Why are living organism classified?
Why not? We classify everything else.
http://www.softschools.com/science/biology/classification_of_living_things/
Living organisms are classified into different groups based on their characteristics and evolutionary relationships. Classification helps scientists organize and categorize the vast diversity of life on Earth, making it easier to study and understand the natural world. Various methods are used for classification, but the most widely accepted system is based on a hierarchical classification system called taxonomy.
To classify organisms, scientists look at their shared characteristics, such as their physical features, genetic traits, and behaviors. They group organisms with similar characteristics together, creating categories or taxa. The basic unit of classification is the species, which consists of individuals that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
To determine the classification of an organism, scientists follow a step-by-step process:
1. Start with the broadest category, the domain, which divides organisms into three main groups: Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. This classification is based on cellular structure and biochemistry.
2. Divide each domain into kingdoms. For example, the domain Eukarya is divided into four kingdoms: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, and Protista. These divisions are based on the organism's cell type, mode of nutrition, and other characteristics.
3. Further divide each kingdom into phyla (for animals) or divisions (for plants and fungi). Phyla and divisions group organisms with similar body plans or structures.
4. Divide each phylum or division into classes, which group organisms with similar characteristics and structures.
5. Divide each class into orders, which further categorize organisms based on shared traits and variations.
6. Divide each order into families, which group organisms with even more specific similarities.
7. Divide each family into genera, which represent groups of closely related species.
8. Finally, divide each genus into species, which is the most specific level of classification. Species are identified based on distinct characteristics and the ability to interbreed.
It's important to note that the classification of organisms is not a fixed system and is often revised as new scientific discoveries are made. DNA analysis and genetic studies have greatly helped in refining and updating the classification system, as they provide additional insights into the evolutionary relationships between organisms.