Introduction to Taxonomy

Taxonomy is the classification of organisms in an ordered system that indicates natural relationships.

Carolus Linnaeus was a Swedish botanist whom founded the taxonomic system used in Zoology. His system has evolved over time. The Linnaean system designates five such classifications: flora, fauna, fungi, prokaryotes, and protoctists. Depending on the person studying and reviewing the taxonomy of Phyla in Zoology, these trees may differ, especially with regards to ongoing research in many interdisciplinary fields of study.

Title page of Systema Naturae, 10th edition, 1758.

• Definitions:
  • Kingdom The highest taxonomic classification into which organisms are grouped.
  • Phylum A primary division of the animal kingdom ranking above a class
  • Class A primary taxonomic category of organisms ranking below a phylum and ranking above an order
  • Order A primary taxonomic category of organisms ranking below a class and above a family
  • Family A primary taxonomic category of organisms ranking below an order and above a genus
  • Genus A primary taxonomic category of organisms ranking below an order and above a genus. It is comprised of species displaying similar characteristics. In taxonomic nomenclature, the genus is used, either alone or followed by a Latin adjective or epithet, to form the species name.
  • Species A primary taxonomic category of organisms, ranking below a genus and comprised of related organisms capable of interbreeding. In writing, organisms in this category are represented in binomial nomenclature by an uncapitalized Latin adjective or noun following a capitalized genus name, as seen in Anolis carolinensis. The genus is often shorthanded, as found in A. carolinensis.