Classification Evolution Unit
Taxonomy The branch of science where scientists classify organisms and assign each a universally accepted name.
Which is the genus? The species? A two name system for writing scientific names. The genus name is written first. (always Capitalized) The species name is written second. (never capitalized) Both words are italicized if typed or underlined if hand written. Example: Felis concolor or F. concolor Which is the genus? The species? Binomial Nomenclature
Phylogeny The evolutionary history of an organism.
A family tree that shows a hypothesis about the evolutionary relationships thought to exist among groups of organisms. phylogenetic Tree
Dichotomous Key A key used to identify an unknown organism. The user is presented with a sequence of choices between two statements, based on characteristics of the organism. By always making the correct choice, the name of the organism will be revealed. Dichotomous Key