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Module 2 Unit 1

This document provides an overview of the classification of living things, also known as taxonomy, which organizes organisms into hierarchical categories based on shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships. It discusses the three domains of life—Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya—and the kingdoms within Eukarya, as well as the significance of binomial nomenclature and modern classification methods like molecular phylogenetics. Overall, taxonomy enhances our understanding of biodiversity and the interconnectedness of life on Earth.

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9 views4 pages

Module 2 Unit 1

This document provides an overview of the classification of living things, also known as taxonomy, which organizes organisms into hierarchical categories based on shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships. It discusses the three domains of life—Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya—and the kingdoms within Eukarya, as well as the significance of binomial nomenclature and modern classification methods like molecular phylogenetics. Overall, taxonomy enhances our understanding of biodiversity and the interconnectedness of life on Earth.

Uploaded by

helenadetoro6
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Unit 1:

Classification of living things


Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Learning Outcomes
3.0 Learning Content
3.1 Classification of living things
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 Introduction
The classification of living things, or taxonomy, is the science of organizing organisms
into categories based on shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships. This
system helps scientists better understand biodiversity and trace the lineage of different
species. Organisms are classified into hierarchical ranks, starting from the broadest
category, the domain, down to the most specific, the species. The system was first
formalized by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century using binomial nomenclature, where
each species is given a two-part Latin name. Today, molecular techniques, like DNA
sequencing, continue to refine our understanding of how life forms are related.

2.0 Learning Outcomes


By studying the classification of living things, students will gain an understanding of how organisms are
organized into hierarchical groups based on shared traits and evolutionary relationships. They will learn
the importance of taxonomy in organizing biodiversity and tracing the evolutionary history of species.
Students will develop an appreciation for the methods used in modern classification, including molecular
techniques and phylogenetics. They will also acquire the ability to use binomial nomenclature for
identifying and naming species. Overall, students will enhance their critical thinking skills by
understanding the complexity of biological diversity and its classification.

3.0 Learning Content


Overview: The classification of living organisms, also known as taxonomy, is the scientific practice of
grouping organisms based on shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships. The main goal is to
organize biological diversity in a systematic way, making it easier to understand the relationships
between different species.

1. Taxonomic Hierarchy

The classification system organizes organisms into a series of ranked categories. The primary ranks are:

1. Domain – The highest level of classification.

2. Kingdom

3. Phylum

4. Class

5. Order

6. Family

7. Genus

8. Species – The lowest and most specific rank.

Mnemonic for remembering the order:


Dear King Phillip Came Over For Good Soup.

2. The Three Domains

The broadest level of classification divides life into three domains:

1. Archaea – Single-celled organisms without a nucleus; often found in extreme environments.

2. Bacteria – Single-celled organisms that are common and found in various environments.

3. Eukarya – Organisms with complex cells, including plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

3. Kingdoms within Eukarya

The domain Eukarya contains several kingdoms, including:


 Plantae – Multicellular organisms that conduct photosynthesis.

 Animalia – Multicellular, heterotrophic organisms that can move.

 Fungi – Includes organisms like molds, yeast, and mushrooms that absorb nutrients.

 Protista – Diverse group that includes algae, protozoans, and slime molds.

4. Binomial Nomenclature

Developed by Carl Linnaeus, this system gives each species a unique two-part name (Latin or Greek):

 The first part is the genus (capitalized).

 The second part is the species (lowercase). Example: Homo sapiens (humans).

5. Phylogenetic Trees

A phylogenetic tree (or cladogram) illustrates evolutionary relationships among species based on shared
traits or genetic similarities. It’s a branching diagram that shows how species diverged from common
ancestors.

6. Modern Classification Methods

 Molecular Phylogenetics – Uses DNA sequences to determine evolutionary relationships.

 Cladistics – Organizes species based on shared derived characteristics, helping to determine


evolutionary lineage.

7. Species Concept

A species is typically defined as a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
However, this definition may not apply universally (e.g., asexual organisms or hybridization).

4.0 Conclusion

In conclusion, the system of classification, or taxonomy, provides a structured way to organize


and understand the vast diversity of life on Earth. By using a hierarchical system that ranges
from the broadest domain to the most specific species, scientists can identify and categorize
organisms in a meaningful way. The three domains—Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya—further
break down the complexity of life, with Eukarya containing multiple kingdoms such as Plantae,
Animalia, Fungi, and Protista. The introduction of binomial nomenclature by Carl Linnaeus
revolutionized species identification with unique two-part names. Modern tools, such as
molecular phylogenetics and cladistics, allow for even more precise understanding of
evolutionary relationships. While the species concept remains essential for defining biological
groups, it’s important to recognize its limitations in certain contexts. Overall, taxonomy
continues to evolve, providing critical insights into the history, relationships, and diversity of life
on our planet.

5.0 Summary
In summary, taxonomy is a systematic way of classifying organisms into hierarchical categories,
from the broadest domain to the most specific species. The three domains—Archaea, Bacteria,
and Eukarya—group life into major categories, with Eukarya containing kingdoms like Plantae,
Animalia, Fungi, and Protista. Binomial nomenclature assigns each species a unique two-part
name, while phylogenetic trees depict the evolutionary relationships among species. Modern
methods such as molecular phylogenetics and cladistics further refine our understanding of these
relationships. Overall, taxonomy helps us better understand the complexity and
interconnectedness of life on Earth.

6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment

1. How does the taxonomic hierarchy help in organizing and identifying organisms?
2. Discuss the various ranks in the taxonomic hierarchy, from Domain to Species.
3. Explain the significance of each rank in classification.
4. What are the main differences between the three domains of life: Archaea, Bacteria, and
Eukarya?
5. How do modern classification methods, such as molecular phylogenetics and cladistics,
enhance our understanding of evolutionary relationships among species?

7.0 References/Further Reading


References:

 Linnaeus, C. (1758). Systema Naturae.

 Mayr, E. (2004). What Evolution Is.

 Campbell, N. A., Reece, J. B., & Urry, L. A. (2014). Biology (10th edition). Pearson.

 Felsenstein, J. (2004). Inferring Phylogenies. Sinauer Associates.

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