Classification I: Principles and Taxonomy

Syllabus tag: KCSE | Biology | Form 1 | Topic 2 Classification I

Lesson objectives

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

• State the necessity and significance of classification.
• List the major taxonomic units in their correct order.
• Apply the rules of binomial nomenclature.
• Name the five kingdoms and state their distinguishing features.

Summary

Classification is the grouping of organisms according to their shared characteristics. It is necessary because millions of species exist and cannot be studied individually. Organisms are placed in a hierarchy running from Kingdom down to Species, each level containing fewer organisms that are more alike. Every species receives a two-word scientific name under strict rules.