E

Classification


  • Classification- the process of arranging organisms, both living and extinct, into groups based on similar characteristics.


Instances of grouping:

  • Supermarket

  • Clothing Store

  • School


Reasons for grouping:

  • Easier to organise 

  • Easier to find

  • Differeniate between things


We classify so that:

  • It aids in finding biological life.

  • To have an unanimous name for one thing that may be different for something else.

  • To identify the needs and usage of different organisms.

  • We can predict which other features the members of the group may have.

  • We have a filing system into which we can fit new, similar organisms in the future


How to group animals based on similar features:


  1. Scales

  2. Number of appendages/limbs

  3. Shape or size

  4. Wings

  5. Body segments

  6. Colour*


How to group plants based on similar features:

  1. Fruits 

  2. Veins

  3. Shape of leaf/Margin

  4. Texture

  5. Types of roots

5 Main Kingdoms

Plantae

Animalia

Fungi

Prokaryote (Bacteria)

Protoctista

• multicellular • photosynthesis / carry out self-feeding • source of food / habitat • cellulose cell walls • used in different industries

• heterotrophs • multicellular • vertebrates / invertebrates

• unicellular • heterotrophs • use spores for reproduction • extracellular digestion • asexual and sexual • live in / under floor

• use in medicine • unicellular • smallest org • with cellular structure • decomposers

• unicellular • 2 types: algae / protozoa • habitat - water

Classification Hierarchy Example:

Level

Classification

Kingdom

P | A | F | P | P

Phylum

Chordata, Arthropoda, Annelida (under vertebrate)

Class

Mammal, Birds, Amphibians

Order

Primate

Family

Hominidae

Genus

Homo

Species

Sapiens