Classification

What is classification?



Classification, also known as taxonomy*, is the arrangement of organisms into orderly groups based on their similarities. 

Taxonomists: scientists that identify and name organisms. 


Why do we need to classify organisms?

When we classify organisms, they will be well-organized and it would be easier for us to retrieve any information we want from the classification charts. 

• Accurately and uniformly names organisms
• Prevents misnomers such as starfish and jellyfish that aren't really fish
• Uses same language (Latin or some Greek) for all names

Problems in classifying organisms

Species are always changing and inter-breeding.

Binomial Nomenclature : Genus species

Latin/Greek, Italicized in print, and capitalize genus, not species.