Diversity of life forms Taxonomy
Taxonomy The science of classifying living organisms into different categories. Scientists classify species based on common characteristics or DNA.
Most common classification system Kingdoms Phyla Classes Orders Families Genera Species
Kingdoms (5) Unicellular organisms only visible under a microscope Protists : Unicellular. Have a nucleus. 31 000 known species Fungi : Unicellular or multicellular. Fungi feed by decomposing living or non-living matter (mineral) 150 000 known species Plants : Multicellular. Almost always contain chlorophyll.(colour green and transform energy from the sun into food) 300 000 known species Animals : Multicellular. Feed on other living organisms. 1 200 000 known species Monerans : Unicellular. No nucleus. 5000 known species Unicellular organisms only visible under a microscope
Other levels of classification Phylum (mollusks, worms, etc) Class (Fish, amphibians, reptiles, bird,etc) Order (Bats, primates, rodents,etc) Family Genus Species
Taxonomic key (Dichotomous key) It is a tool that helps identify the group that a species belongs to. http://www.mammothmemory.net/biology/characteristics-and- classifications/dichotomous-keys/dichotomous-keys.html Dichotomous means divided into two parts, a reference to the number of choices available at each stage.