Biological classification involves classifying living and extinct organisms and creating an arrangement of plants and animals in hierarchies. The scientific method of categorising living organism, based on shared characteristics, is called Taxonomy. This was primarily devised by Swedish naturalist Carolus Linnaeus in the 1750s and is the modern taxonomic classification system called the Linnaean system. The Linnaean system of binomial nomenclature is internationally accepted among biologists.
Ranks of the Linnaean system
Taxonomic classification is a foundational aspect of biological sciences, enabling systematic study and understanding of the diversity of life. It provides a structured approach to name and categorise organisms based on their evolutionary relationships and shared characteristics.
The hierarchical structure that includes several ranks, starting with the highest rank, is as follows:
- Domain – Highest taxonomic rank. Categorises life into 3 – Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
- Kingdom – Next level of major grouping such as Animalia (Animals) and Plantae (Plants).
- Phylum – Groups organisms based on body plans and structural features.
- Class
- Order
- Family
- Genus – Closely related species group that shared a common ancestor.
- Species – The most specific level. Represents organisms that can interbreed.
