1. Taxonomy And Classification
Ms. Politano
Zoology

2. Classification the grouping of information or objects based on
Taxonomy is the science of grouping and naming organisms.
Classification the grouping of
information or objects based on
similarities.

3. Aristotle Plant or animal? If an animal, does it
Fly
Swim
Crawl
Simple classifications
Used common names

5. Ghost Cat, Devil Cat, Puma, Cougar, Mountain Lion, Florida Panther

6. Carl Linnaeus
Described organisms with two word names, instead of polynomials as first developed by Aristotle.
Developed binomial nomenclature
First word = genus name
Second word = species name

7. Binomial Nomenclature
   
The genus name is written first (always Capitalized).    
The species name is written second (never capitalized).    
Example: Felis concolor or F. concolor
Which is the genus? The species?

8. All organisms classified in a hierarchy
Kingdom (broadest)
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species (most specific)

9. Species vs. Genus Species Genus
A group of similar organisms that produce fertile offspring.
Genus
- A group of similar species. The most closely related.

10. Why is taxonomy useful? Helps prevent confusion among scientists
Helps to show how organisms are related
Can be used to reconstruct phylogenies – evolutionary histories – of an organism or group

11. Dichotomous Key
A series of descriptions arranged in pairs that leads you to the identification of an unknown organism.

12. Activity: Identify an unknown animal
You will be created YOUR own dichotomous key to help identify some unknown creatures.
Remember they should contain simple yes or no questions and need to be on observable characteristcs.