Biological Classification Basics

What is Biological Classification?

• The process of grouping living organisms based on their characteristics and evolutionary relationships
• Also known as taxonomy

Importance of Biological Classification

• Helps in identification and naming of organisms
• Reveals evolutionary relationships between organisms
• Essential in fields like medicine, agriculture, and conservation

Hierarchical Levels of Classification

1. Domain: Highest level, divides life into 3 domains: Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya
2. Kingdom: Divides life into 6 kingdoms: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista, Chromista, and Monera
3. Phylum (or Division in Plantae): Groups organisms based on body structure
4. Class: Groups organisms based on physical characteristics
5. Order: Groups organisms based on evolutionary relationships
6. Family: Groups organisms based on shared characteristics
7. Genus: Groups organisms based on close evolutionary relationships
8. Species: Most specific level, represents a distinct group of organisms

Binomial Nomenclature

• Developed by Carolus Linnaeus
• Uses a two-part naming system consisting of:
  • Genus name (capitalized)
  • Species name (not capitalized)
• Example: Homo sapiens (human species)

Characteristics Used in Classification

• Morphology: Shape, size, and structure of an organism
• Anatomy: Internal structure of an organism
• Physiology: Functions and processes within an organism
• Embryology: Developmental stages of an organism
• Biochemistry: Molecular structure and composition of an organism
• Molecular Biology: DNA and RNA sequences

Biological Classification

• Biological classification is the process of grouping living organisms based on their characteristics and evolutionary relationships, also known as taxonomy.

Importance of Biological Classification

• Helps in the identification and naming of organisms.
• Reveals evolutionary relationships between organisms.
• Essential in fields like medicine, agriculture, and conservation.

Hierarchical Levels of Classification

• Domain: The highest level, dividing life into 3 domains: Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya.
• Kingdom: Divides life into 6 kingdoms: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista, Chromista, and Monera.
• Phylum (or Division in Plantae): Groups organisms based on body structure.
• Class: Groups organisms based on physical characteristics.
• Order: Groups organisms based on evolutionary relationships.
• Family: Groups organisms based on shared characteristics.
• Genus: Groups organisms based on close evolutionary relationships.
• Species: The most specific level, representing a distinct group of organisms.

Binomial Nomenclature

• Developed by Carolus Linnaeus, using a two-part naming system consisting of:
  • Genus name (capitalized).
  • Species name (not capitalized).
• Example: Homo sapiens (human species).

Characteristics Used in Classification

• Morphology: Shape, size, and structure of an organism.
• Anatomy: Internal structure of an organism.
• Physiology: Functions and processes within an organism.
• Embryology: Developmental stages of an organism.
• Biochemistry: Molecular structure and composition of an organism.
• Molecular Biology: DNA and RNA sequences.