Life's Ledger SlidesLIFE'S LEDGER The Science of Biological Classification Defining Taxonomy "The science of naming, defining, and classifying groups of biological organisms on the basis of shared characteristics." Organizes millions of species into a logical system. Shows evolutionary relationships between organisms. The Three Domains Bacteria Single-celled prokaryotes. Common in almost every environment on Earth. Archaea Single-celled prokaryotes. Often found in extreme environments (hot springs, salt lakes). Eukarya Organisms with complex cells (nucleus and organelles). Includes plants, animals, fungi. The Six Kingdoms 🦠 Eubacteria True bacteria 🌋 Archaebacteria Ancient bacteria 🔬 Protista Complex, mostly single cells 🍄 Fungi Absorbing nutrients 🌿 Plantae Photosynthesis (multicellular) 🦁 Animalia Ingesting food (multicellular) Levels of Classification 1 Domain Broadest 2 Kingdom 3 Phylum 4 Class 5 Order 6 Family 7 Genus 8 Species Specific Memory Trick How can we remember the order? D Dear K King P Philip C Came O Over F For G Good S Soup Can you invent your own mnemonic device? The Name Game Binomial Nomenclature Developed by Carolus Linnaeus. Every species has a two-part scientific name (Latin). Genus species Example: Homo sapiens Rule 1: Always italicize (or underline when writing). Rule 2: Capitalize the Genus, lowercase the species. Rule 3: Names are universal across all languages!
Taxonomy Trail WorksheetTaxonomy Trail Charting the Diversity of Life Name: Date: Part 1: The Hierarchy of Life Complete the classification ladder below. List the levels from the broadest at the top to the most specific at the bottom. 1 Domain (Broadest) 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Species (Specific) Part 2: Kingdom Match-Up Description A. Multicellular, eukaryotic, autotrophs (photosynthesis). B. Mostly unicellular eukaryotes; very diverse group. C. Multicellular, eukaryotic, heterotrophs (ingest food). D. Multicellular, eukaryotic, decomposers (absorb nutrients). E. Unicellular prokaryotes found in extreme environments. Kingdom Animalia Archaebacteria Fungi Plantae Protista Part 3: The Name Game Identify which of the following scientific names is written correctly according to the rules of binomial nomenclature. panthera Leo Panthera leo Panthera Leo Panthera leo Write the scientific name for a Grizzly Bear. Its Genus is Ursus and its species is arctos. Part 4: Classification Detective Two organisms belong to the same Class but different Orders. Which of the following levels must they also share? Circle all that apply. Kingdom Phylum Family Genus Species Explain why organisms that share a Genus are more closely related than organisms that only share a Phylum. Part 5: The Mystery Organism Domain: Eukarya Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Felidae Genus: Panthera Species: tigris Identify this animal: Clue: This large orange cat with black stripes is the largest feline species in the world.
Bio-Blueprint Project GuideBio-Blueprint Project Designing a New Branch on the Tree of Life Project Type Creative Design The Mission Deep in a previously unexplored rainforest, scientists have discovered a unique organism that has never been documented. Your team has been hired as the lead taxonomists to name, describe, and classify this new discovery. Step 1: The Creature Profile Common Name Habitat Diet / Energy Source Sketch a quick thumbnail of your organism here. Step 2: Formal Classification Place your organism within the known hierarchy. You may use existing groups for higher levels, but you must create a new Genus and Species name. Taxonomic LevelClassification NameTrait justifying this groupDomainKingdomPhylumClassScientific Name(Genus species) Step 3: The Discovery Poster Create a visual representation of your species. Your final poster or digital slide must include: Detailed, color illustration Correct scientific name Anatomical labels (3-5) Full classification list
Taxonomy Trail Answer KeyAnswer Key Taxonomy Trail Worksheet Teacher Resource Part 1: The Hierarchy of Life Domain Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species Part 2: Kingdom Match-Up Animalia: C Archaebacteria: E Fungi: D Plantae: A Protista: B Part 3: The Name Game Correct Name: Panthera leo (Must be italicized, Genus capitalized, species lowercase). Grizzly Bear: Ursus arctos Part 4: Classification Detective Shared Levels: Kingdom, Phylum Explanation: Organisms in the same Genus share more specific physical traits and a more recent common ancestor. As you move down the hierarchy, the groups become smaller and the organisms within them are more similar to one another. Part 5: Mystery Organism Identity: Tiger (or Bengal Tiger / Siberian Tiger)
