TAXONOMY OR How do we identify organisms based on who they are related to, what they are made of, or what they do?
What does a sea moth look like?
DRAGON SEA MOTH
Taxonomy The science of classification Why classify? Huge amount of diversity among living things Helps to make sense of it all
Taxonomy How do we classify? Look for common characteristics Phylogeny (evolutionary relationships) Biochemistry Morphology Ability to reproduce – biological species
Taxonomic Levels Example: Domain: Eukaryota Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Cetacea Family: Delphinidae Genus: Tursiops Species: T. truncatus Domain - 3 Kingdom - 6 Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species
3 Domains Bacteria Archaea Eukaryota
6 Kingdoms Archaebacteria Bacteria (Eubacteria) Protista Fungi Plantae Animalia
Goals of Classification Goal # 1: Give each type of organism a unique name understood by all Binomial nomenclature – 2-name naming system: Developed by Carrolus Linneaus based on visible characteristics. Genus & species Ex. Panulirus interruptus, a.k.a. Pacific spiny lobster, rock lobster or crayfish
Goal # 2 – Group organisms according to how closely related they are “Related” means they share a common evolutionary history (phylogeny) Allows scientists to develop better understanding about organisms & make comparisons & predictions
Tree of Life