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Classify Definition

To classify is to sort organisms into groups based on shared traits, aiding in understanding their relationships. For example, classifying animals into species based on characteristics.

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Classification of Living Things

LESSON MATERIALSmove

Fun Facts

  • Bacteria are classified in their own domain because they lack a nucleus.
  • Although a bat has wings, you wouldn't classify it as a bird because, in addition to wings, birds have feathers, beaks, and lay eggs.
  • As DNA analysis improves, the classification of an organism can and does change.

Why Do We Need To Know About Classify

Learning about classification helps us understand the different kinds of life and why it’s important to organize them. Scientists like botanists (plant experts) and zoologists (animal experts) use classification to figure out diseases and know how living things depend on each other. This helps us know and recognize the many types of organisms around us, from the deep sea to our gardens.

Also, knowing how to group life forms helps us find new ones, like a shark that glows in the dark, and see how many different kinds there are, like how most of the life forms we know are bugs. By looking at DNA, scientists can find how organisms are related, leading to new medical treatments and helping to protect animals and plants. Organizing life in this way helps us understand the world better and pushes science forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is taxonomy?
Taxonomy is the science of naming and classifying organisms into groups based on shared traits.
What are the eight levels of organization used for classifying all living things?
Domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species
What trait is used to classify bacteria as their own domain?
Bacteria are single-celled organisms without a nucleus. Other single-celled organisms with a nucleus are classified as eukaryotes.
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