1. The Classification of Living Things

2. Classification Unit Definitions Classification – to organize organisms/objects in groups based on similar characteristics Taxonomy – the study of classification Dichotomous key - tool used to identify an organism/object by going through a series of choices or traits that lead you to the specific name of that organism/object

3. History of Classification 1 st Classification System- described by Greek Philosopher Aristotle (384 – 322 B.C.) Developed for plants and animals only Put animals in groups according to whether they could walk, jump, or fly, but………………….

4. There was a Problem! What do you do with a snake or duck or other animals that fit into more than one category?

5. Linnaean Taxonomy (current classification system) Developed by Carolus Linnaeus (1707 -1778) Swedish botanist, physician & explorer Came up with Binomial Nomenclature

6. Binomial Nomenclature Definition: system that gives each organism two names – Genus and Species Homo sapien-all modern humans – Genus – Homo (capitalized & italicized) – Species –sapien (lower case & italicized) What do you and Taylor have in common? You are both Homo sapiens!

7. Binomial Nomenclature Would you call this a: – Puma? – Cougar? – Mountain Lion? – Mountain Cat? – Catamount? – Panther? Though it has over 100 common names, it’s scientific name is Felis concolor

8. Organization of Living Things Starting with the taxonomic group Kingdom, we put organisms into the following groups, getting more and more specific as we move down, until an organism can be identified by it’s genus and species name

9. Classification Comparison

10. Organization of Living Things

12. How Do I Remember This Taxonomic Order? “King Phillip Came Over For Good Spaghetti!” – King-Kingdom – Phillip-Phylum – Came-Class – Over-Order – For-Family – Good-Genus – Spaghetti-Species Mmm… spaghetti!

13. The 6 Kingdoms We will learn more about these different Kingdoms in the units to come this year!