Classification of Organisms
Hierarchical systems of classification are those in which the largest groupings are arranged first, followed by the smallest. Organisms that are arranged into groups are simpler to examine.
The kingdom is the largest group. Each kingdom is further subdivided into phyla (singular phylum). Each phylum is subdivided into classes, orders, families, genera, and species. Various fungi, plants, animals, and microbes are referred to as distinct “species.” A species is a potentially interbreeding group of creatures that may generate viable offspring that themselves can interbreed. Thus, creatures of of two different species, such as a zebra a horse, cannot interbreed, whereas animals of the same species can.
Taxonomy
Taxonomy is derived from two Greek words taxis, meaning order, and nomos, meaning rule. The system of naming and categorizing flora, fauna, and microorganisms is known as taxonomy. Taxonomists identify and classify species using observations of their morphology, behaviour, genetics, and biochemistry. It is estimated that between 10 and 15 million species have evolved on Earth but taxonomists have only identified 1.78 million species of plants, animals, and microorganisms to date. Taxonomy is not limited to just biology but it has been developed in other practical fields also such as computing.
Table of Content
- Classification of organisms
- The Linnaean system ( Naming of organisms)
- Three Domains of Classification
- Whittaker’s five kingdom classification
- Plant Taxonomy
- Animal Taxonomy
- Levels of Taxonomy
- FAQ’s on Taxonomy