Biological Taxonomy

Summary
This is an introductory lesson about biological taxonomy and its hierarchical classification.

Objectives
• to define and explain the purpose of a taxonomy;

• to identify the hierarchical classifications of biological taxonomy.

Suggested Grades
6th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade

Excerpt
Taxonomy is the practice and science of classification. In biological taxonomy, the classifications are:
? species, genus, family, order, class, phylum, kingdom, and domain.
The chart above shows the relationship of these classifications, and all living things fall into them. This is why ?Life? is listed at the bottom of the chart. Each category above life narrows the classification of living things, with domain being the broadest classification and species being the narrowest.

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