Major Units of Classification (Taxonomic Groups)

18/11/2020

Taxonomic Groups

Taxonomy is the study of the characteristics of organisms for the purpose of classifying them.
The groups are Taxa (singular Taxon).

The taxonomic groups include:

Species:
This is the smallest unit of classification. Organisms of the same species resemble each other. The number of chromosomes in their cells is the same. Members of a species interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
Genus (plural genera):
A genus is made up of a number of species that share several characteristics. Members of a genus cannot interbreed and if they do, the offspring are infertile.
Family:
A family is made up of a number of genera that share several characteristics.
Order:
A number of families with common characteristics make an order.
Class:
Orders that share a number of characteristics make up a class.
Phylum/Division:
A number of classes with similar characteristics make up a phylum (plural phyla) in animals. In plants this is called a division.
Kingdom:
This is made up of several phyla (in animals) or divisions (in plants). It is the largest taxonomic unit in classification.

18/11/2020

Classification is putting organisms into groups.
Classification is based on the study of external characteristics of organisms.
It involves detailed observation of structure and functions of organisms.
Organisms with similar characteristics are put in one group.
Differences in structure are used to distinguish one group from another.
The magnifying lens is an instrument that assists in the observation of fine structure e.g. hairs by enlarging them.

18/11/2020

Review the use of magnifying lens
External features of plants and animals
Necessity and significance of classification
Major units of classification: (naming)
1. Kingdoms
  1. Monera
  2. protoctista
  3. fungi
  4. plantae
  5. animalia (At least one example of each)
2. For kingdom plantae and animalia, cover phylum/division, class, order, family, genus and species. Show relationship between the taxonomic units (Give at least one example of each taxon)
Discussion on Binomial nomenclature
Practical activities
Use of collecting nets, cutting instruments and hand lens.
1. Collection and detailed observation of:
  1. small animals e.g. insects
  2. plants - rhizoids, root systems (taproot, fibrous and adventitious), stems and leaves

18/11/2020

By the end of the topic, the learner should be able to:

use the magnifying lens to observe the external features of plants and animals
record observations of the main external characteristics of living organisms, preserved specimens and photographs
state the necessity and significance of classification
name the major units of classification
state the application of Binomial nomenclature in naming organisms.