The Science of Classification Flashcards

Taxonomy

• Taxonomy refers to the science of classifying living organisms into groups based on shared characteristics and relationships.

John Ray

• John Ray pioneered the definition of 'species,' laying the groundwork for future biological classification.

Species

• A species is defined as a distinct type of organism, sharing common traits and genetics.

Carolus Linnaeus

• Carolus Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist, is recognized as the father of taxonomy for his systematic classification system.
• He introduced the use of Latin and Latinized Greek to name species, enhancing clarity and consistency in scientific nomenclature.

Two Groups of Living Things

• Living organisms are primarily classified into two kingdoms:
  • Kingdom Plantae (plant kingdom)
  • Kingdom Animalia (animal kingdom)

Importance of Classification

• The rapid discovery of numerous plant and animal species necessitated a systematic method for identification and categorization by naturalists.

Scientific Naming Convention

• In scientific nomenclature, the genus name is capitalized, adhering to specific rules of naming.

Hierarchical Classification

• Organisms are classified into a hierarchical structure consisting of: kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.

Universal Scientific Names

• Scientific names function as globally recognized identifiers for plants and animals, transcending language differences to facilitate communication among scientists worldwide.