CLASSIFICATION OF LIVING THINGS - Topic 5 Biology Notes Form One
Importance of Classification
It helps us understand the characteristics of living organisms.
It provides supportive evidence for evolution, ie. To understand evolutionary relationship between different organisms.
When nomenclature system is used, biologists all over the world will know the organism in question.
Enables man to identify and name very many organisms.
Allows us to make assumptions or predictions, ie. it brings together living organisms with
similar characteristics but separates those with different features.
Helps us to arrange the information about living organisms in an orderly manner to avoid confusion.
Makes the study of living organisms very easy.
Provides an organised system in which newly identified similar organisms can be fitted in future.
Taxonomy
• Taxonomy is the scientific study of classification.
• Taxon (Taxa) is any named established group in the ranks of classification.
• Taxonomist is a biologist who studies classification.
• Systematics is the study of the diversity of organisms and their natural relationships.
Types of Classification
There are two systems of classification, ie:-
1. Artificial classification.
2. Natural classification.
CLASSIFICATION OF LIVING THINGS - Topic 5 Biology Notes Form One