Taxonomy &

Binomial Nomenclature
Introduction:
During our studies we have investigated what life is
and how it works. Through our studies of Mendels
genetics contributions, and Darwins observations,
we have come to understand the basis for
biodiversity. During our look at Darwin, we saw
that Darwin enjoyed spending time as a naturalist;
taking time to observe nature, sketch what he saw,
write about his observation and in some cases name
organisms not seen before. As time goes on, and
more naturalists add to the body of scientific
knowledge, Naturalist A in one area may call an
organism a cat. Naturalist B in a different area my
call the same animal a cow and Naturalist C may
call that creature a robin. This could be very
confusing to the scientific world with different
scientists calling the same organism different
names. As more and more organisms are discovered
and reported, organization also becomes an issue.
Do we put cats into general groups with dogs or
pine trees? Organizing living creatures is important
both scientifically, and to satisfy our need to
understand what we dont know. The
organization of life based on common
characteristics is called Taxonomy. The special
unique name that scientists give to living things is
called Binomial Nomenclature. Bi nomi al
Nomenclature is based on the organization of life
according to Taxonomical Hierarchy. In this
reading we will come to understand the order and
importance of Taxonomy and the correct way to
name any organism using Binomial Nomenclature.
Taxonomy:
Taxonomy is a method of organization that is based
on characteristics. Things with similar
characteristics are more closely organized and
things with less similar characteristics are less
closely related. (Cats and dogs are closer related
than cats and trees.)
The organization of life is based on seven levels:
1. Kingdom
2. Phylum
3. Class
4. Order
5. Family
6. Genus
7. Species.
This method of organization is starts with Kingdom
as the most general level of differentiation and
moves down to Species at the most specific level.
A simple way to remember these levels goes as follow:
1. Kingdom Kings King
2. Phylum Play Phil
3. Class Chess Came
4. Order On Over
5. Family Fridays From
6. Genus Generally Germany
7. Species. Speaking Slowly
Taxonomical Hierarchy for the Grey Wolf
Binomial Nomenclature: (Scientific Name)
The two-word naming system of organisms is called
Binomial Nomenclature. This is also called the
scientific name. Carl Linnaeus created this
system. This system uses the Genus and Species
names from the Taxonomical Hierarchy, which we
covered in the previous section. The proper way to
write these names is to capitalize the Genus and but
to not capitalize the species name. Both names
should be underlined, or typed in italics but not
both. A couple of correct examples are:
Homo sapiens --- Humans
Esox masquinongy-- The Muskie, a fish
Pinus strobus White Pine tree
An esox scourge production