B5.2.4 - Classification Systems Flashcards
What is classification?
The process of sorting living organisms into groups
Why do scientists classify organisms?
To identify species
Predict characteristics
Find or show evolutionary links
What is artificial classification?
A classification system where organisms are grouped based on observable characteristics
Why is artificial classification not very accurate?
Some organisms can look alike but share very few characteristics
Who developed the universal system of naming species?
Carl Linnaeus
What is binomial nomenclature?
The universal system for naming species
What are the 2 parts of a species’ Latin name?
First part - genus
Second part - species
What are the 7 taxonomic levels?
Kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species
What are the 5 kingdoms of species?
Animals Plants Fungi Protoctista Prokaryotes
Name an example of protoctista.
Amoeba and algae
As you go down the 7 taxonomic levels, what happens to the amount of groups and organisms in them?
More groups, but less organisms in each of them
What is phylogeny?
The study of evolutionary links
What is natural classification?
Classifying organisms by their DNA
