Biology Classification System

Classification System



Sarah Jane M. Balana
Department of Biology, College of Science
Polytechnic University of the Philippines

,Taxonomy
 Branch of biology concerned with identification,
classification, and nomenclature of organisms.

- identification: the process of determining that a
particular organism belongs to a recognized taxon*
- classification: arrangement of organisms into groups or
taxa*
- nomenclature: concerned with the assignment of names
to taxonomic groups in agreement with published rules



*taxon (pl. taxa)-phylogenetic grouping of organisms

,Classification System
Classification is based on:
1. Phenotype – physical characteristics, appearance
2. Phylogeny – evolutionary history


Systems of Classification:
1. Artificial System
2. Natural System
3. Phylogenetic System

, Classification System
1. Artificial System

• System based on some limited number of
characters, e.g. classification of animals into
aquatic, terrestrial and aerial forms or classification
of plants into herbs, shrubs and trees.
• This method is useful in primary identification of
organisms.