The Importance Of Classification Systems

The main features of the binomial system

A binomial word consists of two words. The first word is the genus name to which the organism belongs to. The second word is the species within the genus to which the organism belongs to. This is used to overcome the problem of an animal or plant having several different common names. By using the binomial system an organism is given one name, which is its scientific name.

How to use a dichotomous key

A dichotomous key is a series of steps that allows us to identify an organism. The key consists of a number of choices that will lead the user to the correct name of the organism. Keep following this pattern until you reach the answer that you are looking for. Dichotomous keys can be in a flow chart, diagram or a series of paired statements. The term dichotomous means that there will always be two choices in each step of the key until the organism is correctly identified.

The difficulties experienced in classifying extinct organisms

An example of a difficult organism to classify is a fossil. It is hard to classify a fossil because the evidence may be unclear or incomplete; this means it doesn't show enough detail of its structure, which is essential for the classification of an organism. Also it makes it difficult to compare with other organisms if it has been extinct for a long period of time.

Classification of a Red Bottlebrush Tree

Callistemon, Red Bottlebrush Tree Kingdom: Plantae (Unranked): Angiosperms (Unranked): Eudicots (Unranked): Rosids Order: Myrtales Family: Myrtaceae Genus: Callistemon Species: Callistemon acuminatus - Tapering-leaved Bottlebrush

How can the classification of organisms assist in developing an understanding of present and past life on Earth?

Organisms that share features are thought to also share a common ancestry. This means that an extinct organism can share common features with a living organism reflecting evolutionary pathways. By using classification an understanding can be made about the relationship between past and present organisms. This also clarifies how species change over time.

Classification of a Quokka

Setonix brachyurus, Quokka Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Diprotodontia Family: Macropodidae Genus: Setonix Species: S. brachyurus The Quokka's features include a stocky build, rounded ears, and a short, broad head, course brown fur. These features can help in the identification of the Quokka when using a dichotomous key.

Advantages of each system

Some advantages of the classification system include: ~Grouping organism so they can be studied simultaneously making the study of organisms more convenient. ~Each organism has a single name making it easier to show the relationships between different groups of organisms. ~It helps to specifically identify an organism. ~It shows the relationships among organisms. ~It shows the relationship between the organisms and their involvement in the evolution process.

Disadvantages of each system

Some disadvantages of the classification system include: ~ A certain degree of individual choice. ~This type of classification also may use names that people may not know, they also find the need to change their classification if an evolutionary path is different from their previous assumptions.

What is the selection criteria used in different classification systems?

Taxonomy is the part of biology that is involved with putting organisms in order. Taxonomy classification doesn't just name a species, it also tells us about the relationships between one another. This can assist in the identifying of the patterns in nature & decide how to protect the individual species. This organization from larger to smaller, more-specific categories is called a hierarchical system. Every organism can be classified at 7 different levels. These levels include kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species. Every level has organismsm that have similar characteristics. -Kingdom is the highest category and largest group. This is the most broad group as it consists of all living organisms and species. There are 5 different groups within Kingdom that organisms are placed in. These include Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protoctista and Monera. -Phylum is a level that consists of one or more similar organisms. It puts organisms in a more specific group than Kingdom. Animals are grouped together based on similarities in their structual features. -Class is very similar to Phylum as it consists of one or more closely related organisms. It divides organisms into groups eg: Mammals, Reptiles. -Order is also similar to Class; containing one or more similar organisms. It places organisms into general groups. - Family contains one or more similar species. A family may include animals that live in the same area, or have similar characteristics. -Genus consists of a number of similar species. The common name of the organism can somethimes be identical to the genus, for example the plant genus name of Lilium refers to the Lilly. Along with the species name, the Genus assists in the naming of an organism in the classification system. - Species refers to a group of similar organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring exclusivly within that group. The Species name is also used to identify organisms in classification.

How do levels of organisation in a hierarchical system assist classification?

The hierarchical system puts organisms into groups, at different levels, according the their features. These groups are (in order) Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species. This helps us to see the relationship between organisms and allows us to place organisms in their specific groups.

Why scientists need to classify organisms?

There are over 10 million different kinds of life forms, or species, on Earth. Scientists classify living things into groups to help them study and understand the lives, patterns and behaviours of so many different species.

Classification of a Wombat

Vombatus ursinus, Common Wombat Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Diprotodontia Family: Vombatidae Genus: Vombatus Species: V. ursinus The wombat's features can be used to discover its scientific name by using a dichotomous key. These features include its fur, size, claws, colour and nose. These structural features can distinguish the difference between different species of wombat. For example by looking at the Common Wombats nose you can tell that it isn't a Hairy-Nosed Wombat.

Classification of Waratah

Waratah Kingdom: Plantae (Unranked): Angiosperms (Unranked): Eudicots Order: Proteales Family: Proteaceae Genus: Telopea Species: Telopea aspera - Gibraltar Range Waratah or New England Waratah