Classification/ Taxonomy
ARISTOTLE & Linnaeus systemsTaxonomy is the study of scientific classification, in particular the classification of living organisms according to their natural relationships. Aristotle was the first to attempt to classify all the kinds of animals. He grouped the types of creatures according their habitat. Then plants were based on their superficial appearance.
Weaknesses of his taxonomic system:
By the time Linnaeus was born, there were many systems of classification in use, with new plants constantly being discovered and named. However, he didn't give up. He created a classification based on morphology(body structure.) With two kingdoms (Animilia and Plantae). Kingdoms were subdivided into less inclusive taxa (shown to the left). He also used binomial nomenclature, which we still use to this day. His major works went through a great deal of revision in his lifetime, eliminating errors and eventually coming closer to the system that was eventually adopted by taxonomists worldwide. |
Modern taxonomy
Modern taxonomies use a 3 domain system. This proposed modification of the modern taxonomy system better reflects the evolutionary relationships between different forms of life. The Domains and its Kingdoms are shown below.
Dichotomous keys, cladograms
Dichotomous key: A tool that allows the user to determine the identity of items in the natural world, such as trees, wildflowers, mammals, reptiles, rocks, and fish. It consist of a series of choices that lead the user to the correct name of a given item. Below to the left is an eaxmple key. A cladaogram is a branching diagram showing the cladistic relationship between a number of species. Below to the right is an example of one of those relationships.
Helpful resources
Images Cited: http://www.slaw.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/library_photo.png
http://images.slideplayer.com/14/4414883/slides/slide_10.jpg
http://media1.shmoop.com/images/biology/biobook_taxonomy_graphik_6.png
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cd/Francesco_Hayez_001.jpg
http://media.opencurriculum.org/articles_manual/ck12_biology/modern-classification-systems/5.png
http://linnaeus.sourceforge.net/
http://uoitbio2013.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/dichobirds.jpg
http://images.slideplayer.com/14/4414883/slides/slide_10.jpg
http://media1.shmoop.com/images/biology/biobook_taxonomy_graphik_6.png
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cd/Francesco_Hayez_001.jpg
http://media.opencurriculum.org/articles_manual/ck12_biology/modern-classification-systems/5.png
http://linnaeus.sourceforge.net/
http://uoitbio2013.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/dichobirds.jpg