1. From Bacteria to Plants Chapter 1.2/1.3 Classifying Organisms

2. Do You Classify Objects?
How would you classify the items in this classroom? Why would it be important to classify things?

3. Why Do Scientists Classify?
Classification:
grouping things based on their similarities.
organize living things so organisms are easier to study
Taxonomy:
The study of how living things are classified.

4. Using the Classification System
Taxonomic Key
Series of paired statements
Describe the physical characteristics of different organisms

5. Ex: Lions, Pumas, Housecats
Carolus Linnaeus
placed organisms into groups based on
observable features
Named organisms with
binomial nomenclature - a 2 part name
1st word: Genus
similar organisms
Ex: Types of Cats
2nd word: Species
smaller groups
Ex: Lions, Pumas, Housecats

6. Genus Species Example: Felis domesticus
Types of Cats
House Cat

7. The 8 Levels of Classification
Aristotle and Linnaeus invented today’s classification system in this order:
Domain (Broadest)
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species (Narrowest)

8. Charles Darwin’s Hypothesis: over time a species gradually changes- known as evolution
Studied Finches
Finches flew from South America to the
Galapagos islands
Adapted to the new environment
Reproduced
New generation changed slightly
to survive in that environment
Ex: different beaks
5. Finches changed to
create new species

9. 3 Domains of Life
Organisms are placed in domains and kingdoms based on:
Cell type
Ability to make food
Number of cells in their body
Bacteria
-Prokaryotes
-No nucleus
-Harmful-strep
-Helpful-yogurt
Archaea-
-Prokaryotes
-No nucleus
-Different chemistry
Eukarya-
-Eukaryotes
-Have nucleus
-Protists
-Fungi
-Plants
-Animals