Taxonomy

S7L1. Students will investigate the diversity of living organisms and how they can be compared scientifically. a. Demonstrate the process for the development of a dichotomous key. b. Classify organisms based on physical characteristics using a dichotomous key of the six kingdom system (archaebacteria, eubacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals).

Taxonomy is the classification of organisms (living things). In science, organisms are usually divided into 2 Superkingdoms, Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes. Eukaryotes are further divided into 7 levels of classification. These levels in order of generality are:

Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species

There are several mnemonic devices for remembering these levels. We used Suzy Kissed Paul Cause Of Fred's Girlfriend's Sister. Many people also use King Phillip Came Over From Greece Speedily.

Organisms are often classified using a dichotomous key.

The maximum number of population of a certain species that the enviroment can handle is called its Carrying Capacity

At the begining of the school year we studied Food Webs. Food webs are used to clasify living food.