Classification and Taxonomy
For centuries, the naming and classification of living organisms into groups has been an integral part of the study of nature. By understanding how animals are classified, we can organize our knowlege of organisms and draw insights into how animals relate to one another.
The Tangled Web of Spider Classification
Spider classification is a complicated business. Since 1900, taxonomists have reshuffled the spider order (Order Aranea) nearly 20 times. Today, there are approximately 34,000 recognized spider species which are sorted into 100 families.
Spider classification is a complicated business. Since 1900, taxonomists have reshuffled the spider order (Order Aranea) nearly 20 times. Today, there are approximately 34,000 recognized spider species which are sorted into 100 families.
Study Reveals Significant Diversity Among Giraffes
A research team studying the genetic diversity of giraffes has shown that there may be more than just one species of giraffe. The team, lead by David M. Brown from the University of California, Los Angeles, examined the mitochondrial DNA sequences obtained from wild giraffes from various populations throughout Africa.
A research team studying the genetic diversity of giraffes has shown that there may be more than just one species of giraffe. The team, lead by David M. Brown from the University of California, Los Angeles, examined the mitochondrial DNA sequences obtained from wild giraffes from various populations throughout Africa.
A History of High-Order Taxonomy
The history of taxonomy stretches back to the 4th century BC, to the times of Aristotle and before. Since the first classification systems emerged, dividing the world of life into various groups with various relationships, scientists have grappled with the task of keeping classification in sync with scientific evidence.
The history of taxonomy stretches back to the 4th century BC, to the times of Aristotle and before. Since the first classification systems emerged, dividing the world of life into various groups with various relationships, scientists have grappled with the task of keeping classification in sync with scientific evidence.
How Science Shapes Taxonomy
Biological classification is in a continual state of flux. As our knowledge of organisms expands, we gain a better understanding of the similarities and differences among various groups of organisms.
Biological classification is in a continual state of flux. As our knowledge of organisms expands, we gain a better understanding of the similarities and differences among various groups of organisms.
Terminology and Classification Systems
To best understand the science of classification, it will help to first examine a few basic terms.
To best understand the science of classification, it will help to first examine a few basic terms.
The History of Scientific Classification
For centuries, the naming and classification of living organisms into groups has been an integral part of the study of nature.
For centuries, the naming and classification of living organisms into groups has been an integral part of the study of nature.