Classification

EQ: How can I use a classification key to figure out unknown organisms?   

SPI 0807.5.1

What is CLASSIFICATION?

• Classification- organizing living things based on their similarities.

• Scientists classify living and extinct organisms to make them easier to study.

8 Levels of Classification

DOMAINKINGDOMPHYLUMCLASSORDERFAMILYGENUSSPECIES

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Taxonomy

• Taxonomy-  the science of classifying organisms. 

** Scientists use various diagrams to classify organisms. 

A branching diagram can show the relationships between organisms. 

Organisms that are more closely related are closer together on the diagram. 

1.Which animal is most similar to the chimp?2.Which has claws or nails?3.Which animal has feathers?

Scientific Names

• When living things are classified, they get a scientific name.

• Scientific names are usually Latin or Greek.

• The scientific name is the same everywhere in the world.

Asian ElephantScientific Name:

Elephas maximus

*The scientific name is always the genus and species name 

together. 

Elephas maximus

• The genus is always written first and is always capitalized. 

• The species name is second and is always lower case.

• The scientific name (the entire name) is always italicized or underlined. 

Tyrannosaurus rex

Ever heard of a DICHOTOMOUS KEY?

• Scientists use a DICHOTOMOUS KEY to identify unknown organisms. 

• Turn to page 52!

QUIZ

1. How should a scientific name always be written?

2. What are the 8 levels of classification?

3. Which plant is least similar to the hibiscus?4. Which plant has tissues that transport

materials?5. Which plant has seeds?

6. Bird W7. Bird X8. Bird Y9. Bird Z

Your task:1. Create your own

branching diagram with at least 5 animals. Write 5 questions that can be answered using your branching diagram.

OR2. Create your own

dichotomous key using the worksheet given.

Your diagram must be

colored!!!