Biology Taxonomy Overview

Study Notes

Taxonomy Overview

Taxonomy is the scientific method of classifying organisms, encompassing a structured hierarchy.
Engaging with taxonomy enhances understanding of biological diversity and relationships.

Hierarchical Structure of Taxonomy

The order of taxonomy includes: domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.
This system allows for organized classification and identification of living organisms.

Domain

Highest taxonomic rank within the three-domain system established by Carl Woese.
Domains categorize life forms into broad categories: Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya.

Kingdom

A crucial taxonomic category that groups organisms with fundamental characteristics.
In the five-kingdom classification, kingdoms include Animalia (animals), Plantae (plants), Fungi (fungi), Protozoa, and the unspecific group of eukaryotic algae.

Phylum

Taxonomic rank situated below kingdom and above class.
In botany, "division" was traditionally used; however, “phylum” is now the accepted term since 1993 for the International Code of Nomenclature.

Class

A taxonomic rank positioned between phylum and order in the biological hierarchy.
Classes may have a sub-level, termed subclass, which indicates a further division.

Order

Positioned between class and family in the taxonomy hierarchy.
Can include superorder (above order) and suborder (below order) categorizations for finer classification.

Family

One of the eight primary taxonomic ranks, found between order and genus.
Families can be further divided into subfamilies, offering additional classification layers in biological taxonomy.

Genus

Taxonomic rank that includes species sharing common characteristics, situated above species and below family.
A genus can consist of multiple species, helping to identify relationships among similar organisms.

Species

Fundamental unit of biological classification, representing individual, identifiable organisms capable of interbreeding.
Abbreviated as “sp.” for singular and “spp.” for plural references within taxonomy.

Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of taxonomy, including its hierarchical structure and the classification of organisms. Participants will explore various taxonomic ranks, from domains to species, enhancing their understanding of biological diversity and relationships among life forms.