Biological Classification: Linnaeus System

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The following paper outlines the use of the Linnaeus system of classification as applied in the field of biology and evolution. The aim of the paper is to highlight how living things are related to other in the ecosystem (Pierce, 2007). It takes us through the evolutionary system highlighting all the important features of life development amongst all the living things.

Biological classification

Classification is the process of categorizing all the living creatures into group hierarchies citing their characteristic features. Classification is based on the work of Carl Linnaeus. During the 18th century, Linnaeus devised a biological method of classifying living things (plants and animals) (Altran, 1990). This method has been universally used to understand the use of science in the natural development of living things.

Carolus Linnaeus was a Swedish medical doctor and a renowned botanist who lived between 1707 and 1778. He is referred to as the father of botanical classification. He developed the scientific method of classifying living things in the 18th century making it possible to integrate and understand their development in a more defined way (Altran, 1990).

According to Linnaeus, the main aim of classification is to explain the evolutionary process of living things and the way they are related to each other. Carl indicated that there are five botanical kingdoms (Pierce, 2007). The five kingdoms are further subdivided in to other diverse and exclusive groups. The following is the hierarchical sequence of classification: the kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and the species.

The Systematics or taxonomy is the art of classifying living things according to their similarity in characteristics. It is develop...

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...ssign names to mysterious species. Biological classification also provides people general form of communication when it comes to identifying species.

Works Cited

Altran, S. (1990).Cognitive foundations of natural history: towards an anthropology of science. England: Cambridge UP

Earnest, M. & Bock, W. (2002). Classifications and other ordering systems. Evol. Research 40 (4): 169–94.

Filepie.us. (2011). Biological Classification. Retrieved from http://www.filepie.us/?title=Biological_classification.

Pierce, B. (2007). Genetics: A conceptual Approach (3rd ed.). Washington DC. Freeman publishers

Rudwick, S. (1985). The Meaning of Fossils: Episodes in the History of Palaeontology. Chicago: Chicago UP.

Schuh, T. & Brower, A. (2009). Biological Systematics: principles and applications (2nd edn.) New York: Cornell UP

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