The science of classification is called Taxonomy.
Taxonomy is the branch of science that deals with the identification, naming, and classification of organisms. It provides a system for grouping organisms based on their shared characteristics, evolutionary history, and genetic relationships.
Key Aspects of Taxonomy:
1. Identification:
o The process of determining what organism belongs to which category based on its traits, behavior, or genetic makeup.
2. Nomenclature:
o The system of naming organisms. The most widely used system is the binomial nomenclature, where each species is given a two-part Latin name (genus and species).
3. Classification:
o Organisms are grouped into hierarchical categories, such as:
Kingdom → Phylum → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species.
o This system helps scientists to understand relationships between different organisms and trace their evolutionary history.
4. Phylogeny:
o Taxonomy also involves the study of phylogeny, which is the evolutionary history and relationships among species.
History of Taxonomy:
• The formal science of taxonomy was established by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century, who created the binomial nomenclature system for naming organisms.
The science of classification, which involves identifying, naming, and organizing organisms, is called Taxonomy.