What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

Taxonomy classifies organisms into a hierarchy: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species

The binomial nomenclature system gives each species a two-part Latin name (genus + species)

Modern classification uses evolutionary relationships (phylogenetics) rather than just physical similarity

Biodiversity is important for ecosystem health, resilience, and the services ecosystems provide

Key Vocabulary

Taxonomy

The science of classifying organisms based on shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships

Binomial nomenclature

The system of naming species using a two-part Latin name: genus and species

Phylogenetics

The study of evolutionary relationships among organisms

Biodiversity

The variety of life in an area, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

The scientific name for humans is Homo sapiens. What do these two words represent?

Genus and Species Kingdom and Phylum Family and Order Domain and Class

Question 2

Two animals look very similar but DNA analysis shows they are not closely related. Modern classification would:

Classify them together based on appearance Classify them separately, as phylogenetics (evolutionary relationships) takes precedence Ignore the DNA evidence Create a new classification based on habitat

Question 3

Why is biodiversity important for ecosystems?

More species means more competition, which is harmful All species do the same job so variety is unnecessary Biodiversity provides resilience — ecosystems with many species are better able to recover from disturbances Biodiversity only matters for aesthetic reasons

Biological Diversity and Classification