Biology Classification of Organisms

Classification Process

• Characterisation: Observe all organism traits such as exoskeleton type, appendages, and sensory structures like antennae.
• Identification: Use documented traits to hypothesize the organism's classification. For instance, a chitinous exoskeleton and jointed appendages may indicate an insect.
• Classification: Organisms are organized into hierarchical levels based on defined characteristics.
• Nomenclature: Assign specific names to species only after determining classification.

Taxonomic Categories

• Taxonomic Hierarchy: Refers to the organization of biological categories either from broadest to most specific or vice versa.
• Main Taxonomic Categories:
  • Kingdom: Highest classification level.
  • Phylum: Next level, grouping organisms based on major body plans.
  • Class: Further categorization within a phylum.
  • Order: Groups families that share common characteristics.
  • Family: Contains closely related genera.
  • Genus: A group of species sharing common traits.
  • Species: The most specific category, identifying individual organisms.
• Mnemonic for Recall: "Keep [Kingdom] Podium [Phylum] Clean [Class] On [Order] Fam [Family] Get [Genus] Sick [Species]" aids memory of categories.