Linnaeus's system of classification.?

Question

-description?

-why is so much of it still in use?

Answer 1

he is mainly known for firstly coming up with the idea of binomial nomenclature....that is knowing a species using its generic and specific name.

eg Homo sapiens or H.sapiens

As pointed out there was the rest of the classification system to go with it, but it was the main use of the specific name.

It was also made so that there was only ONE name per species ( as prior you could use common names as well as scientific names ( which for the former varied for the same plant or could have the same common name for many plants eg pine, )...

The reason why we still use this system is that it works! THere are still a few problems with the classification system in general but the binomial nomenclature works!

Answer 2

depends on homologous and analogous structures.

it's still in use because it works and makes sense and they haven't wanted/needed to improve or change it much.

Answer 3

Description:

Linnaean taxonomy is a system of classification that divides all living things into hierarchical groups based on their characteristics. (i.e Living things are divided into groups, the groups are then divided into smaller groups and so on until every living thing has a distinct name due to their distinct characteristics.)

The Linnaean taxonomy hierarchy from top to bottom:

1. domain

2. kingdom

3. phylum

4. class

5. order

6. family

7. genus

8. species

9. subspecies (occasionally used)

Why is so much of it still in use?

The system has been continuously refined over the years with different groups being added when a new discovery is made.

Linnaean taxonomy is still in use because the hierarchical  system is very efficient in presenting information.

For example, the Linnaean classification of humans gives much information about our characteristics:

Domain: Eukaryota

We are eukaryotes, which means we belong to organisms that are composed of more than one cell. (unlike prokaryotes)

Family: Animalia

We are animals (as opposed to plants and fungi eukaryotes), which means we have practically all animal features.

Phylum: Chordata

We are vertebrates, which means we have a spine. (Unlike jellyfish and such)

Class: Mammalia

We have mammalian features, which included being warm blooded, giving live births and feeding on milk.

Order: Primates

We have primate features, five fingers, non-specific teeth, binocular vision etc.

Family: Hominidae

Hominid features: no tail, omnivorous diet, nails instead of claws etc.

Genus: Homo

We are the only modern species of the genus homo. Features include bipedalism. Other living things may have several species within the same genus.

Species: Homo sapiens

The unique name given to our species with all the features of the above hierarchy.

Subspecies: Homo sapiens sapiens

Some classify modern humans as this subspecies due to differing classifications of other (extinct) species of the genus homo.

Due to efficient manner the information of living organisms is presented, the Linnaean taxonomy will continue to be used. (Until something better and more efficient comes along).