| A | B |
|---|
| classification | arrangement of organisms into groups based on similarities |
| kingdom | the largest and most general group |
| phylum | a group of related classes |
| class | a group of related orders |
| order | a group of related families |
| family | a group of related genera |
| genus | a group of related species |
| species | the most specific of the seven levels of classification; characterized by a group of organisms that can mate with one another to produce fertile offspring |
| taxonomy | the scientific study of how living things are classified |
| binomial nomenclature | a classification system where each organism is given a two-part name |
| dichotomous key | a series of paired statements used to identify organisms based on physical characteristics |
| Aristotle | developed first classification system; three groups; fly, swim, or walk |
| Linnaeus | developed the classification system that uses two-part names |
| field guide | a book of facts and physical characteristics of living things used for identification |
