is the first group into which organisms are classified.

• The categories become more specific with each move to the next category.

• The Phylum is more specific than the Kingdom.

What is the Classification System, and why is it important?

• The Phylum is followed by class, order, family, genus, and species.

• Species the most specific name for each organism.

Further Division of a Species

• A Variety is a group of related organisms in a species. The difference is not enough to merit another species name.

• A Cultivar (cultivated variety) is a crop variety cultivated by people that will retain its features when reproduced.

• A Breed describes animals of the same species that have definite identifying characteristics and a common origin.

Why is the classification system important?

• People in all parts of the world use the same name for an organism.

• Relationships among organisms are evident in their names.

• Differences between organisms are obvious from their names.

The Seven Categories of the Scientific Classification System

• Kingdom• Phylum or Division• Class• Order• Family• Genus• Species

The Five Kingdoms

• MONERA: One celled organisms, including bacteria.

• PROTISTA: One-celled or form collections of cells that may look like plants, including algae.

• FUNGI: Tiny yeasts to large mushrooms.• PLANTAE: Includes over 350,000 plants made of

many cells and capable of making their own food, through photosynthesis.

• ANIMALIA: Made up of many-celled organisms that can move about and get their food by ingestion or eating.

How Bacteria (Monerans) are used to produce food, fiber, etc.

• DECAY AGENT: Decaying plants/animals.• FOOD PRODUCTION: Cheese/yogurt.• MEDICINE PRODUCTION: Antibiotics.• FOOD SOURCE: Food for shrimp/oysters.• CLEAN WATER: Filters ammonia.• PROVIDE NUTRIENTS: Converts

nitrogen from the air into forms plants can use.

Ways Protistans affect life on earth.

• CAUSE DISEASE

• USE IN POLISH OR GRIND STONES

• FOOD

• ADD OXYGEN TO WATER

Ways Fungi affect living things

• Cause food spoilage• Made food products better• Provides a food sources• Provide medicines• Cause plant diseases• Damage property• Cause diseases

Ways Plants Are Used

• FOOD

• CLOTHING

• SHELTER

• PAPER

WAYS ANIMALS ARE USED

• FOOD

• CLOTHING

• MEDICINE

• POWER