Biological Classification

The natural world is teeming with an incredible diversity of life. To make sense of this vast array of organisms, scientists have developed systems of biological classification. This involves organizing living things into groups based on their shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships.

The Linnaean System

The cornerstone of modern biological classification is the system developed by the Swedish botanist, physician, and zoologist Carl Linnaeus (originally Carl von Linné) in the 18th century. His work, particularly his book Systema Naturae, laid the groundwork for how we name and categorize organisms today.

Key Contributions of Linnaeus

Evolution of the Taxonomic Hierarchy

Our understanding of evolutionary relationships has advanced significantly since the 18th century. Modern classification aims to reflect the phylogeny (evolutionary history) of organisms. This means that organisms are grouped together based on their shared ancestry.

As a result, the Linnaean hierarchy has been adapted and expanded. We now often use additional ranks like:


Written by Kasiban Parthipan