Classification

Name:
of Organisms Class: VII
...w here dreams come true Date:
Subject:
Science

It is difficult to study such a large number of living organism, therefore scientists classified in them
into different categories. The classification system is known as Biological classification or taxonomy. It
was introduced in 1758 by Carolus Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist.
In Linneaus’s time, scientists characterized organisms as either plants or animals. Linnaeus
followed this general rule, dividing all living things into two kingdoms—the Kingdom Plantae (plants) and
the Kingdom Animalia (animals). His system was later modified by other scientists who revealed key
differences among organisms at the cellular level. For example, Linneaus classified fungi and algae in the
plant kingdom. When later scientists noted key differences in the cell structures of these groups, algae and
fungi were reclassified in different kingdoms. By the 1960s, scientists had organized living things into five
kingdoms—the Monera (bacteria), Protista (protozoa and algae), Fungi (mushrooms, yeasts, and molds),
Plantae (plants), and Animalia (animals). The five-kingdom system was widely accepted and used for
many years.

1. Kingdom Monera Bacteria are categorized underneath the Kingdom Monera.

2. Kingdom Protista It is made up of all the eukaryotic unicellular organisms except yeast.
Majorly Protozoans (unicellular eukaryotic organisms) come under the Kingdom Protista. Examples
include paramecium, amoeba, plasmodium, euglena, leishmania etc.

3. Kingdom Fungi The organisms of Kingdom Fungi are mostly saprophytic. It is the only
Kingdom which has multicellular and unicellular organisms. It includes mushrooms, yeast and moulds.

4. Kingdom Plantae All plants and trees we see around us come under this Kingdom. All of them
are autotrophic with chloroplast in their cell.

5. Kingdom Animal Kingdom Animalia is made up of eukaryotic, multicellular, heterotrophic

organisms. Mode of nutrition is holozoic, and they are either herbivores or carnivores. Most animals are
motile, they can move independently in search of food, shelter or mate. Animals are made up of many
organ systems,that aid in performing specific functions that are necessary for the survival of the organism.

The following terms are used in taxonomy.

 A kingdom is the highest level of classification which consists of a number of phyla or divisions (in
case of plants) with similar characteristic
 Phylum/Division is a level of classification which consists of a
number of classes with similar characteristics.
 A class is the level of classification which consists of a number of
orders with similar characteristics.
 An order is the level of classification which consists of a number of
families with similar characteristics.
 A family is the level of classification which consists of a number of
Genus with similar characteristics.
 Genus is the level of classification which consists of a number of
species with similar characteristics.
 Species is the level of classification which consists of a number of
organisms with similar characteristics and can interbreed to give
rise to a fertile offspring.

Study the following examples.