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Year 7 BIO Notes Classification-Lesson 2

Organisms are classified based on shared characteristics into a hierarchy of kingdoms, taxa, genera and species. The binomial system of classification assigns each species a unique two-part scientific name of genus and species. Classification is important for studying organisms, identifying varieties, determining evolutionary relationships, and avoiding confusion from common names alone. A dichotomous key uses a series of choices to identify organisms based on observable traits.

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139 views3 pages

Year 7 BIO Notes Classification-Lesson 2

Organisms are classified based on shared characteristics into a hierarchy of kingdoms, taxa, genera and species. The binomial system of classification assigns each species a unique two-part scientific name of genus and species. Classification is important for studying organisms, identifying varieties, determining evolutionary relationships, and avoiding confusion from common names alone. A dichotomous key uses a series of choices to identify organisms based on observable traits.

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Year 7 BIO Notes – LESSON 2

Classification and species


Lesson objective:
a) Describe the importance of classification to evolution.
b) Define binomial system

We classify organisms into groups. The largest is the kingdom and the smallest is
the species. Organisms in a kingdom share similar features.
This scientific sorting or grouping of organisms is known as classification.

Need for classification:

1. Classification is needed for the convenient study of living organisms.


2. It is necessary for knowing the different varieties of organisms.
3. It helps in the correct identification of various organisms.
4. It helps to determine the exact position of the organism in the classification.
5. It helps to develop phylogenetic relations between different groups of
organisms. Phylogeny is the evolutionary history of a group of related
organisms.

Taxonomy is the scientific study of naming, defining and classifying groups of


living based on shared characteristics.
Species is a group of organisms that can interbreed to produce a viable (fertile)
offspring.
Major taxonomic units of classification

Organisms are classified into five kingdoms.

 Bacteria
 Protoctista,
 Fungi,
 Plantae
 Animalia.

Viruses do not fit neatly into any of the above kingdoms because of the following
reasons:

 They are simple and not cellular (they lack cell structures such as cell
membrane, nucleus)
 Therefore, they do not exhibit the characteristics of living organisms.

 But viruses can be viewed as living because they are able to replicate
themselves.
A species is a group of organisms that share a genetic heritage, are able to
interbreed, and to create offspring that are also fertile

Naming species

We often have our own local names for different animals and plants. This can be
so confusing. Therefore, scientists designed a universal system of identifying
organisms

The Binomial System

 This is the double naming system of classification where an organism is


identified by giving it name of the Genus (plural =
genera) and species name.
 This system is also often called the scientific name of an organism to
distinguish it from the common name.
 The genus and species names are normally written in italics-when typing (or
underlined when handwritten). The genus name begins with a capital letter
and the species name with a small letter; e.g. Homo sapiens.
 The binomial system is used to avoid the confusion which often arises from
the use of common names

Examples of Binomial Nomenclature

a) Bean = Phaseolus vulgaris

 Phaseolus is the generic name


 vulgaris is the specific name.

b) Dog = Canis familiaris


Canis is the generic name

familiaris the specific name.

Dichotomous key

A dichotomous key is a tool that can be used to identify organisms or objects in the
natural world, such as plants, animals, or rocks.

Steps of constructing a dichotomous key

1. Step 1: List down the characteristics. ...


2. Step 2: Organize the characteristics in order. ...
3. Step 3: Divide the specimens. ...
4. Step 4: Divide the specimen even further. ...
5. Step 5: Draw a dichotomous key diagram. ...
6. Step 6: Test it out.

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