a.k.a. Classification

Why do we classify things?

• We like things organized

• To have precise names of organisms

• Common names are too confusing– Panther, puma, cougar, mountain lion are all

the same thing

Carolus Linnaeus-18th century

• Developed classification system based on similarities in structure

• Today’s system is also based on genetics and biochemistry

Binomial Nomenclature

• Every species has 2 names

• 1st word = genus—always capitalized

• 2nd word = specific epithet—never capitalized

• Both names are underlined or italicized

• Both names together are the species

Canis lupus

genus Specificepithet

Species name: Canis lupus

System of Classification

• Kingdom

Phylum

Class

order

Family

genus

species

King Paul Came Over For Good Spaghetti

Species: smallest division

This is the smallest division, containing the fewest number of organisms

Every member of this group has the

same characteristics

Members of the same species can

mate and produce fertile offspring

• Genus: groups with similar characteristics

examples:

dog and wolf—same genus,

different species

horse and donkey – same genus,

different species

Hey, did you knowwe’re related?

Yeah, we’re sort of like cousins. Sorry, I like you and all, but we can’t have any babies together

• Family: group of related genuses

• Order: group of related families

• Class: group of related orders

Class mammalia

Class reptilia

• Phylum: group of related classes

• Kingdom: group of related phyla

The 6 Kingdoms

• Eubacteria and Archaebacteria:– bacteria and blue-green algae (blue-green bacteria)– Prokaryotes – have no organelles except ribosomes– All single celled– Can be heterotrophs or autotrophs– Have major differences in cell wall

• Protista– Protozoa and algae– Heterotrophs or autotrophs– Mostly single celled, some multicelluar– All eukaryotes

• Fungi– Mushrooms, molds, yeast– Some single celled, most multicellular– All heterotrophs– All eukaryotes

• Plant– all multicellular– Complex– All autotrophs– All eukaryotes

• Animal– All multicellular– Complex– Usually mobile, but sometimes not– All heterotrophs– All eukaryotes