Classification

• Classification= process by which living organisms are sorted into groups. Organisms within each group share similar features.
• Why do we classify organisms

  • To identify species= by using a clearly defined system of classification, the species an organism belongs to can be easily identified.
  • To predict characteristics= if several members in a group have a specific charatceristic, it is likely that other species in the group will have the same characteristics.
  • To find evolutionary links= species in the same group probably share characteristics because they have evolved from a common ancestors.
• Level of hierarchy

  • Domain
  • Kingdom
  • Phylum
  • Class
  • Order
  • Family
  • Genus
  • Species
• Species= group of organisms that are able to reproduce to produce fertile offspring.
• Binomial nomenclature

  • First word indicates the organisms genus
  • Second word indicates the organisms species.