More Classification More Classification NotesNotes

Taxon: A group of similar organisms

As we move from kingdom to species, organisms within each taxon become more similar to one another.

How do we classify?By cell structure, food-getting methods and

metabolism, external coverings.

DNA and genetic code is increasingly more important.

Classification of organisms is not perfect-some organisms are reclassified when more is learned about them.

Some have even suggested adding more kingdoms.

Level of Classification

Human Domestic Cat Grizzly Bear

Kingdom Animalia Animalia Animalia

Phylum Chordata Chordata Chordata

Class Mammalia Mammalia Mammalia

Order Primates Carnivora Carnivora

Family Hominidae Felidae Ursidae

Genus Homo Felis Ursus

Species sapiens silvestris (domesticus)

arctos

1. At which taxon do you start to see differences?

2. Which two of the three organisms are more related?

3. At what point do the classifications of the cat and grizzly bear diverge?

Order

Domestic cat and Grizzly Bear

Family

Binomial Nomenclature (two name naming)

Every scientific name is made of two words (binomial)

First word is Genus is capitalized Second word is Species name and is lowercase

Genus functions as a noun, Species functions as an adjective.

Homo

Felis

Ursus

sapiens silvestris arctos

Genus species

Be able to look at a scientific name and determine which two organisms are the most closely related.

Of the three choices below, which two are the most closely related?

I. Red hat

II. Blue hat

III. Red ball

Answer: the Red hat and the Blue hat. They are closest related because their nouns are the most similar. The adjective only describes the noun.

Now, which of the following three pairs are the most closely related? Why?

I. Mus domesticus Musca domestica

II. Galleus domesticus Mus domesticus

III. Felis concolor Felis rufus

1.Mus domesticus Musca domestica2. Galleus domesticus Mus domesticus3. Felis concolor Felis rusus

Noun adjectiveIf someone asks you which organisms are most similar, look for ones with the same “noun” as first word.

chickenfly

mouse

mousecougar

bobcat