Exercise 1 - Creating a Classification System
To classify objectively is to sort by one or more intrinsic
characteristics or properties possessed by all items
classified. Most classification systems begin by sorting items
into two groups, more specifically referred to as categories.
In this activity, after carefully cutting out the shapes in
Figure 1, sort the shapes into two kingdoms. Then subdivide the
members of each kingdom into smaller groups called phyla. Finally,
divide the members of each phylum into distinctive classes.
One or more shapes may end up in a category by themselves.
Every system of classification uses special names to avoid
ambiguity of terms and meanings. In Systema Naturae (1735)
and Genera Plantarum (1737), Carolus
Linnaeus, the founder
of the binomial system of nomenclature for plants and animals,
presented his classification system.
He used two Latin names to refer to each species. The first
name (always capitalized) comes from the genus of the species. The
second name (always lower case) is a unique name given for each
species of the genus. For example, Sciurus griseus is the
scientific name for the Grey Squirrel.
After giving a descriptive name to each kingdom, phylum and
class, give a binomial scientific name to each member in each
class. Don’t worry if you need fewer or more categories than
kingdom, phylum, class and species. Just organize the shapes in a
way that makes good sense to you.
Important Instructions
(for
this exercise only): Answer the first question before reading the
next question. Do not read a question until you are ready to
answer it and you have answered all the questions previously
asked.
Questions
1. What are the criteria for separating members of the two
kingdoms?
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