Why do Scientists

Classify Organisms?


Why do scientists classify organisms?


Organisms are easier
to study when they
are grouped
Over one million
kinds of organisms on
earth
Based on similarities
Taxonomy
Scientific study of how
organisms are classified
Carolus Linnaeus , came
up with a system using
Binomial nomenclature-
a two part scientific
name

Multiple Choice
All of the following are true except:
A. Organisms are grouped so they are easier to study.
B. Classification is only for animals.
C. Classification is based on similarities between
organisms.
D. There are over one million types of organisms on
Earth.

True or False
Taxonomy is the scientific study of how
organisms are classified.
True or False
Carolus Linnaeus created classification of
organisms.
Levels of Classification
Levels of Classification
Dear
King
Philip
Came
Over
For
Good
Spaghetti
Binomial Nomenclature
Each organism was
given a unique, two
part scientific name
Genus (1
st
word)
Species (2
nd
word)

Genus and Species
Genus contains
similar, closely
related organisms
Species is a group of
similar organisms that
can mate with each
other and produce
offspring that can
also mate and
reproduce
Felis domesticus Felis marmorata
Canis lupus Canis latrans
Scientific Names
Written in italics
Genus is capitalized,
species is lowercase
Latin Words (used by
scientists at the time
and they do not change)
Easier for scientists to
communicate
Homo sapien
True or False
A species is a closely related group of organisms
that can mate with each other, but the
offspring cannot reproduce.
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is FALSE?
A. The Genus and Species names are both
capitalized.
B. Scientific names are written in italics.
C. Scientific names include Genus and Species.
D. Scientific names help scientists communicate.
Useful tools to Help Identify Organisms
Field guides- include
descriptions and
pictures of organisms
and info about where
they live
Dichotomous (Taxanomic Key)-
detailed list of characteristics
that include scientific names
Multiple Choice
What is the highest level of organization?
A. Family
B. Species
C. Order
D. Genus
True or False
A dichotomous key and a field guide are the
same thing.
Using a Dichotomous Key
The flower shown is a
_________________.
A. Starflower
B. Chickweed
C. Common Strawberry
D. Bowmans root

Using a Dichotomous Key
The flower shown is a
_________________.
A. Starflower
B. Chickweed
C. Common Strawberry
D. Bowmans root

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