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. 1.Aristotle (384-322 BC) - Classified all organisms into 2 groups (kingdoms) Plants&Animals herbs shrubs trees air land water

5. 2.Carolus Linnaeus (1707-1778) Developed two-word naming system called binomial nomenclature Ex.Homo sapiens Most names are in Latin – 1 st word = genus (capitalized) – 2 nd 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