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Understanding Taxonomic Classification

The document discusses taxonomic classification, defining systematics and taxonomy, and highlighting the significance of the binomial system of nomenclature established by Carolus Linnaeus. It outlines the universal rules of nomenclature and the taxonomic hierarchy, providing a mnemonic for classification levels. Additionally, it explains the dichotomous key method for identifying organisms through sequential divisions based on their characteristics.

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Christine Aravela Sofia De Silva
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56 views5 pages

Understanding Taxonomic Classification

The document discusses taxonomic classification, defining systematics and taxonomy, and highlighting the significance of the binomial system of nomenclature established by Carolus Linnaeus. It outlines the universal rules of nomenclature and the taxonomic hierarchy, providing a mnemonic for classification levels. Additionally, it explains the dichotomous key method for identifying organisms through sequential divisions based on their characteristics.

Uploaded by

Christine Aravela Sofia De Silva
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Lesson 7: Taxonomic Classification

Systematics- Is a branch of biological science that studies the distinctive characteristics of


species and how they are related to other species through time.

Taxonomy- Is the scientific study of describing, naming and classifying living organisms.

Carolus Linnaeus- Swedish scientist, Father of Modern Taxonomy


Systema Naturae (The Natural World), Binomial System of Nomenclature

Binomial System of Nomenclature- It is a formal system of naming


species of living organisms. It uses two Latin words.
The first word is the generic epithet and describes the genus
that an animal belongs to. The second word is the specific epithet
and refers to the species of the organism.

Why is it important?
There are millions of species of organisms distributed throughout the world. Furthermore, the
same organisms are known by different names around the world and this can cause confusion
when trying to identify or classify.
Hence, binomial nomenclature was seen as a viable solution to this problem.

It is easy to identify and describe any organism by this name without any confusion.
No two kinds of living organisms have the same binomial name and every organism has only
one correct name as required by various internationally agreed codes of rules.

Algae, Fungi and Plants- International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN)


Animals- International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN)
Bacteria- International Code of Nomenclature Bacteria (ICNB)
Universal Rules of Nomenclature
1. Biological names should be in Latin and written in italics
2. The first word in the name indicates the genus, while the second word denotes its
specific epithet.
3. When the name is handwritten, both the words are separately underlined. When
printed, the name is in italics
4. The genus word begins with a capital letter while the species name begins with a
lowercase letter

Taxonomic Hierarchy
The word “Taxonomy” is derived from a Greek word – “taxis”, meaning arrangement or
division, and “nomos”, meaning method.
Taxonomy is a branch of Biology that refers to the process of classifying different living
species. A taxon is referred to as a group of organisms classified as a unit.
Taxonomic hierarchy is the process of arranging various organisms into successive levels of
the biological classification either in a decreasing or an increasing order from kingdom to
species and vice versa.”.

Kingdoms and Domains


Taxonomic Hierarchy using Mnemonic

Kingdom Kuya
Phylum Pedro
Class Cousin
Order Order
Family Five
Genus Good
Species Spaghetti

Dichotomous Key

is a method of identification whereby groups of organisms are divided into two categories
repeatedly.
• With each sequential division, more information is revealed about the specific features
of a particular organism.
• When the organism no longer shares its totality of selected characteristics with any
organism, it has been identified.

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