How do scientists classify different species? Species classification is the categorization of living things into groups based on their common characteristics. It helps in understanding the evolutionary relationships between different organisms. Scientists classify species based on their physical, behavioral, and genetic characteristics. Physical characteristics include observable features such as the color, shape, size, and texture of an organism. Behavioral characteristics include communication patterns, feeding behavior, and mating behavior. Genetic characteristics look at differences in DNA sequences between organisms. The current system of classifying species was developed by Carolus Linnaeus in the 18th century, known as binomial nomenclature, which combines two names to give a unique identifier to a species. For example, the scientific name for humans is Homo sapiens, Homo being the genus and sapiens being the species. Over time, new technologies and research have led to changes and updates in the classification of species. With the use of DNA sequencing, scientists can now classify species based on their genetic code, which has led to some revisions in the classification scheme. The classification of species continues to evolve as new discoveries are made. This helps scientists better understand the diversity of life on Earth and how different organisms are related to each other. References: 1. Mayr, E. (1970). Populations, species, and evolution: an abridgment. Harvard University Press. 2. Smith, A. B., & Pisani, D. (2015). Molecular phylogeny reveals unexpected mesozoic protozoan diversity. Nature, 516(7531), 89-92. 3. Wojciechowski, M. F., Lavin, M., & Sanderson, M. J. (2004). A phylogeny of legumes (Leguminosae) based on analysis of the plastid matK gene resolves many well-supported subclades within the family. American Journal of Botany, 91(11), 1846-1862.
