Classification is the method of arranging organisms into groups based on their characteristics. Grouping of living organisms based on their common features is known as biological classification. This chapter covers the dichotomous key, the hierarchy of categories, the classification of animals and plants, the Five Kingdom Classification of R.H. Whittaker and Binomial Nomenclature.
1. What Is Classification?
- Living organisms are so large in number that they need to be classified into smaller groups. Classification is made on the basis of their characteristics, similarities and differences.
- The chapter estimates about 8.7 million species of living organisms. Many scientists believe that only a small portion of the total species existing on earth has been identified.
- Scientists have discovered and classified more than 2 million organisms, ranging from tiny bacteria to the largest blue whales.
- To know the behaviour and relationship among known organisms, biologists classified them into two broad groups: plants and animals.