Chapter 17.1, Problem 4MI

Summary Introduction

To define:

The given terms using a book or a dictionary.

Introduction:

Linnaeus’s system of classification was the first formal system of taxonomic organization. His method of naming organisms is called binomial nomenclature. It gives each species a scientific name which is written in two parts; a genus name and a specific name. The widespread use of this system has made it very popular.

Answer to Problem 4MI

Classification- Classification is grouping of objects or organisms based on a set of criteria.

Taxon- A named group of organisms is called a taxon.

Taxonomy- Taxonomy is a branch of biology that is based on study of identifying, naming and classifying species based on natural relationships.

Explanation of Solution

Scientists use the system of classification to organize all living things. Understanding classification helps us to study organisms and their evolutionary relationships. Classification allows living things to be organized according to their common characteristics and how closely they are related to each other.

Taxonomy is study of identifying, naming and classifying species based on natural relationships. The taxonomic categories are part of a nested hierarchal system- each category is contained within another, as they are arranged from broadest to most specific.

A named group of organisms is called a taxon. Taxa range from broad diagnostic categories to having specific characteristics. The broader the characteristics, the more species the taxon contains. The taxa are organized into a hierarchical system. The different taxonomic categories are species, genus, family, order, class, phylum, kingdom and domain. Domain is the broadest category and species is the smallest category.