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305

25 Nov 2025

3 pages

Understanding Biological Classification

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AbigailTheFish

@fishythefish

Ever wondered how scientists organise the millions of different living... Show more

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# Biological Classification:

• The process of organising living
things is called Classification.
• Organisms are classified by their
struct

The Classification System: From Biggest to Smallest

Think of biological classification as a giant pyramid - at the top you've got massive groups containing millions of organisms, and as you work your way down, the groups get smaller and more specific. Scientists called taxonomists have created eight main levels to organise every living thing that's ever been discovered.

The biggest category is called a domain, and there are only three of them: Eukarya (things with proper cell nuclei like us), Bacteria, and Archaea. Below domains come kingdoms - six groups that include familiar names like Animalia (animals), Plantae (plants), and Fungi (mushrooms and moulds).

Each kingdom contains wildly different organisms. The Plantae kingdom includes all those oxygen-producing plants that keep us alive, whilst the Animalia kingdom covers everything from tiny insects to massive whales. Even bacteria get split up - Archaebacteria live in extreme places like hot springs, whilst Eubacteria are basically everywhere else!

Quick Tip: Remember the order with "Daft King Philip Came Over For Good Soup" - Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species!

# Biological Classification:

• The process of organising living
things is called Classification.
• Organisms are classified by their
struct

Breaking Down the Animal Kingdom

Once you get past kingdoms, things get really interesting with phyla (that's the plural of phylum). In the animal kingdom, there's a massive split that affects 100% of animals: you're either a vertebrate with a backbone, or an invertebrate without one.

Here's a mind-blowing fact - invertebrates make up 97% of all animal species! We're talking about insects, spiders, crabs, worms, and jellyfish. Meanwhile, vertebrates (fish, birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians) only account for 3% of animal species, but they get their own special phylum called Chordata.

All chordates share four key features at some point in their lives: pharyngeal slits (which sometimes become gills), a dorsal nerve cord running down their back, a supporting rod called a notochord, and a tail that extends past their bum. Humans actually have all of these when we're developing in the womb!

Did You Know? Even though vertebrates are only 3% of animal species, they're so important they get their own phylum - that's like giving a tiny group their own special club!

# Biological Classification:

• The process of organising living
things is called Classification.
• Organisms are classified by their
struct

Getting Specific: From Class to Species

The classification system keeps getting more precise as you move down the levels. Vertebrates are split into seven different classes - three types of fish (jawless, cartilaginous, and bony), plus amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Let's follow humans through the system to see how it works. We're mammals, so our order is Primates (along with apes, monkeys, and lemurs). Our family is Hominidae, and our genus is Homo whichcomesfromLatinmeaning"humanbeings"onlyhumansexistinthisgenusnowwhich comes from Latin meaning "human beings" - only humans exist in this genus now.

Finally, we reach species - the most specific level where organisms are so similar they can reproduce together. Modern humans are Homo sapiens. This two-name system genus+speciesgenus + species is how scientists identify every living thing precisely. There used to be other human species in the Homo genus, but we're the only ones left.

Remember: Species are groups of organisms that are similar enough to reproduce together - it's nature's way of saying "you belong together!"



We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

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App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Biology

305

25 Nov 2025

3 pages

Understanding Biological Classification

user profile picture

AbigailTheFish

@fishythefish

Ever wondered how scientists organise the millions of different living things on Earth? Biological classificationis like creating a massive filing system that groups organisms based on how similar they are and how closely they're related - it's absolutely essential... Show more

# Biological Classification:

• The process of organising living
things is called Classification.
• Organisms are classified by their
struct

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Classification System: From Biggest to Smallest

Think of biological classification as a giant pyramid - at the top you've got massive groups containing millions of organisms, and as you work your way down, the groups get smaller and more specific. Scientists called taxonomists have created eight main levels to organise every living thing that's ever been discovered.

The biggest category is called a domain, and there are only three of them: Eukarya (things with proper cell nuclei like us), Bacteria, and Archaea. Below domains come kingdoms - six groups that include familiar names like Animalia (animals), Plantae (plants), and Fungi (mushrooms and moulds).

Each kingdom contains wildly different organisms. The Plantae kingdom includes all those oxygen-producing plants that keep us alive, whilst the Animalia kingdom covers everything from tiny insects to massive whales. Even bacteria get split up - Archaebacteria live in extreme places like hot springs, whilst Eubacteria are basically everywhere else!

Quick Tip: Remember the order with "Daft King Philip Came Over For Good Soup" - Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species!

# Biological Classification:

• The process of organising living
things is called Classification.
• Organisms are classified by their
struct

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Breaking Down the Animal Kingdom

Once you get past kingdoms, things get really interesting with phyla (that's the plural of phylum). In the animal kingdom, there's a massive split that affects 100% of animals: you're either a vertebrate with a backbone, or an invertebrate without one.

Here's a mind-blowing fact - invertebrates make up 97% of all animal species! We're talking about insects, spiders, crabs, worms, and jellyfish. Meanwhile, vertebrates (fish, birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians) only account for 3% of animal species, but they get their own special phylum called Chordata.

All chordates share four key features at some point in their lives: pharyngeal slits (which sometimes become gills), a dorsal nerve cord running down their back, a supporting rod called a notochord, and a tail that extends past their bum. Humans actually have all of these when we're developing in the womb!

Did You Know? Even though vertebrates are only 3% of animal species, they're so important they get their own phylum - that's like giving a tiny group their own special club!

# Biological Classification:

• The process of organising living
things is called Classification.
• Organisms are classified by their
struct

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Getting Specific: From Class to Species

The classification system keeps getting more precise as you move down the levels. Vertebrates are split into seven different classes - three types of fish (jawless, cartilaginous, and bony), plus amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Let's follow humans through the system to see how it works. We're mammals, so our order is Primates (along with apes, monkeys, and lemurs). Our family is Hominidae, and our genus is Homo whichcomesfromLatinmeaning"humanbeings"onlyhumansexistinthisgenusnowwhich comes from Latin meaning "human beings" - only humans exist in this genus now.

Finally, we reach species - the most specific level where organisms are so similar they can reproduce together. Modern humans are Homo sapiens. This two-name system genus+speciesgenus + species is how scientists identify every living thing precisely. There used to be other human species in the Homo genus, but we're the only ones left.

Remember: Species are groups of organisms that are similar enough to reproduce together - it's nature's way of saying "you belong together!"

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user