The History of Classification and Taxonomic Systems
Early Classification Systems Aristotle’s Classification System: Plants Herbs Shrubs Trees Violets Rosemary Onions Blackberry Bush Honeysuckle Flannelbush Apple Oak Maple Animals Land Water Air Wolf Cat Bear Dolphin Eel Sea bass Owl Bat Crow
Early Classification Systems Continued
Comparing Classification Systems Aristotle Linnaeus Aristotle’s categories were very general As new organisms were discovered, scientists were unable to classify organisms under these categories. Ex. Frogs live on land and in water. More specific We use this system today The system is called taxonomy
Taxonomy Linnaeus’s system used the principles of taxonomy. Taxonomy: The discipline of identifying, naming and classifying species based on their natural relationships
Binomial Nomenclature Taxonomic organization includes a term called Binomial Nomenclature. This means that the scientific name of a species contains two names 1.) Genus name 2.) Species name Example: Humans: Homo sapiens Homo – Genus name sapiens – Species name
Today’s Taxonomic Categories Highlighted categories are the actual scientific name (Bionomial Nomenclature). Species Most specific category Genus Containing related species Family Containing related genera Order Contains related families Class Contains related orders Phylum Contains related classes Kingdom Contains related Phyla or divisions Domain Broadest category that contains one or more kingdoms
How to remember the order of the Taxonomic System Domain – Dumb Kingdom – Kings Phylum – Play Class – Cards Order- On Family – Fancy Genus – Green Species – Stools “Dumb kings play cards on fancy green stools.”
Classification Video Classification Video
Exit Questions 1.) Why is it important to have a biological classification system? 2.) Compare and contrast Linnaeus and Aristotle’s systems of classification. 3.) Define and describe binomial nomenclature.