1. Chapter 7
Classification – putting things into orderly groups based on similar characteristics

2. Why Classify ????? Makes it easier for biologists to answer
How many species are there?
What are the defining characteristics of each species?
What are the relationships between these species?

3. Before 1600’s….. Scientists divided organisms into 2 groups: Plants
Animals

4. 1700’s…. Carolus Linnaeus – founded modern TAXONOMY
Taxonomy – the science of describing, classifying, and naming living things

5. Classification Today…..
8 level system based on shared characteristics
D,K,P,C,O,F,G,S

6. Branching Diagrams…..

7. Levels of Classification…..
Kingdom (s)
Phylum – Phyla
Class(es)
Order (s)
Family – Families
Genus – Genera
Species

13. Two-Part Names….. Linnaeus gave each species a 2 part name
Part One – Genus Name
Part Two – Species Name
Both are Italicized (or underlined)
Part One is Capitalized
Part Two is NOT capitalized

14. Binomial Nomenclature…..
Human – Homo sapiens
Asian Elephant – Elephas maximus
Skunk - Mephitis mephitis
Gray Wolf - Canis lupus
Dog - Canis familiaris
Cat – Felis catus

15. Dichotomous Keys…..
Special identification aid that uses sequential pairs of descriptive statements