Classification Vocabulary

Classification

The process of sorting living organisms into groups based on their characteristics.

Taxonomy

The naming, describing, and classification of organisms.

Carolus Linnaeus

Swedish botanist who developed a system of binomial nomenclature and is the father of modern taxonomy.

Linnaean System

A system for classifying organisms that sorts life into broad and specific categories.

Taxon

A group of one or more organisms that are classified together.

Dichotomous keys

Characteristics given in pairs that are used to identify organisms.

Cladogram

A diagram showing how organisms are related based on shared, derived characteristics.

Phylogeny

Evolutionary history and relationships among organisms.

Binomial nomenclature

A formal system of naming species, using two Latin names.

Hierarchy

Organization from broad to specific.

Domain

Highest taxonomic rank.

Kingdom

Rank within the system under the domain.

Phylum

Rank below kingdom.

Class

Subdivision of phylum.

Order

Rank below the class that groups species with similar characteristics.

Family

Rank below order.

Genus

Rank below family.

Species

The most basic unit of classification.

Bacteria

A domain consisting of single

Archaea

A domain of single

Eukarya

A domain that includes all organisms with eukaryotic cells, which have a nucleus and membrane

Archaebacteria and Eubacteria

Two groups within the domain Bacteria; Archaebacteria are often extremophiles, while Eubacteria include the majority of bacteria found in everyday environments.

Protista

A diverse kingdom that includes mostly unicellular organisms and some multicellular ones, among them algae and protozoa.

Fungi

A kingdom made up of non

Plantae

A kingdom comprising all plants, characterized by their ability to perform photosynthesis.

Animalia

A kingdom that includes all animals, which are multicellular, eukaryotic organisms that typically have a nervous system and are capable of movement.