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Introduction to Taxonomy and Classification

Levels of organization in living things

Living organisms have certain distinctive functions and features that separate them
from non-living things, such as growth, reproduction, metabolic functions, definite
cellular organization, ability of movement and locomotion, etc.

Nomenclature and classification of living things

Nomenclature is the system of giving scientific names to organisms, and it is governed

by certain universal rules.
Classification is the process of organizing and categorizing organisms based on their
similarities and differences.

Taxonomy: study of classification and naming of organisms

Taxonomy is the science dealing with identification, nomenclature, and classification of

organisms.
It involves the study of rules, principles, and practices of classification, identification,
and nomenclature.

Binomial nomenclature: system of giving scientific names

Binomial nomenclature is a system of classification introduced by Carolus Linnaeus.

It involves giving each organism a two-part Latinized name, with the first part
representing the genus and the second part representing the species.

Taxonomic categories: kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus,

species

Taxonomic categories are hierarchical levels of classification used to categorize

organisms based on their similarities and differences.
The hierarchy of taxonomic categories includes kingdom, phylum, class, order, family,
genus, and species.

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Hierarchy of taxonomic categories

The hierarchy of taxonomic categories starts with the broadest category, kingdom, and
becomes more specific as we move down the hierarchy.
The hierarchy is as follows: kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species.

Characteristics of living organisms

Living organisms have certain characteristics that distinguish them from non-living
things, such as growth, reproduction, metabolic functions, definite cellular organization,
ability of movement and locomotion, etc.

Diversity of life

The diversity of life refers to the wide variety of organisms that exist on Earth.
This diversity includes different species, genera, families, orders, classes, phyla, and
kingdoms.
It is a result of evolution and adaptation to different environments.

Taxonomic keys

Taxonomic keys are artificial analytic devices used for identifying organisms.
They consist of a list of statements or characteristics that help in the identification of
organisms.

Botanical gardens and Museum

Botanical gardens are collections of living plants maintained for reference.

Museums are places used for storing, preservation, and exhibition of objects of natural
history, art, and objects of natural antiquities.

Herbarium

Herbarium is a collection of dried, pressed, and preserved plants on sheets.

It serves as a reference for the study of plant taxonomy and classification.

Zoological park

Zoological parks are places where wild animals are kept in a protected environment
under human care.
They serve as educational and conservation centers for different species of animals.

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Biological Classification

Biological classification is the process of organizing and categorizing organisms based

on their similarities and differences.
It involves the classification of organisms into different kingdoms, phyla, classes,
orders, families, genera, and species.

Kingdoms of Classification

Carolus Linnaeus introduced the two-kingdom classification system, which includes

Plantae and Animalia.
W. H. Whittaker proposed the five-kingdom classification system, which includes
Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.
Carl Woese proposed the six-kingdom classification system, which includes Archaea,
Bacteria, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.

Viruses

Viruses are non-cellular organisms that consist of a nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) covered
by a protein sheath called capsid.
They are not considered living organisms as they cannot reproduce or carry out
metabolic functions outside of a living cell.

Lichens

Lichens are a symbiotic association of fungi and algae.

The algal component is called phycobiont, and the fungal component is called
mycobiont.
Lichens are commonly found in harsh environments and can survive in extreme
conditions.

Algae

Algae are a diverse group of photosynthetic organisms that include unicellular, colonial,
filamentous, or multicellular organisms.
They do not have true roots, stems, or leaves and are usually found in aquatic
environments.
Algae play a significant role in the production of oxygen and are an important part of
the food chain.

Gymnosperms

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 Gymnosperms are a group of plants that usually have trees as their dominant form.
They do not produce flowers but have reproductive structures called cones.
Gymnosperms include plants like conifers, cycads, and ginkgoes.

Angiosperms

Angiosperms are flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed within a fruit.
They have a wide variety of forms, including trees, shrubs, and herbs.
Angiosperms are the most diverse group of plants and include familiar plants like
roses, sunflowers, and wheat.

Bryophytes

Bryophytes are non-vascular plants that include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts.
They are known as the amphibians of the plant kingdom because they require water for
reproduction.
Bryophytes have a dominant gametophyte generation and a reduced sporophyte
generation.

Pteridophytes

Pteridophytes are vascular plants that include ferns, horsetails, and club mosses.
They were the first terrestrial plants to possess vascular tissues, xylem, and phloem.
Pteridophytes have a dominant sporophyte generation and reproduce through spores.

Plant Kingdom

The plant kingdom is one of the five kingdoms of classification and includes all plants,
from algae to flowering plants.
It is characterized by photosynthetic organisms that have cell walls made of cellulose.

Animal classification

Animal classification is based on the arrangement of cells, symmetry, nature of coelom,

and patterns of digestive, circulatory, and respiratory systems.
Animals are divided into different phyla, such as Porifera, Coelenterata, Ctenophora,
Platyhelminthes, Aschelminthes, Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, Echinodermata,
Hemichordata, and Chordata.

Notochord

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 Notochord is a stiff and flexible supporting rod-like structure formed on the dorsal side
during embryonic development in some animals.
Animals with a notochord are called chordates, while those without a notochord are
called non-chordates.

Levels of organization

Living organisms can be organized into different levels, including cellular level, tissue
level, organ level, and organism level.
These levels represent the increasing complexity and specialization of cells and
tissues.

Symmetry

Symmetry refers to the arrangement of body parts on the opposite sides of the body to
give a definite form and shape to an animal.
Animals can have different types of symmetry, such as asymmetry, radial symmetry, or
bilateral symmetry.

Coelom

Coelom is the body cavity that is lined by mesoderm.

It provides space for the internal organs and allows for their movement and protection.
There are three types of coelom: acoelomate condition (lack of coelom),
pseudocoelomate (body cavity not completely lined by mesoderm), and eucoelomate
(body cavity completely lined by mesoderm).

Animal Kingdom

The animal kingdom is one of the five kingdoms of classification and includes all
animals, from sponges to mammals.
It is characterized by multicellular organisms that lack cell walls and have specialized
tissues and organs.

Animal classification

Animal classification is based on the arrangement of cells, symmetry, nature of coelom,

and patterns of digestive, circulatory, and respiratory systems.
Animals are divided into different phyla, such as Porifera, Coelenterata, Ctenophora,
Platyhelminthes, Aschelminthes, Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, Echinodermata,
Hemichordata, and Chordata.

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