Table of Contents
An Introduction of the Topic – Taxonomic Hierarchy
The taxonomic hierarchy is a classification system that ranks organisms according to their evolutionary relationships. The system is based on the principle of nested sets, which states that each level in the hierarchy is a set of organisms that is nested within the level above it. The taxonomic hierarchy can be represented as a pyramid, with the base representing the most general group of organisms and the apex representing the most specific group.
The taxonomic hierarchy is divided into five major levels: domain, kingdom, phylum, class, and order. The domain is the most general level, and it includes all living things. Therefore the kingdom is the next most general level, and it includes all the organisms in a particular domain. The phylum is the next most general level, and it includes all the organisms in a particular kingdom. The class is the next most general level, and it includes all the organisms in a particular phylum. The order is the next most general level, and it also includes all the organisms in a particular class. The most specific level is the species, and it includes all the organisms in a particular order.
The taxonomic hierarchy can be further divided into smaller levels, but these levels are not as important for classification. The level below the species is the subspecies, and the level below the subspecies is the variety.
The Beginning of the Basis of Classification
The beginning of the basis for classification is the study of similarities and differences among organisms. This process is called taxonomy, and it is the science of classifying organisms into groups based on their similarities. Therefore the first step in taxonomy is to determine the organism’s species. A species is a group of organisms that can breed and also produce fertile offspring. After the species is determined, the next step is to determine the genus. A genus is a group of species that are related and share common characteristics. However the final step in taxonomy is to determine the family. A family is a group of genera that are related and also share common characteristics.
Some of the Characteristics that used Presently to Classify Organisms are:
- Organism’s Habitat
- Diet
- Structure
- Ability to Reproduce
- so includes Ability to Move
Biological Classification
Biological classification is the system by which living things divided into groups based on their similarities and also on differences. This system was first developed by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century.
There are seven levels of biological classification, starting with domain and therefore ending with species. The levels are:
- Domain
- Kingdom
- Phylum
- Class
- Order
- Family
- Genus
- also includes Species
Domain is the broadest level, and includes all living things. Kingdom is the next level, and includes all living things that are plants or animals. Phylum is the next level, and also includes all living things that are animals. Class is the next level, and also includes all living things that are mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, or fish. Order is the next level, and includes all living things that are carnivores, herbivores, or omnivores. Family is the next level, and includes all living things that are parents and also the offspring. Genus is the next level, and includes all living things that have a common ancestor. Species is the most specific level, and also includes all living things that have a common name.
More about Taxonomic Hierarchy
- Domain: Eukarya
- Archaea
- Bacteria
- Eukarya
The domain Eukarya made up of organisms that have cells with a nucleus. This includes all plants, animals, and fungi. The domain Archaea made up of organisms that have cells without a nucleus. However this includes some single-celled organisms and some organisms that live in extreme environments. The domain Bacteria made up of organisms that have cells without a nucleus and also they do not have chloroplasts (organelles that plants use to make food). This includes all prokaryotes (organisms that lack a nucleus).
For more visit Taxonomic Hierarchy | Taxonomic Hierarchy of Plants and Animals
