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Applying the Linnaean system to classification

Inheritance, variation and evolution • Classification of living organisms

Key concepts

What you'll likely be quizzed about

  • Taxonomic classification bestows a structure, arranging groups from broad to narrow: kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species.
  • Each lower rank includes organisms that share specific characteristics.
  • For instance, the genus Panthera encompasses big cats with close structural traits, while the species name identifies distinct species within that genus.

Flashcards

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What procedure applies when classifying an organism from a data table of features?

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Extract diagnostic traits, compare them with rank definitions, assign to the highest consistent rank, then refine to genus and species using specific characters or genetic data.

Key notes

Important points to keep in mind

Hierarchy: Kingdom → Phylum → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species.

Binomial names: Genus (capitalized), species (lowercase), italicized or underlined when handwritten.

Abbreviate genus after first full appearance, ensuring no confusion with other genera.

Species defined by the ability to interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Use shared diagnostic traits for grouping; more traits lead to narrower ranks.

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