Classification is the grouping of living
organisms according to similar structures and
functions
Aristotle grouped animals according to the way
they moved
Today’s system developed by Carolus Linnaeus
Organization of Biological Diversity:
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Domain (often not even used)
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
A taxonomic category that is based on
fundamental differences among organisms
Three main domains:
◦ Bacteria
◦ Archaea
◦ Eukarya
Taxonomic category made up of related phyla
Six kingdoms currently recognized for living
organisms
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Bacteria
Archaea
Protista
Plantae
Animalia
Fungi
Prokaryotes (lack nucleus)
Unicellular (one cell)
Heterotrophic (most)-eat other organisms for
energy
All bacteria are in the same domain and kingdom,
which is not true for a lot of organisms!
Examples: E. Coli, Streptococcus
Prokaryotes
Unicellular
Live in extreme environments
Ex: Sulfolobus acidocaldarius(grow in
volcanos), Methanogens (produce methane)
Eukaryotes (contain nuclei)
Multicellular (multiple cells making up
organism)
Four kingdoms in this domain
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Protista
Animalia
Fungi
Plantae
Mainly unicellular
Heterotrophic or Photosynthetic (use light as
energy)
Ex: Protozoa, slime molds
Heterotrophic
Contain a nervous system
Ex: Us!!, Fish, Bats, Snakes (lots of examples!)
Heterotrophic
Absorb nutrients
Contain cell walls of chitin (distinguishes
them from plants!)
Ex: mushrooms, truffles
“The latest auction was for two truffles weighing just
under 3 lbs total. $330,000 was paid for the fungal
delicacy.”
Photosynthetic
Cell walls made with cellulose
Ex: Trees, Mosses, Ferns
Now that we know how living organisms are
organized, let’s look at the differences in the
microscope!
While looking at the samples, I would like you
to note:
◦ Differences between organisms/cells in different
kingdoms
◦ Differences in organisms/cells in similar kingdoms
◦ Common features in plant slides
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