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us published his classification system in the 1700s. Since then, many new species have been

discovered. The biochemistry of many organisms has also become known.
Eventually, scientists realized that Linnaeus’s system of classification needed revision or changing. A major
change to the Linnaean system was the addition of a new taxon called the _______________________ .
A DOMAIN is a taxon that is _______________________ and more inclusive than the kingdom. Most
biologists agree there are three domains of life on Earth: _______________________ ,
_______________________ , and _______________________ . Both Bacteria and Archaea consist of single-
celled _______________________ .
Eukarya consists of all _______________________ , from single-celled protists to humans. This domain
includes the _______________________ (animals), _______________________ (plants),
_______________________ (fungi), and _______________________ (protists) kingdoms.
QUICK CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING!
1) Why were revisions made to the Linnaean classification system?
2) What revisions did taxonomists make to the Linnaean classification system?
In summary, classification is an important step
in understanding life on Earth. All modern
classification systems have their roots in the
Linnaean classification system. The Linnaean
system is based on
_______________________ in obvious
_______________________ traits.
It consists of a hierarchy of taxa, from the
kingdom to the species. Each species is given
a unique two-word Latin name. The recently
added _______________________ is a larger
and more inclusive taxon than the kingdom.

1 answer

A major change to the Linnaean system was the addition of a new taxon called the DOMAIN. A DOMAIN is a taxon that is higher and more inclusive than the kingdom. Most biologists agree there are three domains of life on Earth: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. Both Bacteria and Archaea consist of single-celled organisms. Eukarya consists of all multicellular organisms, from single-celled protists to humans. This domain includes the Animalia (animals), Plantae (plants), Fungi (fungi), and Protista (protists) kingdoms.

QUICK CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING!

  1. Revisions were made to the Linnaean classification system to accommodate the discovery of many new species and to better reflect the relationships among organisms based on biochemical data and genetic information.
  2. Taxonomists added the domain as a new taxon above the kingdom level and reorganized organisms into three domains—Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya—based on genetic and biochemical similarities.

In summary, classification is an important step in understanding life on Earth. All modern classification systems have their roots in the Linnaean classification system. The Linnaean system is based on observable and physical traits. It consists of a hierarchy of taxa, from the kingdom to the species. Each species is given a unique two-word Latin name. The recently added domain is a larger and more inclusive taxon than the kingdom.