• Taxonomy is the process by which species are identified, named and classified.
• Taxonomy enables records to be kept biodiversity and helps scientists understand more about different species.
• Phylogenetics looks are how organisms are related through evolutionary relatedness.
• The taxonomic classification system is divided into five kingdom:
  • Prokaryotae
  • Protoctista
  • Fungi
  • Plantae
  • Animalia
• A hierarchy can be split up into smaller groups, none of which overlap.
• A number of methods are used to define different species however it can be a difficult task.

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TEST IT!

1.

Birds all belong to the same order.
a. What other taxonomic group do they all belong to?
b. Birds are all members of Aves. This is another taxonomic group. Which group is it an example of?

2.

Phylogenetics is useful within taxonomy.
a. What is phylogenetics?
b. Name one disadvantage of phylogenetics
c. Give one example of why taxonomy is important.

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ANSWERS

1.
a. Answers include:

i. kingdom
ii. phylum
iii. class

b. Family

2.

Phylogenetics looks at how organisms are related through evolutionary relatedness.
It needs to use living organisms as fossil records contain little data so only estimates of early evolutionary events can be made.
Answers include:

i. scientists can understand more about a species by keeping such a record
ii. taxonomic nomenclature is universal so that information can easily be shared
iii. it’s vital for keeping a check on biodiversity