Classification U.1 L. 1

Taxonomy

Taxonomy

identifying and classifying animals

Importance of Taxonomy

Helps farmers see broccoli v. weeds, doctors medicie vs. disease

Classification

The organization of life forms and indication of evolutionary relationships.

Linnaeus

The creator and father of taxonomy who established the binomial nomenclature system.

Binomial Nomenclature

A two-part naming system for organisms, consisting of the Genus and Species, e.g., tiger = Panthera tigris; first name uppercase, second name lowercase, both in italics.

Species

A group of organisms that can interbreed in nature and produce fertile offspring.

Biological Species Concept

A definition based on the ability to interbreed and produce viable offspring.

Morphological Species Concept

A definition based on the physical appearance and structural forms of species.

Phylogenetic Species Concept

A definition based on the genetic similarity and evolutionary history of a species.

Ranks of Taxonomy

The hierarchical classification from broadest to most specific:domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species.

Taxon

Each rank in taxonomy is called a taxon (plural:taxa).

Mnemonic Device

"Dude keep pond clean or froggy gets sick" helps remember the ranks of taxonomy.

Phylogenetic

The study of evolutionary history based on morphology and DNA.

Phylogenetic Tree

A diagram that shows the anatomical, physiological, and molecular common characteristics between species.

Anatomy

The structure of organisms, used to classify how closely species are related (a branch of morphology).

Physiology

The study of biochemical and internal processes, including the chemical functions of organs.

Cladogram

A diagram that illustrates the relationships between organisms and their ancestors based on shared characteristics.

Clade

A group of organisms that share a common ancestor.