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Identifying, Naming, and Classifying Species

Identifying, Naming, and Classifying Species. Taxonomy. the branch of biology that identifies, names, and classifies species (alive and extinct). Callicebus caquetensis, a species of titi monkey, was discovered in the Colombian Amazon. (AP, 2010). How do we identify and name a species?.

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Identifying, Naming, and Classifying Species

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  1. Identifying, Naming, and Classifying Species

  2. Taxonomy • the branch of biology that identifies, names, and classifies species (alive and extinct) Callicebus caquetensis, a species of titi monkey, was discovered in the Colombian Amazon. (AP, 2010)

  3. How do we identify and name a species? • Species: a group of organisms that can interbreed in nature and produce fertile offspring • This is the most recognized def’n of a species • Does this definition fit all organisms? Callicebuscaquetensis, a species of titi monkey, was discovered in the Colombian Amazon. (AP, 2010)

  4. Species Concepts • No one def’n fits everything, so we identify species based on three different species concepts (or definitions for a species) • Biological species concept • Morphological species concept focuses on morphology – compares body shape, size, and other structural features • Morphology = branch of biology that deals with structure or form of organisms

  5. Species Concepts 3. Phylogenetic species concept examines the phylogeny, or evolutionary history, of organisms Phylogeny = the evolutionary history of a species - need to obtain genetic material from specimens and use DNA sequencing techniques - this is a powerful tool, but not always practical or possible to obtain a sample

  6. The ‘father’ of taxonomy • Carl Linnaeus (1707 – 1778) – a Swedish naturalist and botanist • Developed the first consistent classification system • Established a latin naming system which gave each species a unique two part name

  7. Binomial Nomenclature(two part naming system) • The first name is the genus name • Genus = taxonomic level consisting of a group of closely related species • Genus is Capitalized and in italics • The second name is the species name (specific name) • Species name identifies the particular species • Species is lower case and in italics • E.g. Homo sapiens

  8. Binomial Nomenclature Ursus americanus Ursus maritimus Phascolarctos cinereus

  9. Classification in Biology Biological classification = the systematic grouping of organisms into categories on the basis of defined criteria e.g. Grouping of organisms into trophic levels

  10. Linneaus’ Classification System • Based on a hierarchical classification that has seven main levels or taxa • Kingdom • Phylum • Class • Order • Family • Genus • Species general specific

  11. Taxon (taxa plural) = a named group of organisms such as phylum Chordata or order Rodentia • Rank = a level in a classification scheme, such as phylum or order

  12. A Closer Look at the Kingdoms • one of the disputes among taxonomists involve the number of Kingdoms • In this course we will use the six Kingdom system: • Bacteria • Archaebacteria • Protista • Fungi • Plants • Animals

  13. Dichotomous Keys • a series of branching “either / or” choices designed to classify specimens

  14. A sample Dichotomous Key

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