What is hierarchical taxonomy and how are animals classified?

• Taxonomy is the science of identifying and naming organisms.

• The classification of organisms is hierarchical in nature, which means that large groups containing many different species are divided into smaller more specific groups.

Taxonomic Classification

A. Taxonomic classification consists of seven levels of organization.

• 1. Kingdom—Kingdom is the highest category in the Linnaean system of classification.– All living organisms are classified into one of five kingdoms: Plantae,

Animalia, Fungi, Protista, and Monera.• 2. Phylum—Phylum is the level of classification immediately

below kingdom. – At this level, animals are grouped together

based on their basic body plan or organization.• 3. Class—Class is the level of

classification immediately below phylum. – Members of a class have more common

characteristics than those of a division.

Further Specification of Taxonomic Classification

• 4. Order—Order is the level of classification immediately below class.

• 5. Family—Family is the level of classification immediately below order.

• 6. Genus—Genus is the level of classification immediately above species. – A genus consists of closely related species.

• 7. Species—Species is the most specific level of classification. – Members of a species can be bred and produce offspring similar

to their parents. Species names are comprised of the genus and species.

Binomial nomenclature

B. Carolus Linnaeus, a key taxonomist in the mid-eighteenth century, developed the concept of binomial nomenclature.

• Binomial nomenclature is a system used to name organisms.– Binomial nomenclature names

organisms using a two-part Latin name. – The first part is the genus and this name is always

capitalized. – The second part is the species, and it is never capitalized. – Both names should either be underlined or set in italic type.

What are the five kingdoms of organisms and what is the specific taxonomy of agricultural species of animals?

• Animalia—Animals are multicellular, heterotrophic, and eukaryotic organisms that are mobile. – Sponges, worms, insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds,

and mammals are all members of the Animalia kingdom.