Taxonomy

🧬Biological Classification System

Level Term Detailed Description Example (Human)
1 Domain The broadest level of classification. Organisms are classified by basic cell type and genetic difference. There are three domains: Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya. Eukarya - organisms with complex, membrane-bounded cells(like 🐕animals, 🍀plants, 🍄fungi and protists).
2 Kingdom A major category under domain. Organisms are grouped by general characteristics such as how they get energy, cell structure, and reproduction. Animalia - multicellular organisms that consume organic material, and can usually move.
3 Phylum Groups organisms with the same basic body structure or body plans, such as symmetry, presence of backbone, or segmented bodies. Chordata - animals that have, at some stage, a notochord(like a backbone).
4 Class It classify organisms based on more specific traits like reproduction way, internal anatomy and development. Mammalia - animals that have hair/fur and produce 🍼milk to feed their young.
5 Order Group together families with similar characteristics or evolutionary traits. Often based on limb structures, diet, and behavior. Primates - animals with grasping hands, forward-facing eyes, and large brains(monkeys, apes, humans).
6 Family Group related with genera (plural of genus) together. Members share more recent common ancestors and often resemble each other closely. Hominidae - great apes, including humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans.
7 Genus A group of species that are very similar and closely related. The genus is the first part of a scientific name. Homo - includes modern humans and closely related extinct species.
8 Species The most specific level. A species is a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. This is second part of a scientific name. Homo sapiens - modern humans.