Topic 3

Classification of Living Organisms

3.1 Taxonomy and
major levels of
classification

Syllabus:
• define taxonomy as the branch of
biology that deals with the
identification and naming of living
things
• list the seven major levels of
classification
• discuss the importance of
classifying organisms
• outline and identify the principles
used to classify organisms
 • SYLLABUS DEFINITION: Branch of biology that
deals with the identification and naming of
living things
• Classifies + names organisms based on their
Taxonomy features
- Structural features
- functional features
- genetic features
• Linnaues classified organisms into taxa (different
groups defined in biological classification)
• In taxonomy, group can be divided into smaller groups
based on shared characteristics. Groups are divided
until no further subdivision possible = hierarchical
system
• E.g. Scorpion and butterfly belongs to same phylum,
but not same genus
Levels of taxanomic
classification
• 7 major levels
• Kingdom highest & most general
• Species lowest & most specific
• 5 kingdoms:
– Prokaryotae, Protoctista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia
• Species = group of organisms similar enough to produce
fertile offspring when interbreed
Importance of classifying organisms:
• Classify the pictures into smaller groups
based on characteristics shared between
members of groups
• Write down the common characteristics in
each group (aka classification principles).
• How many different groups could you
create based on the classification
principles you used?
 Activity:

• Solid Foundation - P58,

question 1, 2, 3
3.2 The binomial
system of
nomenclature

Syllabus:
• define the binomial system as a
system using a two word Latin
name (genus and species) to
identify a specific type of organism
(notice that the genus name is
capitalised and species name is
never capitalised)
• outline the process of evolution
• discuss the relationship between
classification and evolution
• identify organisms from a given
dichotomous key
Evolution
Process of evolution
• Charles Darwin proposed evolution occurs because of natural selection - adaption &
change of living organisms
• Organisms develop features that improve their functioning = adaptations eg colour,
height, strength, etc.
• These differences might make it easier for some individuals to survive bec as
population increases, so does competition for food, mates, water, etc.
• Only strongest get food & mates = survive
• More survival = more reproduction = “strong” genetic material passed on more often
• The process occurs over time (gradual change) and organisms with weaker genes are
slowly eliminated and best adapted survive leading to almost new organisms from the
original ones = evolution
Example of changes

oColour: camouflage to survive predator

i.e. in insects.

oHeight: i.e. giraffe adapted to tall trees

due to scarcity of food on the ground in
places where only tall tree were found.
 Activity:

• Solid Foundation - P59,

question 8 – a & b
The binomial system of nomenclature

The name should

Used to DESCRIBE
be unique and
& NAME
universal
organisms
(communication)
• Genus name written first, followed by species
name
• Genus name takes capital letter (Homo),
species name in lower case letters (sapiens)
• When typed, it should be in italics e.g. Homo
sapiens. When hand-written, the two words
of the binomial name are underlined
separately e.g. Homo sapiens
• Genus name written in full the first time it is
used. When used again, the genus is
abbreviated to its first letter e.g. first time –
Homo sapiens; thereafter H. sapiens.
 Learner Copy from Board:
Q: Define the Binomial naming system:
ANSWER: Latin/scientific name consisting of two parts. Genus and species
to identify an organism.

Q: Using an example describe the binomial naming system.

ANSWER:
Latin/scientific name consisting of the genus and the species. Example,
Homo is the genus and sapien is the species.
 Activity:

• Solid Foundation - P54,

question 1, 2 & 3
Dichotomous key
Used to identify organisms
A successful dichotomous key:
- each statement describes only 1 characteristic
- each statement gives 2 options to choose from
- a pair of options should eliminate at least 1 member from group
- definitive instruction given for each option to lead you to next statement
- words usen are consistent and not confusing
- there is always 1 statement less than numbers of members in group
Class activity

- Dunlin - Bald eagle - Osprey - Bair’s sparrow

1
1–
answers
2
2 – answers
• A – Cydonia
• B – Quercus
• C – Ilex
• D – Fraxinus
• E – Aesculus
• F – Magnolia
3
3 – answers
4
4 – answers
5
5 – answers
 Activity:

• Solid Foundation - P56,

activity 3.3
• Solid Foundation – P59,
Question 9