Unit A Lesson 2: Classifying Species
Completion requirements
Unit A Lesson 2: Classifying Species |
Learning Targets |
Inquiry Question: How can we identify and classify species?
Many plants and animals look alike, and others behave in similar ways. Deciding on which groups belong to the same species isn't as easy as you might think.
Many plants and animals look alike, and others behave in similar ways. Deciding on which groups belong to the same species isn't as easy as you might think.
At the end of this inquiry, you should be able to answer the following questions:
- What is a hierarchy?
- Who's Carl Linnaeus (Carolus Linnaeus)?
- How many kingdoms are there?
- How does a classification system help us understand biodiversity?
Pages 12 to 15 in your textbook will help you answer these questions about classifying species.
Introduction
Scientists classify animals based on their structural differences and similarities and follow a specific hierarchy.
This classification system was completed by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century and is still used today. The Linnaean classification system is written in Latin so that it is universally recognized and does not change regardless of the language one speaks.
In this system, every species’ scientific name is made from its genus and species names. Because of this, no two species have the same name, and scientists can identify accurately the millions of organisms on earth. The scientific name has the genus name written first with a capital letter and the species name is written second with no capital letter. And the name is written in italics. For example the scientific name for the species that Carl Linnaeus belongs to is Homo sapiens.
This classification system was completed by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century and is still used today. The Linnaean classification system is written in Latin so that it is universally recognized and does not change regardless of the language one speaks.
In this system, every species’ scientific name is made from its genus and species names. Because of this, no two species have the same name, and scientists can identify accurately the millions of organisms on earth. The scientific name has the genus name written first with a capital letter and the species name is written second with no capital letter. And the name is written in italics. For example the scientific name for the species that Carl Linnaeus belongs to is Homo sapiens.
Figure 1 – The Linnaean classificiation system of animals, from the year 1735.
Watch
How are species classified? The video
"Classification
of Living Things" presents a
basic
review on classification of living things.
Scientists further classify each kingdom into seven groupings with each division becoming more specific to the type of organism it is identifying.
Scientists call this classification a hierarchy. It starts with Kingdom and ends with Species.
Here is a great strategy to help you remember the order of Linnaeus’ taxonomies within his classification system. Use this mnemonic to help you remember the order of the classification hierarchy, or you can make up your own mnemonic.
Kingdom
=
Kids
Scientists call this classification a hierarchy. It starts with Kingdom and ends with Species.
Here is a great strategy to help you remember the order of Linnaeus’ taxonomies within his classification system. Use this mnemonic to help you remember the order of the classification hierarchy, or you can make up your own mnemonic.
Kingdom
=
Kids
Phylum
=
Play
Classes
=
Catch
Order
=
Over
Family
=
Farmer
Genus
=
Green’s
Species
=
Shed
Kids Play Catch Over Farmer Green’s Shed!
Connections
Connections: History
>> Aristotle (382 – 322 BC)
Aristotle was the first to come up with idea of classifying organisms. He grouped types of creatures according to their similarities: animals with blood and animals without blood, animals that live in water and animals that live on land.
Aristotle was special. By the end of this course you will see why Aristotle is known as the father of science.
>> Aristotle (382 – 322 BC)
Aristotle was the first to come up with idea of classifying organisms. He grouped types of creatures according to their similarities: animals with blood and animals without blood, animals that live in water and animals that live on land.
Aristotle was special. By the end of this course you will see why Aristotle is known as the father of science.
Try It!
Practice Worksheet: Cat-egories
- DOWNLOAD this practice worksheet (S9_UA_S1_L2_cat-egories). If you prefer to use a Google Drive or PDF version of the worksheet, click here.
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Complete the questions. Click on the "Hint" button below if you need help with question 3.
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When you are satisfied with your responses you can check your work by clicking on the "SUGGESTED ANSWERS" button below.
Wait! Don't view the suggested answers first. This practice work is not for marks, it is meant to help you check your understanding. Check the answers AFTER doing the questions! Keep the practice worksheet for study purposes. If you don't understand something, contact your teacher!
This is a sample of binomial names to help you answer question 3 on the "Cat-egories" worksheet. Spelling and style are very important. For example, note where the capital letters are placed.
Bobcat = Lynx rufus
Great Horned Owl = Bubo virginianus
Tree Frog = Hyla arenicolor
Humans = Homo sapiens
Cabbage = Brassica oleracea
Bobcat = Lynx rufus
Great Horned Owl = Bubo virginianus
Tree Frog = Hyla arenicolor
Humans = Homo sapiens
Cabbage = Brassica oleracea
- They are different at the Genus level. House Cat = Felis and Cougar = Puma.
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Cougar - Puma concolor
House cat - Felis catus
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The Genus name is written first with a capital letter and the species name is written second with no capital letter. And the name is written in italics.