Biodiversity represents the immense variety of living organisms interacting on Earth. To study, organise, and discuss this vast diversity globally, scientists use taxonomy—the biological branch dedicated to classification, identification, and naming.
A step-down ranking from Domain to Species, with the correct printed and handwritten binomial nomenclature styles.
Printed: Alcedo atthis
Handwritten: Alcedo atthis
Genus name is capitalised; species name is lowercase. Printed names are italicised; handwritten names are underlined separately.
Taxonomy is a field in biology involving the classification, identification, and naming of organisms in an organised manner. All organisms must be scientifically classified based on defining features systematically to facilitate international studies and discussions among scientists. Carolus Linnaeus is known as the "father of taxonomy" who created a classification and naming system still in use today.
1. Classification: Categorising organisms based on physical features in a taxonomic hierarchy system.
2. Identification: Identifying organisms using dichotomous keys.
3. Naming: Naming organisms using a binomial nomenclature system.
Carl Woese (1990) classified organisms into six kingdoms based on:
• Types of cells (prokaryote vs eukaryote)
• Number of cells (unicellular vs multicellular)
• Types of nutrition (autotroph vs heterotroph)
The Linnaean hierarchy classifies organisms from the broadest to the most specific level:
Domain → Kingdom → Phylum → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species
Moving downward, the number of organisms decreases and the genetic link becomes closer. Moving upward, the number of organisms increases.
1. Each name has two words: genus name and species name.
2. Genus name is capitalised; species name is lowercase.
3. Printed names are italicised (Alcedo atthis).
4. Handwritten names are underlined separately (Alcedo atthis).
A tool used to identify organisms based on observable similarities and differences. It is constructed using a series of couplets of contrasting statements. Features must be obvious and observable; overlapping traits must be avoided.
• Textual sequential list (couplet format)
• Branching diagram (spider dichotomous key)
Answer in your mind, then press "Check Answer".
What is the main structural difference between the cell walls of Archaebacteria and Eubacteria?
Arrange the taxonomic hierarchy in descending order from the highest rank to the lowest rank.
If a student writes the scientific name of the paddy plant by hand as "Oryza sativa" with one continuous underline, is it correct? Explain why.
Archaebacteria and Eubacteria belong to the same kingdom because both are prokaryotes.
Although both are unicellular prokaryotes, molecular studies revealed significant RNA and cell wall differences (Archaebacteria lack peptidoglycan; Eubacteria contain peptidoglycan), leading them to be separated into two distinct kingdoms.
Fungi are non-flowering plants because they are rooted in the ground and have cell walls.
Fungi are heterotrophic organisms with cell walls made of chitin and have no chlorophyll, meaning they cannot undergo photosynthesis like plants.
An organism's scientific name can just be its species name alone.
A scientific name is binomial, meaning it must always consist of two words: the genus name followed by the species name.
Objective: test your understanding of the six kingdoms, binomial nomenclature, and taxonomic hierarchy.
1 An unknown unicellular prokaryote is discovered flourishing in an acidic hot spring at 70 °C. Laboratory testing shows that its cell wall lacks peptidoglycan. In which kingdom should this organism be classified?
2 Which of the following shows the correct way to write the scientific name of the common sunflower in print?
3 In the taxonomy hierarchy, the smallest classification rank consisting of organisms capable of interbreeding to produce viable fertile offspring is called the .
4 The cell walls of true bacteria belonging to kingdom Eubacteria are made up of a polymer of sugars and amino acids called .
Drag each kingdom to its correct description. On a phone, tap a choice first, then tap the matching box. Tap the Answer Choices area to return a selected item.
Write the correct kingdom next to each description.
Answer choices: Archaebacteria • Eubacteria • Protista • Fungi
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