In this lesson, you will learn In this lesson, you will learn about:about:

• The need of a classification system

• The classification of organisms into five kingdoms

Organisms also differ in size, shape and structure. However,

there are also various similarities between them. In order to study organisms in a more systematic

way, we need a system for organizing and naming them.

CLASSIFICATIONCLASSIFICATION

Variety of OrganismsVariety of Organisms

Can you find and name all the organisms in the above picture?

Diversity of OrganismsDiversity of Organisms

Estimates of the total numbers of species on Earth range from as low as 3 to 5 millions to around _____ millions.

This wide range of organisms is described as diversity of organisms.

100

Try to match the following organisms with the place where they live.

1. Shrimp A. rocky store2. Mushroom B. desert3. Penguin C. polar region4. Camel D. woodland5. Hermit crab E. river

The place or natural environment where each type of organism lives is called its habitat.

HabitatsHabitats

Terrestrial HabitatsTerrestrial Habitats

• Forests

• Grasslands

• Deserts

• “Land”

Aquatic HabitatsAquatic Habitats

• Oceans

• Lakes

• Rivers

• “Water”

To help identify and study organisms, biologists sort/classify them into groups.

Classification of OrganismsClassification of Organisms

Organisms with common characteristics and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring are put together in a group called species.

Similar species are put in a larger group called genera and so on.

Classification of OrganismsClassification of Organisms

The order of classification is as follows:

Kingdom Phylum Class Order

Family Genus Species

Organisms in the same species share more common characteristics than those in the same kingdom. That is, as we move from kingdom to species, the organisms will share more common characteristics.

Classification of OrganismsClassification of Organisms

Once classified, members from each group can be chosen as representatives

for detailed studies. Also, newly-discovered organisms can be studied by comparing them to those organisms that

have already been classified.

Each organism is given a scientific name according to the binomial system com

posing of two parts: the generic name and the specific name.

For example: the scientific name for Human is Homo sapiens

Classification of OrganismsClassification of Organisms

Classification of Organisms

In one way of classification, organisms are classified into two groups: animals and plants

What is the main difference between them? (Hints: consider their ways of obtaining food)

Plants make their own food but animals need to feed on others.

AnimalsAnimals vs.vs. PlantsPlants

• Usually move freely

• Feed on others

• Stop growing at a certain stage in life

• Usually stay at the same place

• Produce their own food

• Grow continuously throughout life

However, the classification of organisms into animals and plants is not enough.

There are exceptions and overlaps.

Nowadays, biologists group all organisms into FIVE kingdoms. This

classification system is based on:

• Cell structure

• Methods of obtaining or producing food

• Movement

• Ways of reproduction

• Etc.

The Five KingdomsThe Five Kingdoms

• Prokaryotes• Protoctists• Fungi• Plants• Animals