Classification and evolution

• Problem; millions of different kinds of living organisms, and many of them share important characteristics but we need a way to identify groups of similar living organisms
• Two systems of classification:

  • Natural system - shows groups are actually related by looking physiology, morphology and behaviour (calling all warm blooded furry things mammals)
  • Artificial system: groups for some other reason (calling everything that flies a bird)
• Classification: the active process of placing living organisms into groups and involves detailed study of the similarities and differences between individuals of a species
• Taxonomy: Study of the principles behind classification, i.e the study of the differences between species and Phylogeny: Study of the evolutionary relationships between species and so is the study of how closely different species are related
• Extinct: No members of species still alive - all dead and Extant: Members of species still alive - living