1. Classification

2. Classification – grouping of objects or information based on similarities
Taxonomy – branch of biology that groups and names organisms based on their characteristics

3. History of Classification Systems
The way we classify organisms changes as we gather information about:
DNA/protein analysis
Embryology – study of an organism’s early stage of life
Anatomy (body parts)/morphology (form)
Phylogeny – evolutionary history of an organism

4. herbs shrubs trees air land water
Aristotle ( BC)
- Classified all organisms into 2 groups (kingdoms)
Plants & Animals
herbs shrubs trees air land water

5. 2. Carolus Linnaeus ( )
Developed two-word naming system called binomial nomenclature
Ex. Homo sapiens
Most names are in Latin
1st word = genus (capitalized)
2nd word = species (lowercase) – usually descriptive
Both words must be italicized or underlined

6. Examples of Scientific Names
Felis catus
Panthera leo
Homo neanderthalensis

7. 3. Current system (with human classification):
Domain (3) – group of similar kingdoms (Eukarya)
Kingdom (7) – group of similar phyla (Animalia)
Phylum – group of similar classes (Chordata)
Class – group of similar orders (Mammalia)
Order – group of similar families (Primates)
Family – group of similar genera (Hominidae)
Genus – group of similar species (Homo)
Species – a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring in nature (H. sapiens)
Dumb King Phillip Cried Out “For Goodness Sake!”

8. Examples of Offspring between Two Non-Species
Horse x donkey = mule
Lion x tiger = liger
Zebra x donkey = zonkey
Camel and llama = cama
Dog x cat = catdog…just kidding!

9. Same Species…Different Subspecies
Canis lupus – gray wolf
Canis lupus familiaris – domestic dog
subspecies

10. Which two of these organisms are most closely related?
Ursus americanus, Lepus americanus, Ursus arctos

11. Phylogenetic tree – diagram that shows an organism’s evolutionary history Q: Which 2 organisms are most related? A&B or A&C? A&C or C&D?

12. Dichotomous Key – identification key that contains pairs of contrasting descriptions