Classification and Taxonomy

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Classification Noun

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[klas-uh-fi-kay-shun]

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Classification

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The grouping of objects or organisms based on a set of criteria, used to organize information about living things.

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Example: This diagram shows how a large group of living things (Domain Eukarya) is sorted, or classified, into four smaller, more specific groups (Kingdoms).

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Taxonomy Noun

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[tak-son-uh-mee]

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Taxonomy

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The science of organizing, classifying, and naming living things according to their shared characteristics and evolutionary history.

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Example: This diagram shows taxonomy, the science of classifying living things into a hierarchy of groups, from broad categories like 'Kingdom' to very specific ones like 'Species'.

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Binomial Nomenclature Noun

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[bahy-noh-mee-uhl noh-muhn-kley-cher]

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Binomial Nomenclature

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The two-word system for naming organisms using the genus and species names, ensuring a universal scientific standard.

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Example: This diagram shows that binomial nomenclature is a two-part scientific naming system, using a tiger's name (Panthera tigris) to show the Genus and Species.

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Taxon Noun

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[tak-son]

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Taxon

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A group or level of organization in the hierarchical system of classification, such as kingdom, phylum, or species.

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Example: This diagram shows the taxonomic ranking system, where each level (like Kingdom, Family, or Species) is a 'taxon'. As you go down the pyramid, the groups of organisms become smaller and more specific.

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Domain Noun

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[doh-meyn]

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Domain

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The broadest and most inclusive taxon in the hierarchical classification system, ranking above the kingdom level.

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Example: This diagram shows the levels of biological classification, from the broadest category (Domain) at the top to the most specific (Species) at the bottom.

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Kingdom Noun

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[king-duhm]

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Kingdom

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A major taxonomic rank, just below Domain, used to group related phyla based on fundamental characteristics.

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Example: This diagram shows how all living things are organized into five major groups called kingdoms: Monera, Protists, Fungi, Plants, and Animals.

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Phylum Noun

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[fahy-luhm]

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Phylum

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A principal taxonomic category that ranks above class and below kingdom, grouping organisms with a similar body plan.

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Example: This image shows many different animals, like insects, spiders, and crabs, that all belong to a single large group in scientific classification called Phylum Arthropoda.

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Class Noun

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[klas]

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Class

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A taxonomic rank below Phylum and above Order, grouping together organisms that share major characteristics.

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Example: This diagram shows the levels of biological classification. 'Class' is a specific rank, more general than 'Phylum' but more specific than 'Order'.

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Order Noun

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[or-der]

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Order

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A taxonomic rank below Class and above Family, used to group families with similar features.

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Example: This diagram shows the levels of biological classification, with 'Order' being a specific rank that groups together similar families of organisms.

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Family Noun

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[fam-uh-lee]

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Family

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A taxonomic rank below Order and above Genus, containing one or more related genera.

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Example: This diagram shows the levels of biological classification, from the broadest (Life) to the most specific (Species). 'Family' is one specific rank in this hierarchy.