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Classification
Alpha Taxonomy
Taxonomy
• Each organism has a name: Specie
name
– Each species is assigned two names:
binomial nomenclature
– First part of name is the genus
– Second part of name is the specific epithet
that when combined with the first part
denotes a species.
– Homo sapiens
Carolus Linnaeus (1707-1778)
• Swedish botanist
• Developed method of grouping
organisms based on similar
characteristics.
• Better system than Aristotle’s land, air,
water system.
Taxonomy cont.
• Hierarchy in classification
– Each species is grouped into progressively
broader categories.
– Seven major categories:
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Kingdom
Phyla
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
Binomial Nomenclature
• Two part name
• Homo sapiens “wise man”
• Bubo virginianus (great horned owl)
owl
girl
What’s in a name?
• Latin or Greek description: the names
describe the organism.
• What do you think these names mean?
• Matris accipiter
• Metus convincere
• Try some on your own….
Taxonomic Criteria
• Must include specific internal, external,
environmental, developmental,
biochemical and behavioral
characteristics.
• Combined knowledge of:
– Comparative anatomy
– Comparative embryology
– Molecular biology