1. Notes Science SPI 0807.5.1 Classification Keys
Tennessee SPI Objective:
Use a simple classification key to identify an unknown organism.
Essential Question(s)
How do I use…
1) …a dichotomous key to identify an organism?
2) …a classification table to identify an organism?
3) …a flow chart to identify an organism?
4) …a branch diagram to identify an organism?
Instructions for Students
1) Make sure you view this presentation in slideshow mode.
2) You can find instructions about how to do this by doing a Google search or by searching YouTube.
3) After you have it in slideshow mode, press the right-arrow keyboard button to advance through the presentation.
4) If you need help, please communicate with your teacher.
Success Criteria
I can…
1) …identify an organism with a dichotomous key.
2) …identify an organism with a classification table.
3) …identify an organism with a flow chart.
4) …identify an organism with a branch diagram.
ing products.
3) I can contrast adaptive and assistive bioengineering products.

2. Classification and Classification Keys
SPI
Classification Keys
Notes
Science
Classification and Classification Keys
Before we investigate classification keys, it is helpful to first examine some general classification concepts.
Starting with…
Taxonomy
Taxonomy is the science of defining, naming, and classifying organisms.
Organisms are classified according to similar physical and genetic characteristics.

3. 8 Levels of Classification
Modern Taxonomy
8 Levels of Classification
Categories go from broad to narrow
1) Domain
2) Kingdom
3) Phylum
4) Class
5) Order
6) Family
7) Genus
Broad
Narrow
8) Species

4. 8-Level Classification System
Categories go from broad to narrow
Example: Location of Rock Springs Middle School
Broad
Narrow
1) The Universe
2) Milky Way Galaxy
3) Solar System
4) Planet Earth
5) North America
6) United States of America
7) Tennessee
8) Smyrna

5. Classification Levels
Memory Trick 01
1) Domain 2) Kingdom 3) Phylum 4) Class 5) Order 6) Family 7) Genus 8) Species
Did
King
Phillip
Come
Over
From
Great
Spain?

6. Classification Levels
Memory Trick 02
1) Domain 2) Kingdom 3) Phylum 4) Class 5) Order 6) Family 7) Genus 8) Species
Donkey
Kong
Puts
Children On
Flying
Giant
Squirrels

7. Classification Criteria
In taxonomy organisms are classified according to similar physical and genetic characteristics.
Example 01: At the Domain level -organisms are classified according to whether or not their cell(s) contains a nucleus.
Prokaryotic Cell
(no nucleus)
Eukaryotic Cell
(has a nucleus)

8. Classification Criteria
In taxonomy organisms are classified according to similar physical and genetic characteristics.
Example 02: At the Class level -organisms are grouped according to similar physical characteristics.
Classes of Animals

9. Binomial nomenclature
SPI
Classification Keys
Notes
Science
Binomial nomenclature
Around 1735 Carolus Linnaeus created a two-part naming system called binomial nomenclature.
Note: In Latin “bi” means two and “nomial” means name
Uses the last 2 classification levels (Genus and Species) to name an organism.
Example: Human Beings
Genus: __________
Species: __________
Homo
Sapiens

10. 8-Level Classification System
SPI
Classification Keys
Notes
Science
8-Level Classification System
Example: Human Beings (Homo Sapiens)
1) Domain: Eukarya
2) Kingdom: Animalia
3) Phylum: Chordata
4) Class: Mammalia
5) Order: Primates
6) Family: Hominoidia
7) Genus: Homo
Binomial Nomeclature
2 part naming system
1st part
2nd part
8) Species: Sapiens

11. Example: Domesticated Dogs Genus: __________ Species: __________ Canis
Example: Wolves
Genus: __________
Species: __________
Canis
lupus
Example: Domesticated Dogs
Genus: __________
Species: __________
Canis
familaris
Example: Domesticated Cats
Genus: __________
Species: __________
Felis
catus
Example: Bottlenosed Dolphins
Genus: __________
Species: __________
Tursiops
truncatus

12. Classification: General Concepts
Review Questions
Classification: General Concepts
1) What is taxonomy? (slide 2)
2) What is binomial nomenclature? (slides 9 & 10)
3) What are the 8 levels of classification? (slide 3)
4) Which 2 levels are used for scientific names? (slide 9)
5) What is the scientific name for humans? (slides 9 & 10)

13. scientists use these keys to help them identify organisms
Classification Keys
scientists use these keys to help them identify organisms
Dichototmous Keys
Includes paired descriptive statements to identify organisms
1st Statement
2nd Statement

14. Classification Keys
scientists use these keys to help them identify organisms
Classification Tables: -has columns and rows with information

15. Classification Keys
scientists use these keys to help them identify organisms
Flow Charts: -design is similar to a concept map,
lines branch off from given traits

16. Notes Classification Keys Classification Keys
scientists use these keys to help them identify organisms
SPI
Classification Keys
Notes
Science
Branch Diagram: -looks similar to a tree branch,
listed traits apply to all those organisms that come after

17. What kind of classification key is this?
Review
What kind of classification key is this?
Classification Table
Dichotomous Key
Flow Chart
Branch Diagram