Taxonomy

Definition

Taxonomy is the scientific process of classifying organisms into structured categories based on shared characteristics. It helps organize biological diversity and facilitates understanding and studying life forms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The primary levels of taxonomy, from broadest to most specific, are Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species.
2. Carolus Linnaeus is known as the father of modern taxonomy due to his development of the binomial nomenclature system.
3. Binomial nomenclature gives each species a two-part Latin name consisting of its genus and species names.
4. Taxonomic classification reflects evolutionary relationships among organisms.
5. Molecular data such as DNA sequencing has become increasingly important in modern taxonomy for determining relationships between organisms.

Review Questions

• What are the major hierarchical levels of taxonomic classification?
• Who developed the binomial nomenclature system and why is it significant?
• How does modern taxonomy utilize molecular data?

Related terms

Binomial Nomenclature: A formal system of naming species using two Latin names representing the genus and species.

Phylogeny: The evolutionary history and relationships among species or groups of species.

Cladistics: A method of classification based on common ancestry and branching evolutionary lineages.