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Why are the classification systems changing every now and then?


Millions of plants, animals, and microorganisms are found on earth, many of which are still unclassified. Scientists keep on discovering new species  around the world. Some of these cannot be placed in the traditional classification system.  Therefore, to classify these newly discovered species, with new characters, new systems of classification have to be devised every now and then. 

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Illustrate the taxonomical hierarchy with suitable examples of a plant and an

animal. 
Why are living organisms classified? 
What different criteria would you choose to classify people that you meet often?
What do we learn from identification of individuals and populations? 

Given below is the scientific name of Mango. Identify the correctly written name.

Mangifera Indica

Mangifera indica 
Define a taxon. Give some examples of taxa at different hierarchical levels.
Can you identify the correct sequence of taxonomical categories? 

(a) Speciesbold rightwards arrow Orderbold rightwards arrow Phylumbold rightwards arrowKingdom
(b) Genus bold rightwards arrow Speciesbold rightwards arrow Orderbold rightwards arrowKingdom
(c) Speciesbold rightwards arrow Genusbold rightwards arrow Orderbold rightwards arrow Phylum 

Try to collect all the currently accepted meanings for the word ‘species’. Discuss

with your teacher the meaning of species in case of higher plants and animals on one hand, and bacteria on the other hand. 

How is a key helpful in the identification and classification of an organism?
Define and understand the following terms: 


(i) Phylum 

Define and understand the following terms: 

(ii) Class 

Define and understand the following terms: 

(iii) Family 

Define and understand the following terms: 

(iv) Order 

Define and understand the following terms: 

(v) Genus 



Nomenclature is governed by certain universal rules. Which one of the following is contrary to the rules of nomenclature?

Which one of the following is not correct statement?

Which one of the following organelle in the figure correctly matches with its function?



Which one of the following organisms is scientifically correctly named, correctly printed according to the International Rules of Nomenclature and correctly described?

ICBN stands for

Select the mismatch :