Classification of organisms
Variation in organisms
every individual is genetically unique
patterns of variations are complex - basis for naming/ classifying organisms
Linnaean classification system
Carl Linnaeus established the first global classification system, based on
species as groups with shared morphological traits
What is binomial nomenclature?
species name given in 2 parts - genus + species
eg Homo sapiens
Benefits of the Linnaean classification system
internationally the same
more closely related have closer names - similarity
avoids confusion through common names - unique to each species
easy to name new species
Definition of a species (biological species concept)
group of organisms can breed and produce fertile offspring
eg horse and donkey can breed to produce mules, which are usually infertile
this isn’t alllways correct (there are cases)
Speciation
What is speciation?
Classification of organisms 1
Variation in organisms
every individual is genetically unique
patterns of variations are complex - basis for naming/ classifying organisms
Linnaean classification system
Carl Linnaeus established the first global classification system, based on
species as groups with shared morphological traits
What is binomial nomenclature?
species name given in 2 parts - genus + species
eg Homo sapiens
Benefits of the Linnaean classification system
internationally the same
more closely related have closer names - similarity
avoids confusion through common names - unique to each species
easy to name new species
Definition of a species (biological species concept)
group of organisms can breed and produce fertile offspring
eg horse and donkey can breed to produce mules, which are usually infertile
this isn’t alllways correct (there are cases)
Speciation
What is speciation?
Classification of organisms 1
