Download Taxonomic Classification

What is hierarchical taxonomy and
how are animals classified?
• Taxonomy is the science of
identifying and naming
organisms.
• The classification of
organisms is hierarchical in
nature, which means that
large groups containing
many different species are
divided into smaller more
specific groups.
Taxonomic Classification
A. Taxonomic classification consists of seven levels of
organization.
• 1. Kingdom—Kingdom is the highest category in the Linnaean
system of classification.
– All living organisms are classified into one of five kingdoms: Plantae,
Animalia, Fungi, Protista, and Monera.
• 2. Phylum—Phylum is the level of classification immediately
below kingdom.
– At this level, animals are grouped together
based on their basic body plan or organization.
• 3. Class—Class is the level of
classification immediately below phylum.
– Members of a class have more common
characteristics than those of a division.
Further Specification of Taxonomic
Classification
• 4. Order—Order is the level of classification immediately
below class.
• 5. Family—Family is the level of
classification immediately below order.
• 6. Genus—Genus is the level of
classification immediately above species.
– A genus consists of closely related species.
• 7. Species—Species is the most specific level of
classification.
– Members of a species can be bred and produce offspring similar
to their parents. Species names are comprised of the genus and
species.
Binomial nomenclature
B. Carolus Linnaeus, a key taxonomist in the mideighteenth century, developed the concept of binomial
nomenclature.
• Binomial nomenclature is a system
used to name organisms.
– Binomial nomenclature names
organisms using a two-part Latin name.
– The first part is the genus and this name is always
capitalized.
– The second part is the species, and it is never capitalized.
– Both names should either be underlined or set in italic type.
What are the five kingdoms of organisms
and what is the specific taxonomy of
agricultural species of animals?
• Animalia—Animals are multicellular, heterotrophic,
and eukaryotic organisms that are mobile.
– Sponges, worms, insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds,
and mammals are all members of the Animalia kingdom.