Back to: Botany 100 Level
Hello, my brilliant Afrilearn scholar! Have you ever wondered how scientists organise all the living things on Earth? Imagine walking through a busy market in Lagos—everything is arranged into sections: fruits, vegetables, meat, grains. This makes it easier to find what you need. Similarly, scientists use a system called taxonomic hierarchy to classify living organisms, from the broadest group to the most specific.
Today, we’ll be learning about the taxonomic hierarchy: from domain to species.
Taxonomic Hierarchy: Domain To Species
What is Taxonomy?
Taxonomy is the scientific system of classifying and naming living organisms. It helps scientists organise millions of species in a logical way so they can study them easily. The modern system of taxonomy was developed by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century.
In taxonomy, living things are grouped based on their similarities and evolutionary relationships. This classification follows a structured order known as the taxonomic hierarchy.
The Taxonomic Hierarchy: From Domain to Species
The taxonomic hierarchy has eight major levels, arranged from the most general to the most specific:
1️⃣ Domain – The broadest category, dividing all life forms into three large groups.
2️⃣ Kingdom – A major classification based on basic characteristics of organisms.
3️⃣ Phylum – Groups organisms with similar body structures.
4️⃣ Class – A more specific level within a phylum.
5️⃣ Order – Groups organisms with even more similarities.
6️⃣ Family – Contains closely related organisms within an order.
7️⃣ Genus – A group of very similar species.
8️⃣ Species – The most specific level; organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring.
An easy way to remember this order is: “Dear King Philip Came Over For Good Soup.”
Explanation of Each Level with an Example (Mango Tree – Mangifera indica)
✅ 1. Domain – The three domains are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
The mango tree belongs to Eukarya because it has complex cells with a nucleus.
✅ 2. Kingdom – The five major kingdoms are Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.
The mango tree belongs to Kingdom Plantae because it is a plant.
✅ 3. Phylum – The plant kingdom is divided into phylum (also called divisions in plants).
The mango tree belongs to Phylum Angiosperms because it produces flowers and seeds inside fruits.
✅ 4. Class – A further division within the phylum.
The mango tree belongs to Class Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons), as it has two seed leaves.
✅ 5. Order – Groups plants with similar characteristics.
Mango trees belong to Order Sapindales, which includes citrus and cashew trees.
✅ 6. Family – A more specific classification.
The mango tree is part of the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes cashews.
✅ 7. Genus – A group of species that are closely related.
The mango tree is in the Mangifera genus.
✅ 8. Species – The most specific level; members of a species can reproduce together.
The mango tree is scientifically called Mangifera indica.
Importance of the Taxonomic Hierarchy
Taxonomy is important because:
✅ It helps scientists organise and name organisms clearly.
✅ It shows evolutionary relationships between different species.
✅ It makes it easier to study and identify new species.
✅ It helps in conservation efforts by tracking endangered species.
Summary of Key Points
Taxonomy is the scientific classification of organisms.
The taxonomic hierarchy has eight levels: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species.
An easy way to remember the order: “Dear King Philip Came Over For Good Soup.”
Example: The mango tree (Mangifera indica) belongs to:
Domain: Eukarya
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Sapindales
Family: Anacardiaceae
Genus: Mangifera
Species: Mangifera indica
Evaluation Questions
- What is the purpose of taxonomy?
- List the eight taxonomic levels in order from broadest to most specific.
- Which taxonomic level comes before species?
- To which kingdom do mango trees belong?
- Why is the species level important in classification?
Fantastic job!Keep learning with Afrilearn, and I’ll see you in the next lesson!
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