Class Notes 1: Linnaean Classification

I. Classification A. Organisms can be classified based on physical similarities.

B. Linnaeus developed the scientific naming system still used today. 1. Taxonomy is the science of naming and classifying organisms. White oak: Quercus alba 2. A taxon is a group of organisms in a classification system.

C. Binomial nomenclature is a two-part scientific naming system. 1. uses Latin words 2. scientific names always written in italics 3. two parts are the genus name and species descriptor

D. A genus includes one or more physically similar species. 1. Species in the same genus are thought to be closely related. 2. Genus name is always capitalized. E. A species descriptor is the second part of a scientific name. 1. always lowercase 2. always follows genus name; never written alone Tyto alba

II. Linnaeus’ classification system has seven levels. A. Kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species. B. Levels get increasingly specific from kingdom to species. C. System is limited because it is based only on physical similarities.

Summary What are the 2 parts in binomial nomenclature? What are the 7 levels of Linnaean nomenclature? What is the most general? What is the most specific?