This definitions covers Key Definitions within Classification for GCSE Biology. Classification systems, taxonomy, and evolutionary relationships It is section 5 of 11 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
Topic position
Section 5 of 11
Practice
25 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
Key Definitions
Classification: The process of sorting living organisms into groups based on their shared characteristics, evolutionary relationships, and DNA similarities.
Kingdom: The broadest level of the Linnaean taxonomic hierarchy. The five traditional kingdoms are Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protoctista, and Prokaryotae.
Species: A group of organisms that share similar characteristics and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
Binomial naming system: The internationally agreed two-part Latin naming system for organisms, using Genus (capital letter) and species (lower case) — e.g., Homo sapiens. Names are italicised when typed and underlined when written by hand.
Carl Linnaeus: 18th century Swedish naturalist who developed the modern system of classification and the binomial naming system. Often called the "father of taxonomy."
Three-domain system: A classification system proposed by Carl Woese dividing all life into three domains: Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukaryota, based on differences in ribosomal RNA sequences.
Woese: Carl Woese (1928–2012) — American microbiologist who used ribosomal RNA analysis to show that Archaea are a distinct domain, fundamentally different from both bacteria and eukaryotes, leading to the three-domain system.
Taxonomy: The science of naming, describing, and classifying organisms, including all species of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.