Biology: The Living World - Comprehensive Study
Notes
Introduction to Biology and Living Organisms (Chapter 1)
Diversity in the Living World
Key Concept: Biology is the scientific study of life forms and living processes
Estimated number of known species: 1.7-1.8 million
Biodiversity represents the range and variety of organisms on Earth
Continuous discovery of new organisms ongoing
Nomenclature and Identification
Scientific Naming Principles
Binomial Nomenclature (developed by Carolus Linnaeus)
Two-component naming system:
1. Generic name (first word, capitalized)
2. Specific epithet (second word, lowercase)
Naming Rules
Names written in italics
Derived from Latin
Author's name can be abbreviated after the species name
Example: Mangifera indica Linn.
Mangifera = genus
indica = specific epithet
Linn. = Linnaeus (original describer)
Taxonomic Categories Hierarchy
Taxonomic Categories Detailed Breakdown
1. Species
Lowest taxonomic category
Represents individuals with fundamental similarities
Can be distinguished by morphological differences
Example: Homo sapiens (humans)
2. Genus
Group of related species
Shares more common characteristics
Example: Panthera (includes lions, tigers, leopards)
3. Family
Group of related genera
Characterized by vegetative and reproductive features
Example: Felidae (cat family)
4. Order
Assemblage of families with similar characters
Example: Carnivora (includes Felidae and Canidae)
5. Class
Related orders grouped together
Example: Mammalia (includes Primata and Carnivora)
6. Phylum/Division
Groups of classes with common features
Example: Chordata (includes fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals)
7. Kingdom
Highest taxonomic category
Two primary kingdoms discussed:
1. Kingdom Animalia
2. Kingdom Plantae
Taxonomic Principles
As taxonomic categories increase, shared characteristics decrease
Lower taxa have more shared characteristics
Higher categories make relationship determination more complex
Practical Applications
Helps in understanding biological relationships
Crucial for agriculture, forestry, and biodiversity conservation
Provides systematic approach to studying organisms
International Nomenclature Codes
ICBN (International Code for Botanical Nomenclature): For plants
ICZN (International Code of Zoological Nomenclature): For animals
Key Takeaways
Taxonomy is a dynamic, evolving field
Classification helps organize and understand biological diversity
Scientific naming provides universal communication about organisms
Sample Taxonomic Classification Table
Organism Species Genus Family Order Class Phylum Kingdom
Human sapiens Homo Hominidae Primates Mammalia Chordata Animalia
Mango indica Mangifera Anacardiaceae Sapindales Dicotyledonae Angiospermae Plantae