1. Classification

2. Taxonomy is the science of grouping and naming organisms. a.k.a. – the science of classification Classification the grouping of objects based on similarities.

3. Why use a dead language? Taxonomists give a unique scientific name to each species they know about whether it’s alive today or extinct. The scientific name comes from a “dead” language – usually Latin. This way it doesn’t change at all!

4. Linnaeus’ classification system Kingdoms are divided into groups called phyla (phylum) Phyla are subdivided into classes Classes are subdivided into orders Orders are subdivided into families Families are divided into genera (genus) Genera contain closely related species Species is unique Subspecies (like dog breeds) King Putty Came Over For Great Soccer

5. Example of classification

6. Comparing Classifications of Different Organisms

7. Devil Cat

8. Ghost Cat

9. Mountain Lion

10. Screaming Cat

11. Puma

12. Florida Panther

13. Cougar

14. There are at least 50 common names for the animal shown on the previous 7 slides. Common names vary by region. Soooo……why use a scientific name? Allows for scientists all over the world to understand each other

15. Binomial Nomenclature Each species has a scientific name –Name is always in latin… eliminates confusion among scientist around the world –First word is the organisms’ genus –First and second words together are species name –Both words are in italics (or underlined if written) First word is capitalized, 2 nd is lowercase Homo sapien, Gorilla gorilla, Canis familiaris

16. Classification Video

17. Phylogenetic tree A family tree that shows the evolutionary relationships thought to exist among groups of organisms. They are usually based upon evidence for evolution (fossils, embryology, DNA, and comparative anatomy)

18. A device for easily and quickly identifying an unknown organism. The user is presented with a sequence of choices between two contrasting statements based on the characteristics of the organism. By always making the correct choice, the name of the organism will be identified. The Dichotomous Key

19. Examples: 1. a) Does the animal have four legs?...................................Go to 2 b) Does the animal have more or less than 4 legs.............Go to 3 2. a) Does the animal have fur or hair?...............................Mammal b) Does the animal have something other than fur/hair?...Reptile 1. A. one pair of wings B. Two pairs of wings