Why do we classify living organisms Regents Biology

§ Why do we classify living organisms? Regents Biology

Classification Chapter 18 Regents Biology 2006 -2007

Classification § System to organize all living creatures plants u animals u microbes u etc. u Regents Biology

Organizing the world of organsims § The Tree of Life u organize creatures by structure & function § how they are built § how they live u organize them into groups of closely related creatures Regents Biology

Carolus Linnaeus § The Linnean system proposed in 1700 s u each species has a 2 part name u § genus § species Homo sapiens Regents Biology

Latin binomial § 2 part scientific name u Genus — larger group to which organism belongs § always capitalized u species — specific name for that organism § always lowercase u example: Linnaeus named humans Homo sapiens § means “wise man” — perhaps in a show of hope & optimism Regents Biology

Genus groupings § Classify organisms into broader groups § Species that are closely related are grouped into the same genus Leopard u African Lion u Tiger u Regents Biology Panthera pardus Panthera leo Panthera tigris

Classification § Kingdom § Phylum § Class § Order § Family § Genus § species Regents Biology

Orders & families Regents Biology

Organizing systems § Making sense out of the differences Eastern gray squirrel Regents Biology Sciurus carolinensis

Why not use common names? § Misleading starfish u dragonfly u § Confusing blue jay, blue coat, corn thief u dog, perro, chien u I swim, but I’m still a bird! Regents Biology

Why not use common names? § But they all Pisaster ochraceus have only one scientific name! Pyrrhosoma nymphula Cyanocitta cristata Regents Biology