In this lesson, you will learn about: The need of a classification system The classification of organisms into five kingdoms

Organisms also differ in size, shape and structure. However, there are also various similarities between them. In order to study organisms in a more systematic way, we need a system for organizing and naming them.

CLASSIFICATION

Variety of Organisms Can you find and name all the organisms in the above picture?

Diversity of Organisms Estimates of the total numbers of species on Earth range from as low as 3 to 5 millions to around _____ millions. This wide range of organisms is described as diversity of organisms. 100

Try to match the following organisms with the place where they live. 1. Shrimp A. rocky store 2. MushroomB. desert 3. PenguinC. polar region 4. CamelD. woodland 5. Hermit crabE. river The place or natural environment where each type of organism lives is called its habitat. Habitats

Terrestrial Habitats Forests Grasslands Deserts “Land”

Aquatic Habitats Oceans Lakes Rivers “Water”

To help identify and study organisms, biologists sort/classify them into groups. Classification of Organisms Organisms with common characteristics and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring are put together in a group called species. Similar species are put in a larger group called genera and so on.

Classification of Organisms The order of classification is as follows: Kingdom  Phylum  Class  Order  Family  Genus  Species Organisms in the same species share more common characteristics than those in the same kingdom. That is, as we move from kingdom to species, the organisms will share more common characteristics.

Classification of Organisms Once classified, members from each group can be chosen as representatives for detailed studies. Also, newly- discovered organisms can be studied by comparing them to those organisms that have already been classified.

Each organism is given a scientific name according to the binomial system composing of two parts: the generic name and the specific name. For example: the scientific name for Human is Homo sapiens Classification of Organisms

In one way of classification, organisms are classified into two groups: animals and plants What is the main difference between them? (Hints: consider their ways of obtaining food) Plants make their own food but animals need to feed on others.

Animals vs. Plants Usually move freely Feed on others Stop growing at a certain stage in life Usually stay at the same place Produce their own food Grow continuously throughout life However, the classification of organisms into animals and plants is not enough. There are exceptions and overlaps.

Nowadays, biologists group all organisms into FIVE kingdoms. This classification system is based on: Cell structure Methods of obtaining or producing food Movement Ways of reproduction Etc.

The Five Kingdoms Prokaryotes Protoctists Fungi Plants Animals