Biological classification: Difference between revisions

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'''Scientific classification''' is a means used by biologists to organize each of the organisms on the planet, based primarily on evolutionary similarity as determined by visual observation. This system was devised by [[Carolus Linnaeus]] (1707-1778).

The system works by placing each organism into a layered hierarchy of groups. Each group at a given layer is composed of a set of groups from the layer directly below. Therefore, in theory, one needs know only the lowest layer (species) of a particular organism in order to uniquely determine the other six layers. In practice, however, many species actually have the same species designation, so when specifiying a species, scientists use the bottom two layers - a system called [[binomial monosyphylisnomenclature]].

The standard groupings ([[taxa]]) of [[taxonomy]] from most general to most specific are: