Table of Contents
What is Biological Classification?
Biological Classification is the systematic grouping of organisms into hierarchical categories based on their common physical and/or genetic characteristics. The first level of classification is the kingdom, which is divided into phyla. Each phylum is divided into classes, which are in turn divided into orders, families, genera, and species.
Basis of Biological Classification
The basis of biological classification is the shared characteristics of organisms. These shared characteristics can be physical or genetic. Organisms are placed into groups called taxa based on their similarities. The most fundamental level of classification is the species. Species are grouped into genera, which are grouped into families, which are grouped into orders, which are grouped into classes, which are grouped into phyla.
Basis of Classification of Organisms
There are many ways to classify organisms, but one of the most common ways is by their shared characteristics. Organisms can be classified by their physical characteristics, their genetic characteristics, or their ecological characteristics.
One way to classify organisms is by their physical characteristics. Organisms can be classified by their size, their shape, their color, or their other physical features.
Another way to classify organisms is by their genetic characteristics. Organisms can be classified by their DNA, by the number of chromosomes they have, or by the way their genes are arranged.
A third way to classify organisms is by their ecological characteristics. Organisms can be classified by the type of environment they live in, by the type of food they eat, or by the way they interact with other organisms.
Kingdom Definition
A kingdom is a large political unit, usually an area of land, that is ruled by a king or queen. A kingdom is also known as a monarchy.
Five Kingdom Classification
The five kingdoms of classification are Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.
Monera includes all prokaryotes, which are simple cells without a defined nucleus. Protista includes all eukaryotes that are not plants or animals. Fungi includes all eukaryotes that are not plants, animals, or protists. Plantae includes all eukaryotes that photosynthesize. Animalia includes all eukaryotes that are not plants or fungi.
