Classification Of Organisms

By Jesaint Abrahams , Parris Bromfield, Jordan Richards, Andre Robinson

History Of Classification

In the 18th century Carolus Linnaeus revolutionized the field of natural history by introducing a formalized
system of naming organisms, what we call a taxonomic nomenclature. He divided the natural world into 3
kingdoms and used five ranks: class, order, genus, species, and variety.He also introduced the system of
binomial nomenclature, in which every species has an internationally recognized two-part name.

Since Linneaus’ time, other ranks have been added to the taxonomic nomenclature system. The major
taxonomic ranks are Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species. These ranks have been used
to describe and understand major animal groups for a long time, and many people are taught about animal
natural history through these traditional ranks. We grow up referring birds to “Class Aves,” snakes to “Class
Reptilia,” etc.
History Of Classification Cont’d

One of the first known systems for classifying organisms was developed by Aristotle. Aristotle was a Greek
philosopher who lived more than 2,000 years ago. He created a classification system called the “Great Chain
of Being.” Aristotle arranged organisms in levels based on how complex, or “advanced,” he believed them to
be. There were a total of eleven different levels in his system. At the lower levels, he placed organisms that
he believed were less complex, such as plants. At higher levels, he placed organisms that he believed were
more complex. Aristotle considered humans to be the most complex organisms in the natural world.
Therefore, he placed them near the top of his great chain, just below angels and other supernatural beings.
History Of Classification Cont’d
The Binomial System

The biological system of naming the organisms in which the name is composed of two terms, where, the first
term indicates the genus and the second term indicates the species of the organism. For example, human
beings belong to the genus Homo, and our species is sapiens - so the scientific name is Homo sapiens.
The Classification of a Tiger

The tiger is the largest living cat species and a member of the genus Panthera. It is most recognisable for its
dark vertical stripes on orange fur with a white underside. An apex predator, it primarily preys on ungulates,
such as deer and wild boar.

Scientific Name - Panthera tigris

The Classification of a Tiger cont’d

Kingdom - Animalia

Phylum - Chordata

Class - Mammalia

Order - Carnivora

Family - Felidae

Genus - Panthera

Species - Tigris