18.1 Finding Order in Diversity

Classification

Why Classify?To study the

diversity of life, biologists use a classification system to name organisms and group them in a logical manner.Taxonomy

Assigning Scientific NamesCommon names can be

confusing and vary between regions.

Scientists agreed to use Latin and Greek when assigning scientific names to organisms.

This practice is still followed today as new organisms are discovered.

Binomial NomenclatureTwo-word

naming system used in differentiating a speciesGenus species

A genus is a group of related species.Ursus arctosUrsus

maritimus

Linnaeus's System of ClassificationIncludes seven levels- from smallest to

largestSpecies, Genus, Family, Order, Class, Phylum,

KingdomEach level is called a taxon.

FamilyGenera that share

many characteristics

UrsidaeUrsidae Ursus

arctosUrsidae Ursus

maritimusUrsidae Ailuropoda

melanoleuca

Linnaeus's System of Classification

OrderBroad taxanomic

category composed of similar families

CarnivoraCanidaeFelidaeUrsidae

Linnaeus's System of Classification

ClassComposed of

similar ordersMammalia

Includes animals that are warm blooded, have body hair, and produce milk for their young.

Linnaeus's System of Classification

PhylumIncludes many

different organisms that share important characteristics

ChordataMammaliaAvesReptiliaAmphibiaSeveral classes of fish

Linnaeus's System of Classification

Linnaeus's System of Classification

KingdomLargest and most

inclusive level Linnaeus started

with only 2- Animals & Plants

Now, we recognize 6! Plants, Animals,

Protists, Fungi, Archaebacteria, Eubacteria.