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Introduction to Phylogeny definitions

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  • Systematics
    A scientific discipline focused on grouping and classifying organisms to reveal their relationships.
  • Taxonomy
    A subfield dedicated to the systematic naming and grouping of organisms using established rules.
  • Linnaean Hierarchy
    A nested classification system with multiple levels, developed in the 1700s and still widely used.
  • Taxon
    Any group at any rank in the classification system, such as class, family, or genus.
  • Domain
    The highest rank in biological classification, encompassing the broadest groups like Eukaryota, Bacteria, and Archaea.
  • Kingdom
    A major taxonomic category below domain, grouping large sets of related organisms.
  • Phylum
    A classification level below kingdom, grouping organisms based on major structural similarities.
  • Class
    A taxonomic rank below phylum, grouping organisms that share key characteristics, such as Mammalia.
  • Order
    A rank below class, organizing families with shared traits, like Carnivora for carnivorous mammals.
  • Family
    A taxonomic group below order, containing related genera, such as Felidae for all cats.
  • Genus
    A group of closely related species, always capitalized in scientific names, e.g., Panthera.
  • Species
    The most specific classification, identifying individual organisms capable of interbreeding.
  • Binomial Nomenclature
    A two-word Latin naming system using genus and species, always italicized in print.
  • Phylogenetics
    A field studying evolutionary relationships and origins among groups of organisms.
  • Phylogenetic Tree
    A diagram depicting evolutionary relationships, showing shared ancestry among organisms.