Basis of Classification

  1. Animal Classification is based on structural and functional similarities.
  2. Organisms are classified based on morphology, anatomy, embryology, and genetic relationships.
  3. Two main types: Invertebrates (without backbone) and Vertebrates (with backbone).
  4. Key characteristics include body symmetry, germ layers, coelom, and segmentation.
  5. Classification follows the hierarchical system from Kingdom to Species.

Levels of Classification

1. Kingdom

  1. Highest taxonomic rank.
  2. Animals belong to Kingdom Animalia.
  3. Divided into various phyla based on characteristics.

2. Phylum

  1. Groups organisms based on fundamental body structure.
  2. Examples: Porifera, Cnidaria, Arthropoda, Mollusca, Chordata.
  3. Chordata includes all vertebrates (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals).

3. Class

  1. Phyla are further divided into classes.
  2. Example: Phylum Chordata includes Class Mammalia, Reptilia, Aves, Amphibia.

4. Order

  1. Orders group related families based on common traits.
  2. Example: Primates (includes monkeys, apes, humans).

5. Family

  1. Related genera are placed in a family.
  2. Example: Family Felidae includes cats, lions, and tigers.

6. Genus

  1. Groups closely related species.
  2. Example: Homo (includes Homo sapiens - humans).

7. Species

  1. Smallest unit of classification.
  2. Organisms within a species can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
  3. Example: Homo sapiens (modern humans).

Additional Key Points

  1. Binomial Nomenclature is used to name species (Genus + species).
  2. Classification helps in understanding evolution and biodiversity.
  3. Taxonomy was developed by Carl Linnaeus.
  4. Aristotle was one of the earliest naturalists to classify organisms.
  5. Animals are categorized based on presence of notochord (Chordates vs. Non-Chordates).
  6. Chordates have a dorsal nerve cord, notochord, and post-anal tail.
  7. Example of Non-Chordates: Sponges, Jellyfish, Insects, Mollusks.
  8. Example of Chordates: Fishes, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, Mammals.
  9. Vertebrates are classified into five major classes: Pisces, Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves, Mammalia.
  10. Cold-blooded (ectothermic) animals: Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles.
  11. Warm-blooded (endothermic) animals: Birds, Mammals.
  12. Mammals have hair, mammary glands, and give birth to live young.
  13. Reptiles are covered with scales and lay eggs.
  14. Birds (Aves) have feathers, hollow bones, and lay eggs.
  15. Evolutionary relationships are studied using phylogenetics.
  16. Fossils provide evidence of evolutionary classification.
  17. DNA sequencing is a modern tool for classification.
  18. Indian biodiversity includes Project Tiger, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves to conserve species.
  19. Endangered species include Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, and Indian rhinoceros.

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