Key Vocab - 03. Classification

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Binomial nomenclature

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The scientific system of naming organisms using two Latinized names: the genus (Firt letter capitalized) and the species (all lowercase), e.g., Homo sapiens. This system was developed by Carl Linnaeus.

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Taxonomy

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The scientific discipline of classifying and naming organisms based on their evolutionary relationships and shared characteristics.

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Domain

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The highest taxonomic rank in the classification system, grouping organisms into three broad categories: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

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Kingdom

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The second highest taxonomic rank, grouping organisms based on similarities. Traditionally, the five kingdoms are Monera (Bacteria and Archaea), Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.

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Phylum

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A taxonomic category below kingdom and above class, grouping organisms based on major structural and functional similarities.

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Class

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A taxonomic category below phylum and above order, grouping organisms that share significant characteristics.

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Order

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A taxonomic category below class and above family, grouping organisms with even more specific similarities.

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Family

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A taxonomic category below order and above genus, grouping closely related organisms.

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Genus

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A taxonomic category below family and above species, grouping species that share common characteristics. The first part of a scientific name represents the genus.

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Scientific name (Species)

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The unique, Latin-based two-part name of an organism, consisting of the genus and species (e.g., Canis lupus for the gray wolf).