Classifying Organisms

1
Classifying Organisms

• Why do scientists classify?
• What are the levels of classification?
• How are taxonomic keys useful?
• How are evolution and classification related?

2
Classification

• Textbook definition
• The process of grouping together things based on
  their similarities.
• In Ms. Andersons words
• Similar things grouped together
• In my words My Drawing

3
Taxonomy

• Textbook definition
• The scientific study of how living things are
  classified.
• In Ms. Andersons words
• Study of similar things grouped together
• In my words My Drawing

4
Binomial Nomenclature
Lindquist, Lisa

• Textbook definition
• The system for naming organisms in which each
  organism is given a unique, two part scientific
  name indicating its genus and species.
• In Ms. Andersons words
• Two Names
• In my words My Drawing

5
Genus

• Textbook definition
• A classification grouping that consists of a
  number of similar, closely related species.
• In Ms. Andersons words
• Similar, closely related
• In my words My Drawing

6
Species

• Textbook definition
• A group of similar organisms that can mate with
  each other and produce offspring that can also
  mate and reproduce.
• In Ms. Andersons words
• Very similar, can have fertile offspring
• In my words My Drawing

7
Evolution

• Textbook definition
• The process by which species gradually change
  over time.
• In Ms. Andersons words
• Organisms changing over time.
• In my words My Drawing

8
Scientific NamesItalics or underlineGenus -
CapitalizedSpecies - Lower Case
Common Name Pocket mouse

• Perognathus californicus
• Perognathus nelsoni
• Perognathus spinatus

9
Classifying Organisms

• Use the textbook pictures, textbook definitions,
  Ms. Andersons ideas to write definitions in your
  own words and to create a drawing to help you
  remember the definition.