1. Levels of Classification

2. The more levels shared with other organisms, the more you have in common with them and the more closely related you are.

3. 7 Levels of Classification – from broadest (most general) to most specific
1. Kingdom (least # of groups/with many organisms) 2. Phylum 3. Class 4. Order 5. Family 6. Genus 7. Species (more groups and each group has 1 type of organism)

4. Some ways to help you remember the 7 levels of classification…
King
Philip
Cried Oh
For
Goodness
Sakes
Kings
Play
Cards On
Furry
Green
Stools

5. In Linneaus’ time people thought all species stayed the same.
1859 – Charles Darwin – theory of evolution – species gradually change over time

6. Species with similar evolutionary histories are classified closely together (share more levels of classification.)

7. What information do scientists use to classify organisms?
Fossils
Comparing body structures of living organisms
Comparing reproduction and development of organisms
Chemical make-up of cells

8. 1. Fossils

9. 2. Comparing body structures of living organisms

10. 3. Comparing reproduction and development of organisms

11. 4. Chemical make-up of cells