Biodiversity Classification and Dichotomous Keys Biodiversity Biodiversity is

Biodiversity, Classification, and Dichotomous Keys

Biodiversity • Biodiversity is all of the different living things in an environment (and on Earth) • Remember • Bio = life • Diversity = different

Measuring Biodiversity • Currently about 1. 5 -2 million named species on Earth • Estimates for the total number of species on Earth vary widely • Earth’s biodiversity provides us with food, industrial products, medicine, and more

Threats to Biodiversity 1. Altering habitats (deforestation, urbanization, etc. ) 2. Over-hunting (for meat, fur, medical purposes) 3. Pollution (Ex: DDT) 4. Introduced species (gobies, zebra mussels, etc. )

Classification • Classification is a way of putting things into groups by looking at their similarities • The science of classification is taxonomy. • Carolus Linnaeus developed the classification system we still use today • Linnaeus developed his system in the late 1700 s

Classifying Organisms • To classify organisms scientists use details such as: • Structures of the organisms (internal and external) • Fossils • Hereditary information • Early stages of development

Classification System • A kingdom is the first the largest and most diverse category • Organisms within a kingdom have some characteristics in common, but are very different from one another

Five Kingdoms Examples: Fungi, Mushrooms Example: Plants Example: Animals Example: Algae Example: Bacteria

Classification System continued • The smallest category is species • Organisms within a species are very similar and are capable of mating and producing fertile offspring • Fertile means being capable of reproducing

Example of Classification

Dichotomous Keys • A dichotomous key is a detailed list of identifying characteristics with scientific names • Dichotomous keys are used to identify organisms • Dichotomous keys are used for LIVING organisms.

Use the dichotomous key to the right to identify the objects in the image below. Psst! This is not a REAL dichotomous key because candy is NOT a living organism!)