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Species Definition

A species is the most specific level in classification, grouping similar individuals that can reproduce. For example, all humans are part of the same species.

View Lesson on Classification of Living Things
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Classification of Living Things

LESSON MATERIALSmove

Fun Facts

  • Every species is given a unique two-word name.
  • The species is the narrowest category of classification.
  • Your DNA is 99.9% the same as every other member of the human species.

Why Do We Need To Know About Species

Learning about how we group species helps us see how all living things are connected and why it’s important to identify them correctly. Doctors use this knowledge to care for patients. For example, looking at the DNA of different living things helps us understand how they are related and how to tell them apart. This is very important for studying genetics and how molecules in living things work.

Knowing about different species is very important for studying how living things interact in their environments. It helps scientists find new species, understand how they relate to each other, and figure out how to protect our environment. By grouping living things, scientists can notice patterns and help keep our ecosystems safe. This skill is useful not just for school but also for protecting our planet.

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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