Biology – 1.2 Concept and uses of classification systems | e-Consult
1.2 Concept and uses of classification systems (1 questions)
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Biologists use a hierarchical system of classification to organize organisms into groups. The levels, from most general to most specific, are:
- Domain: The broadest category. Examples: Bacteria, Eukarya.
- Kingdom: Groups organisms with similar general characteristics. Examples: Animalia, Fungi, Plantae, Protista.
- Phylum (or Division in plants): Groups organisms with a more specific body plan. Examples: Chordata (animals with a backbone), Arthropoda (animals with exoskeletons).
- Class: Groups organisms within a phylum with more specific characteristics. Examples: Mammalia (animals with mammary glands), Insecta (animals with three body sections and six legs).
- Order: Groups organisms within a class with even more specific characteristics. Examples: Primates (mammals with grasping hands and feet), Lepidoptera (insects with scaled wings).
- Family: Groups organisms within an order that share many similar characteristics. Examples: Felidae (cats), Canidae (dogs).
- Genus: A group of closely related species. Examples: *Panthera* (lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars).
- Species: The most specific category; a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Examples: *Homo sapiens* (humans), *Rosa canina* (dog rose).