Bees Alive! is migrating - this is the new page...

The Classification of Living Things

If taxonomy is a new term for you, very briefly and simply, it is the science of classification - naming or identifying things. There are a set of rules and a structure for putting things in their right place. When a new, unidentified thing comes along, the taxonomy gives it a home based on the rules. If the new thing doesn't easily fit into the existing, accepted classification system, taxonomists and scientists get excited. Suddenly, new competing structures emerge, and seldom is there agreement...

Anyhow, let's look at an example of a modern taxonomy - the classification of living things - to illustrate.

Main Ranks of the Classification of Living Things

There are several versions of classifications of living things - the one I'll demonstrate here uses seven major groupings or ranks that are based on the work of Linnaeus and are centred on the physical characteristics of organisms. Several of the ranks also have sub-groupings associated with them as you'll see in my honey bee example. Working down the system, each rank differentiates one group of organisms from another, until you can no longer divide a group in a physically meaningful way. A general chart with category description appears below, followed by the example. I also present a currently-accepted six-kingdom system as a lead-in to Kingdom, Plantae, and how pollination works.

	This rank differentiates animals from plants, fungi, bacteria, and the other kingdoms based on a genetic comparison at the molecular level.
	Often called 'Division' in botany. Members of phyla can be related in two different ways: genetically and morphologically. This division centres on general body plan to differentiate between organism groups. Considered here are evolutionary development of the body scheme and shape.
	Differentiating between classes will vary depending on the sub-phyla involved. In some cases, differences will be seen with regard to skeleton, how the organism adapts, and how it reproduces. Despite seeming subjectivity, with common organisms, there tends to be a high degree of agreement among taxonomists.
	Another rank where taxonomists may differ on how to define the differentiating physical characteristics for certain orders. Differentiation will depend on the sub-class involved. See the honeybee example.
	Another rank where taxonomists may differ on how to define the differentiating physical characteristics for certain families. Differentiation will depend on the sub-order involved. See the honeybee example.
	Another rank where taxonomists may differ on how to define the differentiating physical characteristics for certain genera. Differentiation will depend on the sub-family involved. Scientific names for organisms will consist of the (capitalized) Genus followed by (small case) species. See the Apis mellifera (honeybee) example below for organism classification.
	The species rank describes groups of organisms that can produce fertile offspring. Different species may be able to breed, but the fertility of the offspring is what differentiates them.

The Classification System and the Honey Bee

Okay, the honey bee example! Note the presence of sub-groupings that have developed in the classification of living things as the sophistication of observation has developed over time.

	Animalia: Bees are not plants, algae, fungi, etc... They have multiple cells, they can move, their cells have nuclei and other structures unique to Animalia, and they cannot synthesize their own food.
	Arthropod:Bees have no backbone or, but they have an external skeleton, jointed limbs, body segments and cuticle.
	Insecta (Class): Bees have a chitinous exoskeleton, three pairs of legs, three body segments, compound eyes, and one pair of antennae Pterygota (sub-class): They are winged or historically winged insects. Neoptera (infra-class): The wings can be flexed over their abdomens.
	Endopterygota (super-order): Bees have distinctive larval, pupal, and adult stages. Hymenoptera (order): They have two pairs of heavy-membraned wings, hind "hooked" to fore. Females have an 'ovipositor' for depositing eggs. Learn more about Hymenoptera here. Apocrita (sub-order): There is a narrowing between the first two segments of the abdomen.
	Apidae (family): Bees! Apinae (sub-family): Males gather together at night on single plants. Oils, instead of pollen, are harvested from flowers for larvae. Apini (tribe): Honey Bees!
	Apis: The only genus of Apini still in existence.
	There are only seven species of honeybee, with several sub-species. Keep in mind there are 20,000 species of bee, give or take...

---

Return to Bees Alive! home from Classification of Living Things: A Primer

Return to Biological Classification System from Classification of Living Things: A Primer