1. Classification
Chapter 1, Section 4

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