Classifying Organisms

Why do scientists classify?

What are the levels of classification?

How are taxonomic keys useful?

How are evolution and classification related?

ClassificationTextbook definition:

The process of grouping together things based on their similarities.

In Ms. Anderson’s words Similar things grouped together

In my words My Drawing

TaxonomyTextbook definition:

The scientific study of how living things are classified.

In Ms. Anderson’s words: Study of similar things grouped together

In my words My Drawing

Binomial Nomenclature 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. Anderson’s words: Two Names

In my words My Drawing

GenusTextbook definition:

A classification grouping that consists of a number of similar, closely related species.

In Ms. Anderson’s words: Similar, closely related

In my words My Drawing

SpeciesTextbook definition:

A group of similar organisms that can mate with each other and produce offspring that can also mate and reproduce.

In Ms. Anderson’s words: Very similar, can have fertile offspring

In my words My Drawing

EvolutionTextbook definition:

The process by which species gradually change over time.

In Ms. Anderson’s words: Organisms changing over time.

In my words My Drawing

Scientific NamesItalics or underlineGenus - Capitalized

Species - Lower Case

Perognathus californicus

Perognathus nelsoni

Perognathus spinatus

Common Name:

Pocket mouse

Classifying OrganismsUse the textbook pictures, textbook

definitions, Ms. Anderson’s ideas to write definitions in your own words and to create a drawing to help you remember the definition.