The classification of living things, also known as taxonomy, is the science of categorizing and

organizing organisms based on their similarities and evolutionary relationships.

The classification of living things involves grouping organisms into hierarchical categories based on
shared characteristics. This hierarchical system typically starts with broader categories that
encompass a wide range of organisms and becomes increasingly specific as it progresses. The
primary levels of classification, in descending order, are:

1. Domain: The highest level of classification, which categorizes organisms into one of three
domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. These domains reflect fundamental differences in
cellular structure and biochemistry.

2. Kingdom: Each domain is further divided into kingdoms, such as Animalia, Plantae, Fungi,
Protista, Bacteria, and Archaea. Kingdoms represent major groups of organisms with similar
characteristics and evolutionary histories.

3. Phylum (or Division for plants): Within each kingdom, organisms are grouped into phyla (or
divisions for plants), based on shared anatomical, physiological, or genetic traits.

4. Class: Phyla are subdivided into classes, which further refine the classification based on more
specific characteristics shared by groups of organisms.

5. Order: Classes are divided into orders, representing groups of related families.

6. Family: Orders are subdivided into families, which include groups of closely related genera.

7. Genus: Families are further divided into genera, which consist of groups of closely related
species.

8. Species: The most specific level of classification, species represent groups of individuals that are
capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. Species are identified by binomial names,
consisting of the genus and species epithet (e.g., Homo sapiens for humans).

The Three Domains of Classification All organisms are now classified into three major domains

Archaebacteria are thermophilic or heat loving bacteria that live in high temperature vents.

Eubacteria are single celled organisms without well developed nucleus.

Eukarya are all other organisms with a well formed nucleus in their cell/cells. (Eu: true; Karyon :

The five kingdoms/ families are:

1.Monera: Single celled, No well formed nucleus (Prokaryotes)

2. Protoctista or Protista: Single celled with well formed nucleus (Eukaryotes)

3. Fungi: Eukaryotes, multicelled saprotroph

4. Plantae: Eukaryotes, multicelled, autotrophs

5. Animalia: Eukaryotes, multicelled, heterotrophs

The kingdoms are further divided into divisions (as in bacteria, fungi and plantae) or phyla (as in
Protoctista and Animalia). Every phylum includes several classes, Classes are divided into orders.
Orders include families

Every organism belongs to one of the five kingdoms of life.

A. Kingdom MONERA: It includes microscopic, single celled organisms with cell wall, no proper
nucleus e.g. All bacteria.

B. Kingdom PROTOCTISTA (PROTISTA): It includes single celled organisms with well formed nucleus
e.g. Amoeba, malarial parasite, Chlamydomonas.

C. Kingdom FUNGI: It includes multicellular or many celled organisms. The body is made of network
(mycelium) of fine threads called hyphae. Fungi feed on dead decaying matter (saprotrophs) e.g.
Mushroom, yeast, bread mold.

D. Kingdom PLANTAE: It includes:

1.Multicellular eukaryotes with Carolus Linnaeus

2. cellulose cell wall and chlorophyll present in their cells

3. Autotrophs and thus carry out photosynthesis.

E. Kingdom ANIMALIA: It includes organisms with the following characteristics. Multicellular,

eukaryotes. Hetrotrophic so feed on plants or other animals Possess special organs for locomotion
or movement from one place to another. Possess nervous system with sense organs