Taxonomy – Definition, Classification and Levels | Biology

Taxonomy

Taxonomy – Definition: Taxonomy is the branch of biology that deals with the classification of living things. Taxonomy is the science of naming, describing, and classifying organisms.

Classification of living organisms

There are three levels of classification for living organisms: domain, kingdom, and phylum.

• Domain is the broadest level and includes all living things. There are three domains: eukarya, bacteria, and archaea.
• Kingdom is the next level of classification and includes all living things within a certain domain. There are six kingdoms: eukarya, bacteria, archaea, protista, fungi, and plants.
• Phylum is the next level of classification and includes all living things within a certain kingdom. There are thirty-six phyla: eukarya, bacteria, archaea, protista, fungi, plants, and animals.

The Basic Scheme of Modern Classification has the Following Levels

• Domain
• Kingdom
• Phylum
• Class
• Order
• Family
• Genus
• Species

Domain:
The domain is the highest level of classification and includes all living things.

Kingdom:
The kingdom is the next highest level of classification and includes all plants and animals.

Phylum:
The phylum is the next highest level of classification and includes all animals.

Class:
The class is the next highest level of classification and includes all mammals.

Order:
The order is the next highest level of classification and includes all bats.

Family:
The family is the next highest level of classification and includes all bats.

Genus:
The genus is the next highest level of classification and includes all bats.

Species:
The species is the next highest level of classification and includes all bats.

Kingdom

Animalia

• Domain: Eukarya
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Primates
• Family: Hominidae
• Genus: Homo
• Species: sapiens

The human species, Homo sapiens, is a member of the mammalian class, Chordata. Within the mammalian class, humans are classified in the primate order, Primates. The human family, Hominidae, includes all species of humans, as well as chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans. The human genus, Homo, includes all species of humans, as well as extinct species, such as Neanderthals.

Phylum

Arthropoda

Arthropods are a large phylum of animals that includes insects, spiders, and crustaceans. They are defined by their jointed limbs and hard exoskeletons. Arthropods are the most diverse group of animals on the planet, and make up over 80% of all animal species.

Class

The class of a molecule is determined by the number and type of atoms it contains. The simplest class of molecules is the binary molecule, which contains only two atoms. The simplest example of a binary molecule is molecular hydrogen, H2. More complex molecules contain three or more atoms and are called ternary molecules. The simplest example of a ternary molecule is water, H2O.

Order

1. I

2. II

3. III

4. IV

1. I
2. IV
3. III
4. II

Genus

A genus is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, consisting of one or more species.

The word “genus” is Latin for “kind”.

Species

Solanum tuberosum

Description:

Potatoes are a member of the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Potatoes are a tuber, meaning they grow underground. The part of the potato that we eat is the tuber, which is a starch-filled root. Potatoes can be white, yellow, or red. They can also be smooth or warty.

Where they are found:

Potatoes are grown all over the world. The United States is the world’s second largest producer of potatoes, after China.

What they look like:

Potatoes are a member of the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Potatoes are a tuber, meaning they grow underground. The part of the potato that we eat is the tuber, which is a starch-filled root. Potatoes can be white, yellow, or red. They can also be smooth or warty.

How they are used:

Potatoes are used in many different ways. They can be boiled, mashed, fried, or roasted. Potatoes are also used to make potato chips and French fries.

There are 5 Important Requirements in the Initial Description of a Taxon

1. The taxon must be a named entity.

2. The taxon must be a group of organisms.

3. The taxon must be hierarchical.

4. The taxon must be monophyletic.

5. The taxon must be diagnosable.