1. Classification & Taxonomy
Biodiversity

2. Classification
The grouping of objects or information based on similarities
Why do we need to classify things?
To study the diversity of life, biologists use a classification system to name organisms and group them in a logical manner.
Think about things that are arranged in a specific manner.
Wal-Mart
A newspaper

3. Classification
Living Things are Classified
So are Everyday things

4. Taxonomy
The branch of biology concerned with the grouping and naming of organisms

5. Who is responsible for this?
Aristotle
Developed the first method of classification
Classified organisms into two major groups based on
Size
Structure
Location
Plants & Animals

6. Whose method do we use today?
Linnaeus
Father of modern taxonomy
Classified organisms based on their physical characteristics
Created binomial nomenclature
Created the 7 taxonomic categories

7. 7 taxonomic levels Kingdom (most inclusive) Phylum Class Order Family
Genus
Species (least Inclusive)
Taxon – each level within a naming system
The system is hierarchical.
larger groups are more general (more inclusive) and smaller groups are more specific (least inclusive)

8. King
Phillip
Came
Over
For
Granny’s
Spaghetti
Ursus horriblis

10. Binomial Nomenclature
Two word system to give organisms a scientific name.
Why?
Some organisms may share the same common name
Ex. Felis concolor has 4 common names:
mountain lion, puma, cougar, or a panther
A common name can refer to 2 different species:
Ex. buzzard
in the UK it refers to a hawk in the US it refers to a vulture

11. Binominal Nomenclature Rules
1st word  Genus
should always be capitalized and underlined (or italicized)
2nd word  specific epithet (a descriptive name)
should always be lower case and underlined
Ex.
Ex. Lynx rufus

12. Scientific Names Common Names Scientific Names American Alligator
Black Fly
Bald Eagle
Grizzly Bear
Human
Longleaf Pine
Apple
Alligator mississippiensis
Simulium damnosum
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Ursus horribilis
Homo sapien
Pinus palustris
Malus domestica