History of Classification
Why is there a need to Classify organisms? There are well over 2 million different types of organisms known.
Taxonomy. The branch of Biology that involves the classification of organisms is called Taxonomy.
Make a Table to record the Historical Timeline of Classification Date Person Contribution
Early classification: 4th century BC: Aristotle observed and grouped over 500 different animals. He divided organisms into two groups: Plants and Animals
Aristotle classified animals on the basis of where they lived. air land sea
Plants were classified on the basis of structure and size. They were put into 3 categories: herbs shrubs trees
He decided that organisms should be John Ray (1627 – 1705) He decided that organisms should be named as well as classified.
He referred to organisms with the same characteristics and the same kind of parents as belonging to the same species.
botanist and made the greatest contribution to taxonomy. Carolus Linnaeus (1707 – 1778) He was a Swedish botanist and made the greatest contribution to taxonomy.
He decided that organisms should be grouped according to similarities in body structure.
Linnaeus introduced a two-part system to name and classify organisms: binomial nomenclature
Each organism is given a two-word Latin name (or in a Latin style), as Latin is not commonly used today.
The name for man (human) is: For example The name for man (human) is: Homo sapiens
Linnaeus divided all living things into kingdoms Linnaeus divided all living things into kingdoms. In his day, Linnaeus knew of only two kingdoms, plants and animals. Today we use a five or 6 kingdom system.
Today’s Classification Schemes Today Taxonomists use a variety of information to classify or group organisms. Structural Biochemical Cytological Information (the study of cells) Embryological Information Behavioral
The 5 Kingdom System Of Classification All Living things on earth can be placed in one of 5 groups known as Kingdoms
5 Kingdom Classification
Kingdom ( most general) Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species (most specific)
Examples: Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Arthropoda Class Mammalia Insecta Order Primates Diptera Family Hominidae Pongidae Muscidae Genus Homo Pan Musca species sapiens troglodyte domestica
Keep in mind: Classification systems are artificial. They are developed by scientists to deal with the great diversity of life! Scientists continue to update classification schemes as more DNA evidence is collected and analyzed.
Section 9.1 Read page 328-329 and 331 Use the 3-Point Approach sheet to define: Binomial nomenclature Taxa Phylogeny Answer questions p331 1, 2, 4, 6 And p 334 1 Do Activity “Applying Inquiry Skills” 5 and 6