17.1 The Linnaean System of Classification

Class Notes 1:Linnaean Classification

17.1 The Linnaean System of Classification

I. Classification A. Organisms can be classified based on physical similarities.

17.1 The Linnaean System of Classification

B. Linnaeus developed the scientific naming system still used today.

1. Taxonomy is the science of naming and classifying organisms.

2. A taxon is a group of organisms in a classification system.

White oak:Quercus alba

17.1 The Linnaean System of Classification

C. Binomial nomenclature is a two-part scientific naming system.

1. uses Latin words

2. scientific names always written in italics

3. two parts are the genus name and species descriptor

17.1 The Linnaean System of Classification

D. A genus includes one or more physically similar species.

1. Species in the same genus are thought to be closely related.

2. Genus name is always capitalized.

E. A species descriptor is the second part of a scientific name.

1. always lowercase

2. always follows genusname; never written alone

Tyto alba

17.1 The Linnaean System of Classification

II. Linnaeus’ classification system has seven levels.

A. Kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species.

B. Levels get increasingly specific from kingdom to species.

C. System is limited because it is based only on physical similarities.

17.1 The Linnaean System of Classification

Summary

What are the 2 parts in binomial nomenclature? What are the 7 levels of Linnaean nomenclature? What is the most general? What is the most specific?