4. Levels of classification

4. Levels of classification

1. Developed in 18th century by Swedish biologist: Carolus Linnaeus

   • Developed a hierarchy which is a system of organization in which things are divided into levels according to their importance

2. Linnaeus proposed seven major taxa/ categories

   • Phylum divided into classes2)
   • 1) Kingdom divided into phyla
   • 6)Genus divided into species
   • 4) Order divided into families
   • 3)Class divided into orders
   • 5) Family divided into genera

3. Nested Hierarchy

   • When each level of classification from species upwards gets broader and includes more and more groups of related organisms

4. Linnaeus naming system called Binomial system (two-name system)