Classification

1. Chapter 1, Section 4 Classification

2. Classification • Classification • Grouping of similar objects

3. Classification • Brief History • More than 2,000 years ago, Aristotle grouped organisms into plants and animals • In late 18th century, Linnaeus developed a system of classification based on similar structures

4. Classification • Modern Classification • Based on phylogeny • Phylogeny is the evolutionary history of an organism • Phylogeny is determined by looking at similarities in: • structure • fossils • hereditary information • early stages of development

5. Classification • Modern Classification • Organisms are grouped into six kingdoms • Animals • Plants • Protists • Fungi • Archaebacteria • Eubacteria • Some systems break organisms into three domains before they are broken into kingdoms

6. Classification • Modern Classification • Kingdom Kids • Phylum Playing • Class Catch • Order On • Family Freeways • Genus Get • Species Smooshed • Organisms of the same species can mate and produce fertile offspring

7. Scientific Names • Binomial Nomenclature • 2 word system of naming organisms • Developed by Linneaus • First word identifies genus • A genus is a group of similar species • Second word identifies something about the organism • Called the specific epithet

8. Scientific Names • Why use scientific names? • Helps avoid mistakes • Groups organisms with similar evolutionary histories together • Gives descriptive information about the species • Allows information about the organism to be shared easily and efficiently

9. Tools for Identifying Organisms • Dichotomous Key • Detailed list of characteristics used to identify organisms