module 4 - Classification and Evolution

Classification - name given to the process by which living organisms are sorted into groups. The organisms in each group share similar features

Taxonomic groups:

• kingdom - biggest and broadest group
• phylum
• class
• order
• family
• genus
• species - smallest and most specific classification

Research has suggeststed there are further groups now known as domain, which goes at the top of the hieararchy.

Why classify organisms?

• to identify species - see what species an organisms belongs to 
• predict characteristics - if similar species have a specific characteristic its likely another species in the same group will
• find evolutionary links - evolved from a common ancestor

How are organisms classified?

Separating organisms into 3 different domains - archae, bacteria and eukarya, then the classification is used down the hierarchy to split the organisms up.

SPECIES - a group of organisms that are able to reproduce to produce fertile offspring.

Hybrids contain an odd number of chromosomes, meaning that meiosis and gamete production cannot take place correctly as all chromosomes must pair up, meaning they are infertile

Before classification organisms were named based on their characteristics eg…