8th Grade Comp Science
Mrs. Colyer's
Benchmark - SC.6.L.15.1
Analyze and describe how and why organisms are classified according to shared characteristics,
with emphasis on the Linnaean system combined with the concept of Domains.
Click the PDF Button to review the classification presentation :
Vocabulary
Binomial nomenclature - A system of naming a species often in a Latinized form and in two parts, i.e. the generic name (genus) and the species
Class- A taxonomic group comprised of organisms that share a common attribute. It is further divided into one or more orders.
Domain - one of the three broad groups of classification that all living things fall into.
Eukara - in the modern taxonomic system, a domain made up of all eukaryotes (organisms with eukaryotic cell)
Genus - a class of things that have common characteristics and that can be divided into smaller more specific groups
Kingdom- the highest taxonomic rank, or the most general taxon used in classifying organisms
Linnaean System- 2 name naming system created by Carolus Linnaeus, used to classify organisms into categories.
Order -A taxonomic rank used in classifying organisms, generally below the class, and comprised of families sharing a set of similar nature or character
Phylum - taxonomic rank at the level below Kingdom and above Class in biological classification, especially of animals.
Species - a group of closely related organisms that can mate to produce fertile offspring
Taxonomy - the science of describing, naming and classifying organisms.
Bird observed on the zoo field trip.
Common name: Black Crowned Night Heron
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Aves
Order - Pelecaniformes
Family - Araneidae
Genus - Nycticorax
Species - nycticorax
Essential Question:
1. How are organisms classified? Organisms are classified based on shared characteristics. These characteristics include having similar structures, making food, and how they reproduce. They are grouped from the most general to the most specific, based on these characteristics. The groups are in order from least specific to most specific: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species - See example above.