Finding Order in Biodiversity

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Taxonomy Noun

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[tak-son-uh-mee]

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Taxonomy

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A scientific system of naming and classifying organisms into groups based on shared characteristics and universally accepted rules.

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Example: This diagram shows taxonomy as a system for organizing life into levels, from the most general (Life) down to the most specific (Species).

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Binomial Nomenclature Noun

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[by-noh-mee-uhl noh-muhn-klay-cher]

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Binomial Nomenclature

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A classification system where each species is assigned a two-part scientific name, consisting of the genus and species.

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Example: This image shows that binomial nomenclature is a two-part scientific naming system, using the tiger (Panthera tigris) to show the Genus and Species names.

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Systematics Noun

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[sis-tuh-mat-iks]

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Systematics

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The science of naming and grouping organisms, with the goal of organizing living things into groups with biological meaning.

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Example: Systematics organizes life into groups. This diagram shows the domain Eukarya classified into four kingdoms: Protoctista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.

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Taxon Noun

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[tak-son]

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Taxon

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A group of one or more organisms in a classification system that biologists have judged to be a unit.

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Example: This diagram shows that a taxon is any level in the system scientists use to classify living things, from broad groups to specific ones.

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Species Noun

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[spee-sheez]

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Species

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A group of similar organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring under natural conditions; the most specific taxon.

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Example: This image shows three different species—a penguin, tiger, and butterfly—and their unique scientific names, highlighting how each species is a distinct group of organisms.

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Genus Noun

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[jee-nuhs]

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Genus

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A taxonomic rank above species and below family, grouping closely related species; the first part of a scientific name.

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Example: This diagram shows the classification of living things. A genus, like *Canis*, is a group that contains very similar species, such as the coyote and the gray wolf.

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Family Noun

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[fam-uh-lee]

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Family

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A taxonomic rank above genus and below order, which contains a group of one or more similar, related genera.

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Example: This diagram shows how scientists organize living things. 'Family' is one level of this organization, fitting between the broader 'Order' and more specific 'Genus'.

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Order Noun

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[or-der]

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Order

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A taxonomic rank above family and below class, containing a group of one or more similar, related families.

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Example: This diagram shows that 'Order' is a level used by scientists to organize living things, fitting between the broader 'Class' and the more specific 'Family'.

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Class Noun

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[klas]

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Class

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A taxonomic rank above order and below phylum, containing a group of one or more similar, related orders.

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Example: This diagram shows the levels of biological classification. 'Class' is a specific level, more general than 'Order' but more specific than 'Phylum'.

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Phylum Noun

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[fy-luhm]

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Phylum

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A taxonomic rank above class and below kingdom, containing organisms that share important body-plan features despite other differences.

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Example: This diagram shows the levels of biological classification, where Phylum is a major group ranked below Kingdom and above Class.