1. Classification Made Easy!
Taxonomy
Classification Made Easy!

2. Taxonomy
A branch of biology that deals with the naming and classifying of organisms

3. Systematics
Systematics is a broader field of study that includes taxonomy and phylogeny.
Phylogeny is the study of evolutionary history of a kind or group of organisms

4. Phylogeny
Deals with a group of genetically related group of organisms.

5. Questions What is taxonomy?
What does a phylogenetic tree tell us about a group of organisms?

6. History of Taxonomy
Aristotle, a Greek philosopher, grouped organisms into two groups:
1. Plants
Small- herbs
Medium- shrubs
Large- trees
2. Animals
Land animals
Water animals
Air animals

7. Question
What problems might be encountered when classifying organisms using Aristotle’s system?

8. Carolus Linnaeus Father of Modern Taxonomy Swedish scientist
Grouped organisms according to structural similarities
Gave organisms a scientific name using binomial nomenclature

9. Binomial Nomenclature
Two name system of naming organisms
Example: cat=
Felis domesticans
Uses Latin
Includes genus and species

10. Categories from largest to smallest
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Primate
Hominidae
Homo
Homo sapiens

11. Questions
Why was Linnaeus’ classfication system better than Aristotle’s system?
Which of the following illustrates binomial nomenclature?
A. red lion B. Canus lupus
What clues tell you the correct answer?

12. Try this!
Which of the organisms in the chart are most closely related?
Why?

13. Basis of Scientific Classification
Structural similarities
Cellular types and organization
Biochemical similarities
Genetic similarities
Evolutionary relationships

14. Questions On what basis are organisms classified?
Which category of classification is the most general (hint: the largest)?
Which category of classification is the most specific?