1. CLASSIFICATION

2. What is Classification?
classification - putting things into orderly groups based on similar physical characteristics
taxonomy - the science of naming and classifying living things

3. The History of Classification
Aristotle (B.C.)
the first to classify organisms
classified ALL organisms as either plant or animal
Grouped by physical characteristics:
Example: hair or no hair
   

4. The History of Classification
Carolus Linnaeus (1700s)
“Father of Taxonomy”
Created a system of naming and grouping organisms based on similarities in structure
Based names on Latin

5. The History of Classification Scientific Names
Linnaeus ALSO gave us…..
Binomial nomenclature:
TWO word names
Based on Latin and Greek
First word is capitalized; second word is not
Both words should be underlined or italicized
Example: Felis domesticus

6. Modern Classification
Today, scientists use a system similar to Linnaeus’s system with 8 levels of classification based on common characteristics
Levels Acronym Example
(Humans)
Domain dancing Eukarya
Kingdom kangaroos Animalia
Phylum prefer Chordata
Class candy Mammalia
Order over Primate
Family fancy Hominididae
Genus green Homo
Species spaghetti sapiens
Scientific name: Homo sapiens (Genus + species)

7. largest, least similar group
smallest, most similar group

10. Modern Classification
Based on evolutionary history: where did it come from and how has it changed over time?
Scientists look at
Similarities in structures (Does it have skin or scales or fur or feathers?)
Similarities in hereditary information (DNA)
Similarities in development (Does this insect have a caterpillar stage like a butterfly?)

11. MODERN CLASSIFICATION
every organism to the RIGHT of the characteristic has that characteristic
every organism to the LEFT of the characteristic DOES NOT have the characteristic
Organisms that
share more characteristics are more closely related
Ability to purr
Retractable claws
Give birth to live young
Hair and mammary glands

12. MODERN CLASSIFICATION

13. MODERN CLASSIFICATION: Plants

14. THE END!!!